en_obs-tn/content/22/02.md

The angel

This refers to the angel that came to Zechariah in 22:01.

You will name him John.

This is a command. The angel is telling Zechariah exactly what he must name John.

fill him with the Holy Spirit

This could mean ‘give him wisdom and power through the Holy Spirit.’

My wife and I are too old to have children!

This sentence emphasizes that Zechariah and Elizabeth were far too old to have children by natural means. That would require God to work a miracle. (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations)

How can I know you are telling me the truth?

Here, know means to learn by experience, suggesting Zechariah was asking for a sign as proof. Alternate translation: “What can you do to prove to me that this will happen?” (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit)