Bible Strands
Luke 2:34
Then Simeon blessed them and said to His mother Mary: “Behold, this Child is appointed to cause the rise and fall of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against,
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Simeon addresses Mary alone after blessing her and Joseph, declaring his prophecy about the infant Jesus at that moment.
The words — The text uses εὐλόγησεν (eulogēsen) “blessed” and αὐτοὺς (autous) “them,” noting the immediate recipients of the blessing before the direct address to Mary.
The thread — The Child’s role as a dividing marker and rejected sign echoes Isaiah 8:14, 1 Corinthians 1:23, and 1 Peter 2:7.
Why it lands — The text states the infant will trigger division and opposition, demanding the reader decide whether to accept or reject this designated sign.
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 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;
Cross-references
- 1 Corinthians 1:23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles,
- 1 Peter 2:7 To you who believe, then, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,”
- Isaiah 8:14 And He will be a sanctuary—but to both houses of Israel a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense, to the dwellers of Jerusalem a trap and a snare.
- Matthew 21:44 He who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces, but he on whom it falls will be crushed.”
- Acts 9:1 Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the disciples of the Lord. He approached the high priest
- 2 Corinthians 2:15 For we are to God the sweet aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.
- Hosea 14:9 Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them. For the ways of the LORD are right, and the righteous walk in them but the rebellious stumble in them.
- Leviticus 9:22 Aaron lifted up his hands toward the people and blessed them. And having made the sin offering, the burnt offering, and the peace offering, he stepped down.
- Psalms 22:6 But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by men and despised by the people.
- John 5:18 Because of this, the Jews tried all the harder to kill Him. Not only was He breaking the Sabbath, but He was even calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God.