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The Prophecy of Simeon

25 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 26 and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, 28 Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying,

29 “Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace,
    as you have promised.
30 I have seen your salvation,
31     which you have prepared for all people.
32 He is a light to reveal God to the nations,
    and he is the glory of your people Israel!”

33 Jesus’ parents were amazed at what was being said about him. 34 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. 35 As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.”

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25 Now a man named Simeon was in Jerusalem. This man was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the one who would comfort Israel,[a] and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die[b] until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.[c]

27 Led[d] by the Spirit, he went into the Temple. When the parents brought the child Jesus to do for him what was customary under the Law, 28 Simeon[e] took the infant[f] in his arms and praised God, saying,

29 “Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace
    according to your promise,
30 because my eyes have seen your salvation,
31 which you prepared for all people to see—
32 a light that will reveal salvation[g] to unbelievers[h]
    and bring glory to your people Israel.”

33 Jesus’[i] father and mother kept wondering at the things being said about him. 34 Then Simeon[j] blessed them and told Mary, his mother, “This infant is destined to cause many in Israel to fall and rise. Also, he will be a sign that will be opposed. 35 Indeed, a sword will pierce your own soul, too, so that the inner thoughts of many people might be revealed.”

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Footnotes

  1. Luke 2:25 Lit. for the comfort of Israel
  2. Luke 2:26 Lit. see death
  3. Luke 2:26 Or Christ
  4. Luke 2:27 The Gk. lacks Led
  5. Luke 2:28 Lit. he
  6. Luke 2:28 Lit. him
  7. Luke 2:32 Lit. a light for revelation
  8. Luke 2:32 Lit. gentiles; i.e. unbelieving non-Jews
  9. Luke 2:33 Lit. His
  10. Luke 2:34 Lit. he