King James Version

What Does Luke 2:34 Mean?

Luke 2:34 in the King James Version says “And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many ... — study this verse from Luke chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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 · KJV


Context

32

A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

33

And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.

34

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;

35

(Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

36

And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age , and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Simeon prophesies to Mary: 'Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against' (ἰδοὺ οὗτος κεῖται εἰς πτῶσιν καὶ ἀνάστασιν πολλῶν ἐν τῷ Ἰσραήλ καὶ εἰς σημεῖον ἀντιλεγόμενον). The verb 'keimai' (κεῖται, is set/appointed) indicates divine purpose. 'Ptōsis' (πτῶσις, fall) and 'anastasis' (ἀνάστασις, rising) describe opposite responses to Jesus—He divides humanity into those who fall in judgment (stumbling over Him) and those who rise in salvation. The phrase 'sign which shall be spoken against' (σημεῖον ἀντιλεγόμενον) prophesies opposition and contradiction throughout Jesus' ministry. Christ is inherently polarizing; neutral responses are impossible.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Simeon's prophecy proved accurate throughout Jesus' ministry. Religious leaders opposed Him (Matthew 26:3-4), His hometown rejected Him (Luke 4:28-29), and even His family doubted (John 7:5). Yet thousands believed and rose to new life. This division continues—Christ remains 'the stone which the builders rejected' (Psalm 118:22, Acts 4:11). Simeon's words to Mary about a sword piercing her soul (v.35) anticipated her anguish at the cross (John 19:25-27).

Reflection Questions

  1. Why is Jesus inherently polarizing rather than universally accepted or rejected?
  2. How should the certainty of opposition shape Christian expectations about gospel proclamation?

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

εὐλόγησεν2 of 26

blessed

G2127

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

αὐτοῦ3 of 26

his

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

Συμεὼν4 of 26

Simeon

G4826

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

καὶ5 of 26

And

G2532

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

εἶπεν6 of 26

said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

πρὸς7 of 26

unto

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

Μαριὰμ8 of 26

Mary

G3137

maria or mariam (i.e., mirjam), the name of six christian females

τὴν9 of 26
G3588

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

μητέρα10 of 26

mother

G3384

a "mother" (literally or figuratively, immediate or remote)

αὐτοῦ11 of 26

his

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

Ἰδού,12 of 26

Behold

G2400

used as imperative lo!

οὗτος13 of 26

this

G3778

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

κεῖται14 of 26

child is set

G2749

to lie outstretched (literally or figuratively)

εἰς15 of 26

for

G1519

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

πτῶσιν16 of 26

the fall

G4431

a crash, i.e., downfall (literally or figuratively)

καὶ17 of 26

And

G2532

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

ἀνάστασιν18 of 26

rising again

G386

a standing up again, i.e., (literally) a resurrection from death (individual, genitive case or by implication, (its author)), or (figuratively) a (mor

πολλῶν19 of 26

of many

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

ἐν20 of 26

in

G1722

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

τῷ21 of 26
G3588

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

Ἰσραὴλ22 of 26

Israel

G2474

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

καὶ23 of 26

And

G2532

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

εἰς24 of 26

for

G1519

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

σημεῖον25 of 26

a sign

G4592

an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally

ἀντιλεγόμενον26 of 26

which shall be spoken against

G483

to dispute, refuse


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 2:34 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 2:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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