Luke 2 28

Luke 2:28 kjv

Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,

Luke 2:28 nkjv

he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said:

Luke 2:28 niv

Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

Luke 2:28 esv

he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,

Luke 2:28 nlt

Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying,

Luke 2 verses

Luke 2 28 Meaning

Luke 2:28 describes the climactic moment of Simeon’s long wait, where he physically received the infant Jesus into his arms. This act was immediately followed by a profound act of worship, as he "blessed God," acknowledging the faithfulness of the Almighty in fulfilling His ancient promises concerning the Messiah. This verse serves as the introduction to Simeon's prophetic utterance, the "Nunc Dimittis," confirming Jesus as the promised Savior, "a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel."

Luke 2 28 Context

Luke 2:28 is part of the larger narrative detailing Jesus' birth and early life, specifically His presentation in the Temple in Jerusalem. According to Jewish law (Exod 13:2, Lev 12:6-8), the firstborn male child was consecrated to the Lord, and the mother was to present offerings for purification forty days after childbirth. Mary and Joseph adhered to these customs. Within the Temple, two remarkable figures, Simeon and Anna, represent the righteous remnant of Israel who were eagerly awaiting the Messiah's arrival, referred to as the "consolation of Israel" or "redemption in Jerusalem." Simeon, in particular, was a righteous, devout man upon whom the Holy Spirit rested, having received a divine promise that he would not die until he had seen the Lord's Christ. His entry into the Temple at that precise moment was guided by the Spirit, leading him to the infant Jesus. Thus, verse 28 marks the personal encounter of deep faith and patient expectation with the divine reality of the long-awaited Savior. Historically, this scene unfolds against the backdrop of Second Temple Judaism, characterized by diverse messianic expectations, fervent devotion among some, and increasing Roman oppression. The meeting highlights God's faithfulness to His covenant people amidst challenging times.

Luke 2 28 Word analysis

• Then: Greek kai (καὶ). A simple conjunction indicating sequence. It marks the immediate, subsequent action after Simeon saw Mary and Joseph bringing in Jesus, following divine guidance.
• took he him up: Greek anedeixato (ἀνεδέξατο). This verb implies a reception, an embracing. It is more than just "taking" but signifies taking unto himself or receiving into one's arms with deliberate intent and welcome. It suggests a personal and intimate embrace, rather than merely holding an object. It is a profound, active acceptance of the child, whom he knew to be the Christ.
• in his arms: Greek eis tas agkalas autou (εἰς τὰς ἀγκάλας αὐτοῦ). This phrase reinforces the tenderness and personal nature of the embrace. Arms are a universal symbol of care, protection, and intimacy. For an elderly man to embrace an infant so readily signifies profound reverence and spiritual recognition. It concretizes the fulfillment of Simeon's personal revelation.
• and blessed: Greek kai eulogēsen (καὶ εὐλόγησεν). This is the act of eulogeo, which means to speak well of, to praise, to extol. It is a verb of worship and adoration, directed from man to God. Simeon was not simply thankful, but he was exalting God for His character, His power, and especially His faithfulness in delivering on His promise.
• God: Greek ton Theon (τὸν Θεόν). The definite article points to the one true God, the God of Israel, the covenant-keeping God. Simeon’s blessing is directed to the source of all salvation and the author of the prophetic promise.
• and said: Greek kai eipen (καὶ εἶπεν). A common conjunction linking an action to the subsequent utterance. This introduces Simeon's divinely inspired prophetic speech, the Nunc Dimittis, where he articulates the significance of the child he holds.

Words-group analysis:

• "Then took he him up in his arms": This entire phrase conveys Simeon's deeply personal, reverent, and immediate act of recognition and reception. It highlights a physical manifestation of a spiritual embrace of the divine promise now made flesh. This act is the climax of his decades of waiting, embodying patience finally meeting divine presence. It is a posture of faith receiving its object.
• "and blessed God, and said": This sequence reveals that Simeon's profound joy and understanding led directly to worship and then to proclamation. His blessing God is an overflowing of praise from a heart overwhelmed by God's faithfulness. The subsequent "said" introduces a Spirit-filled declaration, demonstrating that his praise was not silent but vocalized, embodying the Spirit's prophecy concerning the Messiah's universal salvation and distinct roles.

Luke 2 28 Bonus section

• Symbolic Embrace: Simeon’s embracing of Jesus can be seen as representing the spiritual longing and eventual acceptance of Christ by the righteous remnant of Israel. His arms become a vessel through which God's faithfulness is visibly enacted.
• Foreshadowing "Lifted Up": Though an infant in his arms, the act of "taking up" Jesus, might subtly foreshadow Jesus being "lifted up" later—both on the cross and into glory.
• Simeon as Archetype: Simeon embodies the ideal believer who patiently waits for and discerns God’s active work in the world. His encounter is a model of discerning divine presence amidst the mundane.
• Liturgical Significance: Simeon's response following this verse, the "Nunc Dimittis" (Lk 2:29-32), has become a vital canticle in Christian liturgy for centuries, particularly in evening prayers, serving as a powerful declaration of peace and fulfilled hope upon seeing the Lord's salvation.
• Purity Laws Fulfilled: The Temple visit adheres to the Levitical laws (Lev 12) concerning purification and consecration of the firstborn, showcasing Jesus' connection to the Law while paradoxically fulfilling and transcending it.

Luke 2 28 Commentary

Luke 2:28 captures the profound culmination of patient faith in Simeon's life. Having faithfully waited for the "consolation of Israel," guided by the Holy Spirit, Simeon's act of taking Jesus "into his arms" is highly symbolic. It signifies the embracing of God's redemptive promise, not abstractly, but tangibly in the person of the Messiah. This physical embrace represents the spiritual truth of recognizing and receiving Jesus as the Lord's Christ. Simeon’s immediate response of "blessed God" underscores that true understanding of God's work always leads to worship and gratitude for His unwavering faithfulness. This blessing is an expression of deep contentment and praise, marking the completion of his life’s quest. The subsequent declaration ("and said") transitions Simeon's personal revelation into a public prophecy, illuminating Jesus' identity and destiny for both Israel and the Gentile world, serving as a beacon of fulfilled promise and future salvation.