Devine Scripture

Luke 2:26

What does Luke 2:26 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 2:26 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 2:26 means

The Holy Spirit had specifically revealed to Simeon that he would not die before he had seen "the Lord's Christ," meaning God's Anointed One, the Messiah. This divine promise fueled Simeon's fervent anticipation and devotion. It underscores that his encounter with Jesus was not coincidental but divinely orchestrated, a fulfillment of a personal revelation given to a faithful servant, validating the significance of the child Jesus.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he had knowledge, through the Holy Spirit, that he would not see death till he had seen the Lord's Christ.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and it hath been divinely told him by the Holy Spirit--not to see death before he may see the Christ of the Lord.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he had received an answer from the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And it was divinely communicated to him by the Holy Spirit, that he should not see death before he should see [the] Lord's Christ.

Context

This verse details a specific divine revelation given to Simeon, building upon his introduction in verse 25. The promise that he would see the Messiah before dying explains his presence and heightened anticipation in the Temple. It prepares the reader for the dramatic fulfillment of this promise as Jesus is presented, giving profound weight to the subsequent encounter.

v.25And 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.

v.26This passage

v.27And he came in the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, that they might do concerning him after the custom of the law,

Cross references

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

  • Hebrews 11:5

    By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and he was not found, because God translated him: for he hath had witness borne to him that before his translation he had been well-pleasing unto God:

  • John 8:51

    Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my word, he shall never see death.

  • Acts 2:36

    Let all the house of Israel therefore know assuredly, that God hath made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom ye crucified.

  • Psalms 25:14

    The friendship of Jehovah is with them that fear him; And he will show them his covenant.

  • John 20:31

    but these are written, that ye may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye may have life in his name.

  • Isaiah 61:1

    The Spirit of the Lord Jehovah is upon me; because Jehovah hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;

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