Luke 2 25

Luke 2:25 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.

Luke 2:25 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.

Luke 2:25 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.

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.

Luke 2:25 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

Luke 2 verses

Luke 2 25 Meaning

Luke 2:25 introduces Simeon, a righteous and devout man living in Jerusalem, deeply committed to God and eagerly anticipating the fulfillment of Israel's Messianic hopes for divine comfort and restoration. His spiritual distinction is emphasized by the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit upon him, indicating a prophetic anointing. This verse establishes Simeon as a key figure in the narrative of Christ's early life, chosen by God to bear witness to the Messiah's arrival.

Luke 2 25 Context

Luke chapter 2 details the significant events surrounding the birth of Jesus and His early childhood. The immediate context of verse 25 is the period shortly after Jesus' birth, specifically His dedication at the temple in Jerusalem in accordance with Mosaic Law (Leviticus 12). While many came to the temple for ritual, Simeon represents a select few in Jerusalem who possessed true spiritual insight and a profound longing for God's promised redemption. The historical and cultural setting is Judea under Roman rule, a time when many Jewish people yearned for deliverance from foreign domination, often expecting a political or military Messiah. However, Simeon's anticipation of "the consolation of Israel" (παρακλησις τοῦ Ἰσραήλ, paraklēsis tou Israēl) carries a deeper, spiritual connotation, aligning with the prophetic emphasis on divine comfort, forgiveness, and renewal for God's people, rather than solely military conquest. This focus implicitly critiques a purely worldly messianic expectation, highlighting a true spiritual discernment.

Luke 2 25 Word analysis

• And, behold, (Καὶ ἰδοὺ, Kai idou): A Greek emphatic particle. It draws immediate attention to the remarkable event or person about to be introduced. It signifies something noteworthy and often divine revelation.
• there was a man in Jerusalem, (ἄνθρωπος ἦν ἐν Ἰερουσαλὴμ, anthrōpos ēn en Ierousalēm): Specifies his dwelling. Jerusalem, as the religious capital and locus of Jewish worship, highlights the significance of this individual being present where God's promises were often expected to unfold. His presence in the spiritual center of Israel implies his connection to Israel's religious life.
• whose name was Simeon; (ᾧ ὄνομα Συμεών, hō onoma Symeōn): His name, "Simeon," is of Hebrew origin (Shim'on, שמעון), meaning "he has heard" or "one who hears." This name symbolically resonates with his character, as he was a man attuned to hearing God's voice and promises, patiently awaiting their fulfillment.
• and the same man was just (καὶ ὁ ἄνθρωπος οὗτος δίκαιος, kai ho anthrōpos houtos dikaios): dikaios means "righteous" or "upright." It implies moral integrity and conformity to God's revealed will (the Torah), not just outwardly, but inwardly, in his relationship with God. This aligns with other biblical figures known for their righteousness (e.g., Noah, Job, Zechariah and Elizabeth).
• and devout, (καὶ εὐλαβὴς, kai eulabēs): eulabēs means "devout," "pious," "reverent," "cautious," or "circumspect." It suggests not just outward obedience but also a deep inner awe and reverence for God, careful to avoid anything displeasing to Him. This goes beyond mere ritualistic observance, indicating sincere piety and a holy fear of the Lord.
• waiting for the consolation of Israel: (προσδεχόμενος παράκλησιν τοῦ Ἰσραήλ, prosdechomenos paraklēsin tou Israēl):
  • prosdechomenos (participle from prosdechomai): Means "to receive," "to welcome," but here specifically "to await," "to expect eagerly." It implies a patient yet persistent and hopeful anticipation.
  • paraklēsis (from parakaléō): A rich Greek word meaning "comfort," "exhortation," "encouragement," and "consolation." In this context, "the consolation of Israel" is a Messianic hope, referring to the spiritual and perhaps national restoration and relief from suffering that the Messiah was expected to bring (e.g., Isa 40:1). It signifies the comfort and salvation God would bring to His people. This vision contrasts with more purely political messianic expectations prevalent at the time, indicating a deeper, spiritual longing.
• and the Holy Ghost was upon him. (καὶ Πνεῦμα Ἅγιον ἦν ἐπ’ αὐτόν, kai Pneuma Hagion ēn ep’ auton): This phrase highlights divine anointing.
  • Pneuma Hagion (Holy Spirit): Refers to the Third Person of the Trinity.
  • ēn ep’ auton (was upon him): Denotes a special empowering and guidance from God, similar to how the Spirit rested on Old Testament prophets (e.g., Num 11:25-26; Isa 61:1). It indicates Simeon was not just naturally spiritual but divinely gifted and directed, setting him apart and preparing him for a unique encounter.

Luke 2 25 Bonus section

Simeon’s character offers a significant counter-narrative to the prevailing religious and political sentiments of his day. Unlike some who focused on outward ritualism or a militaristic deliverer, Simeon's deep reverence (eulabēs) points to an inward spiritual reality. His readiness was a direct result of being "upon whom the Holy Spirit was," indicating an immediate divine inspiration rarely seen outside the prophetic office in post-exilic Judaism. He stands as a symbol of the "true Israel" or "Israel of God," those who genuinely awaited the Lord's coming in spiritual humility rather than worldly power. His unique calling serves to validate the divine nature of Jesus' advent through a witness confirmed by God Himself.

Luke 2 25 Commentary

Luke 2:25 presents Simeon as a living embodiment of the righteous remnant of Israel who truly understood and anticipated God's unfolding plan of redemption. His character, marked by being "just and devout," signifies a deep-seated spiritual maturity rooted in faithful adherence to God's law and a reverent posture before Him. His eager expectation for "the consolation of Israel" reveals a profound comprehension of Messianic prophecy, going beyond a purely political deliverance to a spiritual renewal and comfort. The culminating declaration that "the Holy Ghost was upon him" serves as a divine affirmation of his authenticity and readiness. This divine presence was not merely a passive state but an active guiding force, preparing Simeon to recognize the infant Messiah, ensuring that Jesus' initial temple presentation was witnessed and confirmed by a prophet specially chosen and empowered by God. Simeon's life demonstrates that genuine piety coupled with prophetic expectation, guided by the Spirit, enables one to perceive God's truth, even when it appears in humble and unexpected forms.