And it happened on the eighth day [i.e., since the baby was born] that they came to circumcise the child [i.e., to perform the Jewish rite of identity, signifying the responsibility to observe the law of Moses]. And they [i.e., probably the neighbors and/or relatives of Elizabeth and Zacharias] suggested that they name him Zacharias, after his father.

but the angel said to Zacharias, don't be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard: and your wife Elizabeth shall bear you a son, whom you shall name John:

That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.

There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth.

And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.

And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.

And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple.

And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.

And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying,

Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.

From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation.

Now it happened that when Zacharias' turn came in his division,

Then Zacharias asked for a writing tablet and wrote [the words] "His name is John." And they were all amazed.