Why was Zechariah punished for his question about John's birth, but Mary was not punished for asking the same type of question?

Both Zechariah and Mary asked "how" questions when told of miraculous births. The difference lies in the posture behind the question. Zechariah's question ("How shall I know this? I am an old man") is framed as doubt and a demand for proof in the face of Gabriel, an angel from God's presence speaking in the temple. The angel identifies himself explicitly, making disbelief especially culpable. Mary's question ("How will this be, since I am a virgin?") is a question of comprehension, not skepticism — she believes, she just doesn't understand the mechanism. Gabriel then explains the Holy Spirit will overshadow her, and Mary responds with immediate submission: "I am the servant of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word." The heart posture behind a question matters as much as its words.