John was conceived and born as a child of promise, a special gift. Every child who is born into this world is a gift of God and the fruit of God's blessing which accompanied the command to multiply and fill the earth [Gen 1:28]. The fact that John was a gift of God is emphasized in his name, which is explained as "God is gracious." It is quite related to the name Jonathan, meaning "God's gift."

Elizabeth and Zechariah are also symbolic names. Although there is some uncertainty, "Elizabeth" probably means "God has made a promise." Zechariah means "God has remembered." In combination, then, these two names are an expression of faith in God's fidelity: "God has remembered the oath which he swore", "God has remembered the promise which he made."

Luke almost certainly did not speak Hebrew, yet he most probably understood the significance of these names and intended readers to understand the revelation contained in their combination. Throughout the Bible, God makes many promises out of love for us. While human beings easily forget, God is one who remembers his covenant and love and promises.