Luke 2:34 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed

NIV: Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: 'This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against,

NASB: And Simeon blessed them and said to His mother Mary, 'Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and as a sign to be opposed—

CSB: Then Simeon blessed them and told his mother Mary, "Indeed, this child is destined to cause the fall and rise of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be opposed--

NLT: Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, 'This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, and many others to rise. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him.

KJV: And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;

NKJV: Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem (Luke 2:4–7), His family followed all the requirements of Mosaic law. This included circumcision (Luke 2:21) and rites for ceremonial purification (Luke 2:22–24). While in the temple in Jerusalem for purification, Mary and Joseph encounter Simeon, a man driven by the Holy Spirit (Luke 2:25–27). He celebrates God's fulfillment of prophecy while holding the infant Jesus (Luke 2:28–32). This speech amazed Mary and Joseph (Luke 2:33).

Not all of Simeon's prophecy is positive, however. Here, he notes that Jesus' ministry will create a sharp division in the world (Matthew 10:34–38). This follows Old Testament predictions that even some among Israel would "stumble" over the Messiah (Isaiah 8:14). This division between those who accept Christ and those who reject Him will become a recurring theme in both Jesus' preaching (John 9:39) and the ministry of the early church (1 Corinthians 1:23; 1 Peter 2:8).

Another dire aspect of Simeon's prophecy is given in the next verse: Mary will suffer intense emotional pain as part of her role in Jesus' life (Luke 2:35).

Luke 2:22–38 contains several interesting events. The infant Jesus is brought to the temple for purification and dedication, as commanded in Mosaic law. There, a devout man speaks through the Holy Spirit to celebrate the arrival of Messiah. Luke also mentions a prophetess named Anna, who likewise praises God for fulfilling His promises.

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.