25 [a]And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon: this man was just, and feared God, and waited for the consolation of Israel, and the [b]holy Ghost was upon him.

26 And it was declared to him from God by the holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen that Anointed of the Lord.

27 And he came by the motion of the spirit into the Temple, and when the [c]parents brought in the babe Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the Law.

28 Then he took him in his arms, and praised God, and said,

29 Lord, now [d]lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy [e]word,

30 For [f]mine eyes have seen thy [g]salvation,

31 Which thou hast prepared [h]before the face of all people,

32 A light to be revealed to the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

33 And Joseph and his mother marveled at those things, which were spoken touching him.

34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is [i]appointed for the (A)[j]fall and rising again of many in Israel, and for a [k]sign which shall be spoken against,

35 (Yea and a sword shall [l]pierce through thy soul) that the thoughts of many hearts may be opened.

36 [m]And there was a Prophetess, one Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher, which was of a great age, after she had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity:

37 And she was widow about fourscore, and four years, and went not out of the Temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.

38 She then coming at the same instant upon them, confessed likewise the Lord, and spake of him to all that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

39 And when they had performed all things, according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee to their own city Nazareth.

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Footnotes

  1. Luke 2:25 Simeon doth openly in the Temple foretell the deaf, of the coming of Messiah, of the casting out of the greatest part of Israel, and of the calling of the Gentiles.
  2. Luke 2:25 He was endued with the gifts of the holy Ghost, and this is spoken by the figure Metonymy.
  3. Luke 2:27 Joseph and Mary: and so he speaketh, as it was commonly taken.
  4. Luke 2:29 Lettest me depart out of this life, to be joined to my fathers.
  5. Luke 2:29 As thou promised me.
  6. Luke 2:30 That is, for I have seen with my very eyes: for he saw before in mind, as it is said of Abraham, He saw my day, and rejoiced.
  7. Luke 2:30 That, wherein thy salvation is contained.
  8. Luke 2:31 As a sign set up in an high place, for all men to look upon.
  9. Luke 2:34 Is appointed and set of God for a mark.
  10. Luke 2:34 Fall of the reprobate, which perish through their own default: and for the rising of the elect, unto whom God shall give faith to believe.
  11. Luke 2:34 That is, a mark, which all men shall strive earnestly to hit.
  12. Luke 2:35 Shall wound and grieve most sharply.
  13. Luke 2:36 Another witness besides Simeon, against whom no exception may be brought, inviting all men to the receiving of the Messiah.

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