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Luke 2:25
ESV Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
NIV Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him.
NASB And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
CSB There was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking forward to Israel’s consolation, and the Holy Spirit was on him.
NLT At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him
KJV And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
NKJV And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.

What does Luke 2:25 mean?

The man mentioned here carries the same name as one of Israel's tribal ancestors (Genesis 29:33). This passage is the only place in Scripture where he is mentioned; we know nothing else about his life. While it's assumed he is old, nothing in the text says so. The Bible doesn't describe him as a prophet or priest. However, this passage commends him as a deeply faithful man. The Greek text calls him dikaios, meaning "just, righteous, or virtuous." He is also associated with the word eulabēs, meaning "pious or reverent." Simeon is devoted to God, which includes expectation that God will fulfill His promises.

Old Testament prophets predicted an "Anointed One," using the term Mashiyach, from which we get the English word "Messiah." This was presented in Greek as Christos, from which we derive the English title "Christ." This Promised One was to deliver Israel from her enemies and establish a reign of peace and security (Isaiah 9:6–7; Jeremiah 23:5). The same prophets referred to this coming as a comfort or "consolation" for Israel (Isaiah 40:1; 57:18). The exact timing of these events is not made clear in the Old Testament—however, the impending arrival of the Savior was. Men like Simeon were hopefully and faithfully waiting for this figure to appear.

Prior to Pentecost (Acts 2:1–3), the Holy Spirit came and went from God's servants according to need. The Bible doesn't say exactly how the Holy Spirit manifested in Simeon's life, but this passage gives two examples. First is a divine promise that Simeon would live long enough to see the Messiah (Luke 2:26). When Joseph and Mary bring the infant Jesus to the temple for purification rites (Luke 2:22–24), his longing is fulfilled.

The other example of the Holy Spirit's influence on Simeon is the prophecy which he delivers after meeting Jesus (Luke 2:29–35).
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