Zacharias See also Elisabeth; John the Baptist In the New Testament, the father of John the Baptist. Zacharias held the office of priest and officiated in the temple. Zacharias was slain between the temple and the altar, Matt. 23:35 (Luke 11:51). The angel Gabriel promised Zacharias and his wife, Elisabeth, a son, Luke 1:5–25 (D&C 27:7). His tongue was loosed, Luke 1:59–79.