Luke 2:32
What does Luke 2:32 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 2:32 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 2:32 means
Simeon further describes Jesus as "A light for revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of thy people Israel." This prophecy highlights Jesus' dual mission: He would bring divine truth and understanding to the Gentile nations who previously lived in spiritual darkness, and He would be the ultimate honor and fulfillment of God's promises to the people of Israel. This powerfully declared Jesus' role as the one who illuminates and glorifies both Jew and Gentile.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000A light for revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of thy people Israel.
KJV
King James Version · 1611A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901A light for revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of thy people Israel.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949A light of revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862a light to the uncovering of nations, and the glory of Thy people Israel.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752A light to the revelation of the Gentiles and the glory of thy people Israel.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890a light for revelation of [the] Gentiles and [the] glory of thy people Israel.
Context
This verse concludes Simeon's direct address to God, specifying Jesus' dual role for Gentiles and Israel. It follows the declaration of Jesus as salvation for all peoples, providing more explicit detail. This prophetic statement sets the stage for the marveling reactions of Jesus' parents and Simeon's subsequent blessing and prophetic words to Mary.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 28:28
Be it known therefore unto you, that this salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles: they will also hear.
- Luke 2:10
And the angel said unto them, Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all the people:
- Revelation 21:23
And the city hath no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine upon it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the lamp thereof is the Lamb.
- Isaiah 45:25
In Jehovah shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory.
- Isaiah 9:2
The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.
- Zechariah 2:5
For I, saith Jehovah, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and I will be the glory in the midst of her.
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