King James Version

What Does Luke 2:28 Mean?

Luke 2:28 in the King James Version says “Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,” — study this verse from Luke chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 2:28 · KJV

Context

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,

28

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

29

Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:

30

For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

Read Luke 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then took he him up in his arms (καὶ αὐτὸς ἐδέξατο αὐτὸ εἰς τὰς ἀγκάλας, kai autos edexato auto eis tas agkalas)—The Greek verb dechomai means 'to receive' or 'welcome,' suggesting deliberate acceptance. Simeon physically embraces the infant Messiah, a prophetic act symbolizing Israel's longed-for reception of salvation.

And blessed God (εὐλόγησεν τὸν θεόν, eulogēsen ton theon)—Simeon's immediate response is doxology. Having received God's greatest gift, he returns praise. The moment fulfills decades of Spirit-sustained expectation, as the aged prophet cradles the infant King who would cradle him into eternal rest. This tender scene captures the intimacy between faith's patience and promise's fulfillment.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish blessing (berakah) was the standard response to recognizing God's acts. Simeon's public blessing in the temple courts would have attracted attention, as elderly men didn't typically embrace strangers' infants. His prophetic authority, recognized by regular temple worshippers, lent weight to his declaration.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Simeon's immediate blessing of God teach about proper response to answered prayer?
  2. How does Simeon's physical embrace of Jesus picture faith's personal reception of Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
καὶ1 of 14

“Then”

G2532

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

αὐτοῦ,2 of 14

“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

ἐδέξατο3 of 14

“took he”

G1209

to receive (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

αὐτοῦ,4 of 14

“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

εἰς5 of 14

“in”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὰς6 of 14
G3588

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

ἀγκάλας7 of 14

“arms”

G43

an arm (as curved)

αὐτοῦ,8 of 14

“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

καὶ9 of 14

“Then”

G2532

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

εὐλόγησεν10 of 14

“blessed”

G2127

to speak well of, i.e., (religiously) to bless (thank or invoke a benediction upon, prosper)

τὸν11 of 14
G3588

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

θεὸν12 of 14

“God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

καὶ13 of 14

“Then”

G2532

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

εἶπεν14 of 14

“said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

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 2:28 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 2:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 2:20Luke 1:64Luke 2:13-14Mark 9:36Luke 1:46Mark 10:16

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