New Testament
Luke 2:31
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Simeon, a devout man, speaks about the significance of Jesus as the Messiah.
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
"which you have prepared for all people to see —"
Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Simeon, a devout man, speaks about the significance of Jesus as the Messiah. He acknowledges that God has prepared Jesus to be a light for all nations, not just for the Jewish people. This preparation signifies God's inclusive plan for salvation, showing that Jesus is meant to reveal God's glory to everyone. The phrase 'before the face of all people' emphasizes that Jesus' mission is public and universal, inviting all to witness and respond to His message. This moment highlights the fulfillment of God's promises and the hope that Jesus brings to humanity. It reassures believers that God's salvation is accessible to all, breaking down barriers and extending grace to every individual, regardless of their background or status. Simeon's proclamation serves as a reminder of the broad scope of God's love and the importance of sharing this good news with others.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Luke 2:31 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize that God's love and salvation are for everyone. We should share the message of Jesus with all people, breaking down barriers and inviting others to experience His light and hope in their lives. Our mission is to reflect this inclusivity in our communities.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 2:31 mean?
Luke 2:31 highlights Simeon's recognition of Jesus as the Messiah, prepared by God to be a light for all nations. This signifies that Jesus' mission is universal, offering salvation and revealing God's glory to everyone.
What is the significance of 'prepared for all people' in Luke 2:31?
The phrase 'prepared for all people' emphasizes that Jesus' role as the Messiah is inclusive, extending God's salvation beyond just the Jewish community to all humanity.
What does 'before the face of all people' mean in Luke 2:31?
'Before the face of all people' indicates that Jesus' mission is public and meant for everyone to witness. It underscores the openness of God's plan for salvation.
What themes are present in Luke 2:31?
Key themes in Luke 2:31 include salvation, inclusivity, divine preparation, hope, and Jesus as the light to the nations, reflecting God's promise to all people.

The Book of Luke
Luke 1: The Births of John the Baptist and Jesus Foretold
In the days of Herod, king of Judaea, a priest named Zacharias serves in the temple. He and his wife Elisabeth are both righteous but have no children because Elisabeth is barren, and they are both old. While Zacharias burns incense, the angel Gabriel appears to him and says Elisabeth will bear a son who is to be named John. The child will be great before the Lord, will drink no wine or strong drink, and will be filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb. He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. Zacharias asks how he can know this, since he and his wife are old. Gabriel says Zacharias will be unable to speak until these things come to pass because he did not believe.
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