Devine Scripture

Luke 2:34

What does Luke 2:34 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 2:34 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 2:34 means

Simeon blessed them and then specifically addressed Mary, revealing a prophetic word about Jesus' reception: "Behold, this child is set for the falling and the rising of many in Israel; and for a sign which is spoken against." This meant Jesus would be a divisive figure, causing some to stumble and fall, while others would rise to salvation through Him. He would also be a controversial "sign," provoking opposition and rejection from many.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

and Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the falling and the rising of many in Israel; and for a sign which is spoken against;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

and Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the falling and the rising of many in Israel; and for a sign which is spoken against;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And Simeon gave them his blessing and said to Mary, his mother, See, this child will be the cause of the downfall and the lifting up of great numbers of people in Israel, and he will be a sign against which hard words will be said;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, `Lo, this <FI>one<Fi> is set for the falling and rising again of many in Israel, and for a sign spoken against--

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother: Behold this child is set for the fall and for the resurrection of many in Israel and for a sign which shall be contradicted.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary his mother, Lo, this [child] is set for the fall and rising up of many in Israel, and for a sign spoken against;

Context

This verse introduces Simeon's direct prophecy to Mary following the blessing of the family and their marveling. It shifts from general declarations of Jesus' identity to a specific, more somber prophecy about His impact on Israel and the opposition He would face. This personal word to Mary is then intensified by a further, more intimate prophecy concerning her own suffering.

v.33And his father and his mother were marvelling at the things which were spoken concerning him;

v.34This passage

v.35yea and a sword shall pierce through thine own soul; that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed.

Cross references

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

  • 2 Corinthians 2:15

    For we are a sweet savor of Christ unto God, in them that are saved, and in them that perish;

  • Isaiah 8:18

    Behold, I and the children whom Jehovah hath given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from Jehovah of hosts, who dwelleth in mount Zion.

  • Matthew 26:65

    Then the high priest rent his garments, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy: what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard the blasphemy:

  • 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.

  • 1 Peter 2:7

    For you therefore that believe is the preciousness: but for such as disbelieve, The stone which the builders rejected, The same was made the head of the corner;

  • John 3:20

    For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, and cometh not to the light, lest his works should be reproved.

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