King James Version

What Does Luke 2:25 Mean?

Luke 2:25 in the King James Version says “And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the ... — study this verse from Luke chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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 · KJV


Context

23

(As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)

24

And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.

25

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.

26

And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.

27

And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Simeon is introduced: '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' (καὶ ἰδοὺ ἄνθρωπος ἦν ἐν Ἰερουσαλὴμ ᾧ ὄνομα Συμεών, καὶ ὁ ἄνθρωπος οὗτος δίκαιος καὶ εὐλαβής, προσδεχόμενος παράκλησιν τοῦ Ἰσραήλ). 'Dikaios' (δίκαιος, just/righteous) and 'eulabēs' (εὐλαβής, devout/reverent) describe his character. The phrase 'waiting for the consolation of Israel' (προσδεχόμενος παράκλησιν τοῦ Ἰσραήλ) refers to messianic hope—'paraklēsis' (παράκλησις) means comfort or encouragement, recalling Isaiah 40:1-2. Simeon represents faithful remnant Israel, patiently awaiting God's promises. That 'the Holy Ghost was upon him' (v.25) indicates special prophetic enablement rare in this period.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Between the testaments (400 years of prophetic silence), faithful Jews like Simeon kept messianic hope alive through study of Scripture and prayer. His presence in the temple at Jesus' dedication (40 days after birth, Leviticus 12:2-4) was Spirit-directed divine appointment. Anna the prophetess (vv.36-38) similarly represented faithful waiting. These two witnesses validate Jesus' identity within the temple itself, the heart of Jewish worship.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Simeon's patient waiting teach about faith that persists through long periods of God's apparent silence?
  2. How does the Holy Spirit's work in Simeon demonstrate God's faithfulness to preserve a remnant who will recognize Messiah?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
καὶ1 of 26

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἰδού,2 of 26

behold

G2400

used as imperative lo!

ἦν3 of 26

there was

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

ἄνθρωπος4 of 26

a man

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

ἐν5 of 26

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

Ἰερουσαλὴμ6 of 26

Jerusalem

G2419

hierusalem (i.e., jerushalem), the capitol of palestine

7 of 26

whose

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ὄνομα8 of 26

name

G3686

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

Συμεών9 of 26

was Simeon

G4826

symeon (i.e., shimon), the name of five israelites

καὶ10 of 26

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

11 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἄνθρωπος12 of 26

a man

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

οὗτος13 of 26

the same

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

δίκαιος14 of 26

was just

G1342

equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)

καὶ15 of 26

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εὐλαβής16 of 26

devout

G2126

taking well (carefully), i.e., circumspect (religiously, pious)

προσδεχόμενος17 of 26

waiting

G4327

to admit (to intercourse, hospitality, credence, or (figuratively) endurance); by implication, to await (with confidence or patience)

παράκλησιν18 of 26

for the consolation

G3874

imploration, hortation, solace

τοῦ19 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰσραήλ20 of 26

of Israel

G2474

israel (i.e., jisrael), the adopted name of jacob, including his descendants (literally or figuratively)

καὶ21 of 26

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

πνεῦμα22 of 26

Ghost

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

ἅγιον23 of 26

the Holy

G40

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

ἦν24 of 26

there was

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

ἐπ'25 of 26

upon

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

αὐτόν·26 of 26

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 2:25 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 2:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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