Luke 2:25 - Printer Friendly

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.

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).

The early part of this chapter is famously read at Christmas, while celebrating the birth of Jesus. Luke gives a relatively brief description of how Mary came to give birth in a stable, laying Jesus in a feeding trough. Nearby shepherds are informed of the news by multiple angels. Two people speak in praise of God at Jesus' circumcision. Years later, Joseph and Mary lose track of Jesus on the way back from Jerusalem, only to find Him astounding teachers in the temple with His wisdom.

Luke began his well-organized account by explaining the conceptions of Jesus Christ and John the Baptist, in chapter 1. In chapter 2, he briefly summarizes Jesus' birth and the arrival of shepherds directed by angels. Prophecies and prayers celebrate His dedication at the temple. After briefly losing track of a twelve-year-old Jesus in the temple, Jesus' parents take Him home to Nazareth. There, He grows up relatively normally. Chapter 3 leaps forward many years to the beginning of John the Baptist's preaching. This is followed by Jesus' genealogy. Chapter 4 relates Jesus' temptations by Satan and the start of His public ministry.

Luke was a traveling companion of Paul (Acts 16:10) and a physician (Colossians 4:14). Unlike Matthew, Mark, and John, Luke writes his gospel as an historian, rather than as a first-hand eyewitness. His extensive writings also include the book of Acts (Acts 1:1–3). These are deliberately organized, carefully researched accounts of those events. The gospel of Luke focuses on the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. Luke's Gentile perspective presents Christ as a Savior for all people, offering both forgiveness and direction to those who follow Him.