Luke 2:31
What does Luke 2:31 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 2:31 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 2:31 means
Simeon continues, proclaiming that this salvation was "prepared before the face of all peoples." This expands the scope of Jesus' mission beyond just the Jewish nation. His coming was not a private event for Israel alone, but a divinely ordained plan designed for the benefit and observation of "all peoples"—every nation and ethnicity. This emphasizes the universal nature of God's saving grace, which would ultimately extend to all humanity through Christ.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Which thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples;
KJV
King James Version · 1611Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Which thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Which you have made ready before the face of all nations;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862which Thou didst prepare before the face of all the peoples,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Which thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890which thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples;
Context
This verse builds upon the declaration of Jesus as salvation, immediately broadening its scope to "all peoples." It follows Simeon's statement that he has seen God's salvation. This universal nature of salvation is further elaborated in the next verse, which specifically mentions Gentiles, providing a fuller picture of the Messiah's global impact.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 96:10
Say among the nations, Jehovah reigneth: The world also is established that it cannot be moved: He will judge the peoples with equity.
- Isaiah 62:1
For Zion’s sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, until her righteousness go forth as brightness, and her salvation as a lamp that burneth.
- Isaiah 42:10
Sing unto Jehovah a new song, and his praise from the end of the earth; ye that go down to the sea, and all that is therein, the isles, and the inhabitants thereof.
- Isaiah 42:1
Behold, my servant, whom I uphold; my chosen, in whom my soul delighteth: I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the Gentiles.
- Isaiah 45:21
Declare ye, and bring it forth; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath showed this from ancient time? who hath declared it of old? have not I, Jehovah? and there is no God else besides me, a just God and a Saviour; there is none besides me.
- Psalms 97:6
The heavens declare his righteousness, And all the peoples have seen his glory.
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