# Connecting Statement:

While Zechariah does his duty in the temple, an angel comes from God to give him a message.

# Now

This word marks the beginning of the action in the story.

# appeared to him

"suddenly came to him" or "was suddenly there with Zechariah." This expresses that the angel was present with Zechariah, and not simply a vision.

# Zechariah ... was terrified ... fear fell on him

These two phrases mean the same thing, and emphasize how afraid Zechariah was.

# When Zechariah saw him

"When Zechariah saw the angel." Zechariah was afraid because the appearance of the angel was frightening. He had not done anything wrong, so he was not afraid that the angel would punish him.

# fear fell on him

Fear is described as if it was something that attacked or overpowered Zechariah. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

# Do not be afraid

"Stop being afraid of me" or "You do not need to be afraid of me"

# your prayer has been heard

This can be stated in active form. It is implied that God will give Zechariah what he has asked for. AT: "God has heard your prayer and will give you what you have asked for" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

# bear you a son

"have a son for you" or "give birth to your son"

# translationWords

* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/angel]]
* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/altarofincense]]
* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/fear]]
* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/names/johnthebaptist]]