Simeon’s Prophetic Praise

25 There was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout,(A) looking forward to Israel’s consolation,(B) and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit(C) that he would not see death before he saw the Lord’s Messiah.(D) 27 Guided by the Spirit, he entered the temple. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform for him what was customary under the law, 28 Simeon took him up in his arms, praised God, and said,

29 Now, Master,
you can dismiss your servant in peace,
as you promised.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation.(E)
31 You have prepared it
in the presence of all peoples—
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles[a](F)
and glory to your people Israel.(G)

33 His father and mother[b] were amazed at what was being said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and told his mother Mary, “Indeed, this child is destined to cause the fall and rise of many in Israel(H) and to be a sign that will be opposed[c] 35 and a sword will pierce your own soul—that the thoughts[d] of many hearts may be revealed.”

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Footnotes

  1. 2:32 Or the nations
  2. 2:33 Other mss read But Joseph and his mother
  3. 2:34 Or spoken against
  4. 2:35 Or schemes

25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him.(A) 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.[a](B) 27 Guided by the Spirit, Simeon[b] came into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what was customary under the law,(C) 28 Simeon[c] took him in his arms and praised God, saying,

29 “Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace,
    according to your word,(D)
30 for my eyes have seen your salvation,(E)
31     which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
32 a light for revelation to the gentiles
    and for glory to your people Israel.”(F)

33 And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be opposed(G) 35 so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul, too.”

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Footnotes

  1. 2.26 Or the Lord’s Christ
  2. 2.27 Gk In the Spirit, he
  3. 2.28 Gk he