Bible Strands
Luke 2:25
Now there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Luke introduces Simeon in Jerusalem at the moment Mary and Joseph bring the infant Jesus to the temple to complete the Law’s purification offering. The narrative places this unnamed devout man in the temple courts precisely as the parents present the child.
The words — The Greek ἄνθρωπος (anthrōpos) identifies the figure simply as “a man,” while ἰδοὺ (idou) functions as a narrative marker meaning “behold” or “now.” These terms introduce Simeon descriptively before the text lists his spiritual state and divine encounter.
The thread — The motif of waiting for God’s deliverance appears in Isaiah 25:9 and recurs in Luke 2:38 with those anticipating redemption. Luke 1:6 similarly describes righteous individuals who walk in God’s commandments and decrees.
Why it lands — The text states that Simeon was righteous, devout, and Spirit-led while waiting for Israel’s consolation. It asks a reader to recognize that divine promise operates through patient obedience and spiritual guidance rather than human initiative.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
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.
Cross-references
- Isaiah 25:9 And in that day it will be said, “Surely this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He has saved us. This is the LORD for whom we have waited. Let us rejoice and be glad in His salvation.”
- Luke 1:6 Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and decrees of the Lord.
- Luke 2:38 Coming forward at that moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the Child to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.
- Titus 2:11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to everyone.
- Mark 15:43 Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent Council member who himself was waiting for the kingdom of God, boldly went to Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus.
- Luke 1:41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
- Genesis 6:9 This is the account of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation; Noah walked with God.
- Isaiah 40:1 “Comfort, comfort My people,” says your God.
- Luke 1:67 Then his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:
- Luke 23:51 who had not consented to their decision or action. He was from the Judean town of Arimathea and was waiting for the kingdom of God.