The Prophecy of Simeon

Simeon, righteous and devout, waits for Israel’s consolation, has the Spirit upon him, and is told he will see the Lord’s Christ before death. Led by the Spirit, he comes into the temple, takes the child in his arms, and blesses God.

N²⁵ow there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. ²⁶The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. ²⁷Led by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. And when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for Him what was customary under the Law, ²⁸Simeon took Him in his arms and blessed God, saying:

Simeon speaks of God’s promise being fulfilled in his own sight, names the child as salvation prepared before all peoples, and calls him light for the Gentiles and glory for Israel.

²⁹“Sovereign Lord, as You have promised, ³⁰For my eyes have seen Your salvation, ³¹which You have prepared in the sight of all people, ³²a light for revelation to the Gentiles,

The parents marvel at what is said, and Simeon blesses them while speaking to Mary of the child’s rise, fall, and the sword that will pierce her, so that many hearts are revealed.

³³The Child’s father and mother were amazed at what was spoken about Him. ³⁴Then Simeon blessed them and said to His mother Mary: ³⁵so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed —