New Testament

Luke 2:34

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 to Mary about her baby, Jesus.

Author
Luke the physician
Written
Around AD 60-62
Genre
Gospel and history
Original Audience
Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
CBTClear Bible Translation

Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Listen carefully: this child will cause the falling and rising of many in Israel. He will be a sign that people will speak against."

KJVKing 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;

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, Simeon, a devout man, speaks to Mary about her baby, Jesus. He indicates that Jesus will have a significant impact on the people of Israel, leading to both the downfall and uplift of many. This suggests that Jesus will challenge existing beliefs and systems, causing some to reject Him while others will embrace His message. The phrase 'a sign that people will speak against' implies that Jesus will be controversial, provoking opposition and debate. This foreshadows the struggles He will face during His ministry and the mixed reactions He will receive from the people. Simeon's words highlight the dual nature of Jesus' mission: He will bring hope and salvation to some, while also being a source of conflict and division among others. This prophecy sets the stage for understanding the complexities of Jesus' role in the world and the varied responses He will elicit from humanity.

Key themes

Related topics

prophecy, strength, depression

How to apply Luke 2:34 to your life

This verse encourages us to reflect on how we respond to Jesus in our own lives. Are we open to His teachings, or do we resist them? Understanding that Jesus can provoke both acceptance and rejection helps us navigate our faith journey and engage with others thoughtfully.

Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Simeon's prophecy about Jesus mean?

Simeon's prophecy indicates that Jesus will have a profound impact on the people of Israel, leading to both their downfall and uplift. This suggests that Jesus will challenge existing beliefs, causing some to reject Him while others embrace His message. His role as a sign that will be spoken against foreshadows the opposition He will face during His ministry.

How does Luke 2:34 relate to Jesus' mission?

Luke 2:34 highlights the dual nature of Jesus' mission. He is destined to bring hope and salvation to many, but His presence will also create division and conflict. This reflects the reality that accepting Jesus can lead to both positive transformation and negative backlash, as people respond differently to His teachings.

What can we learn from Simeon's words to Mary?

Simeon's words remind us that following Jesus may not always be easy. They encourage us to consider our own responses to His teachings. Are we open to the challenges He presents, or do we resist them? This reflection can help us grow in our faith and engage with others in meaningful discussions about belief.

Why does the verse mention 'falling and rising'?

The phrase 'falling and rising' signifies the contrasting responses to Jesus' message. Some will fall away due to their rejection of Him, while others will rise in faith and acceptance. This duality emphasizes the transformative power of Jesus and the choices individuals must make regarding their belief.

The Book of Luke
Book Summary

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.

Premium

Unlock the full Luke summary

Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.

The complete summary of Luke — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 24 chapters.

What you get

Every chapter of Luke summarized in clear, modern English

How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points

Permanent access — read anytime, on any device

Best Value

Best value • Save over 90%

or

One-time purchase • Access anytime

ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.

Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.