# Yes, and you

Zechariah uses this phrase to begin his direct address to his son. You may have a similar way to direct speech in your language.

# you, child, will be called a prophet

People will realize that he is a prophet. This can be stated in active form. AT: "people will know that you are a prophet" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

# of the Most High

"who serves the Most High." This refers to God. AT: "who speaks for God Most High."

# go before the face of the Lord

This idiom means "go ahead of the Lord" or "come before the Lord" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

# to prepare his paths

This is a metaphor that means that John will prepare the people to listen to and believe the Lord's message. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

# to give knowledge of salvation ... by the forgiveness of their sins

The phrase "give knowledge" is a metaphor for teaching. The abstract nouns "salvation" and "forgiveness" can be expressed with the verbs "save" and "forgive." AT: "to teach his people salvation through the forgiveness of their sins" or "to teach his people how God saves people by forgiving their sins" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

# translationWords

* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]]
* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/mosthigh]]
* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lordgod]]
* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/know]]
* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/salvation]]
* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/forgive]]
* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]]