Luke 2:34-35
“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; (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
King James Version
More of Luke 2 on this siteLuke 2:10-14
Simeon holds the infant and foretells that He will divide Israel, be spoken against, and pierce His mother's soul. He reveals what hearts think.
Fulfillment References
Isaiah 8:14-15 1 Peter 2:6-8 John 19:25 Luke 2:30
How Traditions Read This Prophecy
Apostolic (Oneness) PentecostalSimeon took the child in his arms and said, 'mine eyes have seen thy salvation' (2:30). He saw God's salvation in a baby forty days old. Then he told Mary what it would cost. This child is 'set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against.' Jesus would divide people by what they did with Him: a stone some stumble on and others build on (Isa. 8:14; 1 Pet. 2:6-8). The sword through Mary's soul came at the cross (John 19:25). And 'the thoughts of many hearts' are still being revealed. Everyone still faces the question of who He is, and what we will do with Him.
JewishSimeon is a devout Jew 'waiting for the consolation of Israel' (2:25). Judaism does not accept the claim, but the scene reflects real messianic hope in the Second Temple period.
CatholicThe fourth Joyful Mystery of the Rosary and the first of the Seven Sorrows of Mary. The sword is her share in the Passion.
ProtestantChrist divides humanity. The 'sword' is Mary's grief at the cross, not a part in redemption.
OrthodoxRead at the Feast of the Meeting of the Lord (February 2).
DispensationalThe 'fall' of many in Israel at the first coming, and their 'rising again' at the national restoration (Rom. 11:26).
AcademicEchoes Isaiah 8:14-15, the stone of stumbling. The sword image may draw on Ezekiel 14:17. The 'sign... spoken against' anticipates the rejection that Luke goes on to narrate.
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