Luke 2 34

Luke 2:34 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;

Luke 2:34 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

Luke 2:34 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,

Luke 2:34 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

Luke 2:34 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.

Luke 2 verses

Luke 2 34 Meaning

Simeon's prophecy to Mary reveals that Jesus' coming is destined to cause profound division and internal revelation within Israel. He will be the touchstone by which many will experience either spiritual downfall and judgment, or spiritual upliftment and salvation. Moreover, Jesus himself will serve as a definitive sign that provokes widespread opposition and controversy, forcing a choice and revealing the true thoughts and intentions of people's hearts.

Luke 2 34 Context

Luke 2:34 is part of Simeon's prophecy given during Jesus' presentation at the Temple, forty days after His birth. Following a period of fervent prayer and waiting for the "consolation of Israel" and "redemption in Jerusalem" (Lk 2:25, 38), Simeon is led by the Holy Spirit to the Temple where he encounters the infant Jesus. Having held Jesus in his arms and offered a prayer of thanksgiving (the Nunc Dimittis, Lk 2:29-32), he then blesses Mary and Joseph. This specific verse marks a transition in his prophecy, shifting from a blessing and general messianic proclamation to a direct and somewhat ominous word specifically addressed to Mary about the controversial nature and divisive impact of her Son's mission. The historical context is first-century Jewish society, heavily awaiting a Messiah who would liberate Israel from Roman oppression. Simeon's prophecy immediately sets Jesus apart from common expectations, hinting at a spiritual struggle rather than merely political triumph.

Luke 2 34 Word analysis

• And Simeon: Introduces the speaker of the prophecy. Simeon was a righteous and devout man in Jerusalem, promised by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before seeing the Messiah (Lk 2:25-26). His authority as a prophet speaking under the guidance of the Spirit lends immense weight to his words.
• blessed them: Refers to Joseph and Mary. This is a divine blessing, signifying God's favor and recognition of their role in His plan.
• and said to Mary his mother: This direct address to Mary emphasizes the personal and impactful nature of the following prophecy for her, directly setting the stage for the suffering she would experience (as indicated in Lk 2:35).
• Behold: Greek Idou (ἰδού). An interjection used to draw immediate attention to what is about to be said, signaling a declaration of great significance and certainty, often used to introduce divine revelation or prophecy.
• this child: Refers specifically to Jesus. Highlights the young age, yet already the focal point of divine destiny.
• is appointed for: Greek keitai (κεῖται). Literally "is lying," "is laid," or "is set." It denotes a settled purpose or destiny. Jesus' role as a divider and revealer is not accidental but preordained by God. It implies an unchangeable decree.
• the fall: Greek ptōsin (πτῶσιν). Not just a physical fall, but a spiritual and moral downfall, ruin, or judgment. It refers to those who would reject Jesus, stumble over Him, or be exposed by His truth and thus experience condemnation. This contrasts with common Jewish expectation of the Messiah bringing universal uplift.
• and rising: Greek anastasin (ἀνάστασιν). Literally "resurrection," but here refers more broadly to spiritual uplift, restoration, salvation, or exaltation. It signifies renewal of life, standing upright in faith, or being raised to a new spiritual position through belief in Christ.
• of many in Israel: Limits the initial scope to the people of Israel, underscoring that the first impact and revelation of Jesus would be among God's chosen people. It implies a significant portion, but not all. It foreshadows the division among Jews regarding Jesus.
• and for a sign: Greek sēmeion (σημεῖον). A token, a sign, a miracle, or a symbol. Jesus himself embodies this sign. He is not just bringing signs; He is the sign of God's presence and activity. A sign functions to point beyond itself, here pointing to God's redemptive (and judging) plan.
• to be opposed: Greek antilegomenon (ἀντιλεγόμενον). Present passive participle, meaning "being spoken against," "gainsaid," or "contradicted." It implies active, continuous, and widespread opposition and contention. This foretells the controversies, blasphemies, and persecutions that Jesus and His followers would face. He is not universally accepted but is a magnet for controversy.

Word-groups analysis:

• "is appointed for the fall and rising": This powerful antithetical pairing defines the dual effect of Jesus' coming. He is not neutral. His very presence precipitates either spiritual ruin for those who reject His light or spiritual elevation for those who embrace Him. It emphasizes His role as a pivotal point in salvation history, dividing humanity based on their response to Him.
• "a sign to be opposed": This phrase captures the contentious nature of Jesus' identity and mission. He is the ultimate divine manifestation, yet paradoxically, this sign evokes strong antagonism and disagreement. It signifies that He will not be accepted by all, but will rather be a constant source of debate, rejection, and even hatred among many. His divine authority will be directly challenged.

Luke 2 34 Bonus section

• This prophecy highlights that Jesus' ministry was always intended to provoke a reaction, separating people into two distinct groups based on their response to Him. It's not just that people chose sides, but that Jesus caused them to choose sides.
• The "fall and rising" should not be seen as chronological, but rather as concurrent spiritual outcomes based on a person's immediate disposition towards Jesus. It's a statement about their standing before God in light of Christ.
• The phrase "to be opposed" also indicates the consistent persecution and contradiction that Jesus' followers would face throughout history for aligning themselves with Him, extending the scope beyond Jesus' immediate earthly ministry to the life of the church.
• Simeon's prophecy acts as a foundational theological statement early in Luke's Gospel, setting the stage for themes of conflict, rejection, and the true cost of discipleship that recur throughout Jesus' ministry narrative.

Luke 2 34 Commentary

Luke 2:34 encapsulates a central paradox of Christ's ministry: He is simultaneously the author of salvation and the agent of division. Simeon's prophecy establishes Jesus as a catalyst for crisis, a "stone of stumbling" for some and a "cornerstone" for others, as seen throughout the Gospels and Acts. His arrival forces a decision. People cannot remain indifferent; they are either for Him or against Him, leading to spiritual "fall" for those whose hearts are hardened in unbelief and "rising" for those who receive Him by faith. Furthermore, Jesus himself becomes the "sign to be opposed" – His person, teachings, and claims inevitably invite hostility and contradiction because they expose the spiritual condition of humanity. This opposition isn't a failure of His mission, but an intrinsic part of it, serving to reveal the "thoughts of many hearts" as the subsequent verse implies. This prophecy, delivered over an infant Messiah, sets a tone for the entirety of Christ's earthly life and the subsequent history of the church, defining His presence as one that brings ultimate blessing and deep division.