Devine Scripture

Luke 2:25

What does Luke 2:25 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 2:25 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 2:25 means

In Jerusalem, there was a man named Simeon, described as "righteous and devout." He was eagerly anticipating "the consolation of Israel," which was the arrival of the Messiah. Crucially, the Holy Spirit was "upon him," indicating a special anointing and divine inspiration that guided his spiritual insight. Simeon represents those in Israel who faithfully awaited God's promised deliverer, living a life dedicated to spiritual expectation.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Spirit was upon him.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Spirit was upon him.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And there was then in Jerusalem a man whose name was Simeon; and he was an upright man, fearing God and waiting for the comfort of Israel: and the Holy Spirit was on him.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And lo, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name <FI>is<Fi> Simeon, and this man is righteous and devout, looking for the comforting of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And behold there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon: and this man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel. And the Holy Ghost was in him.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was just and pious, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and [the] Holy Spirit was upon him.

Context

This verse introduces Simeon, a new character, during the presentation of Jesus at the Temple. It establishes his character as righteous and devout, and, significantly, reveals that the Holy Spirit was upon him. This sets the stage for his prophetic encounter with Jesus and his parents, explaining why he would be moved to bless the child and prophesy concerning Him.

v.24and to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.

v.25This passage

v.26And it had been revealed unto him by the Holy Spirit, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Acts 10:22

    And they said, Cornelius a centurion, a righteous man and one that feareth God, and well reported of by all the nation of the Jews, was warned of God by a holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words from thee.

  • Job 1:8

    And Jehovah said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job? for there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and turneth away from evil.

  • Titus 2:11

    For the grace of God hath appeared, bringing salvation to all men,

  • Acts 24:16

    Herein I also exercise myself to have a conscience void of offence toward God and men always.

  • Numbers 11:29

    And Moses said unto him, Art thou jealous for my sake? would that all Jehovah’s people were prophets, that Jehovah would put his Spirit upon them!

  • Isaiah 40:1

    Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.

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