Luke 2:26

KJV

And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} it was {G2258} revealed {G5537} unto him {G846} by {G5259} the Holy {G40} Ghost {G4151}, that he should {G1492} not {G3361} see {G1492} death {G2288}, before {G4250}{G2228} he had seen {G1492} the Lord's {G2962} Christ {G5547}.

Complete Jewish Bible

It had been revealed to him by the Ruach HaKodesh that he would not die before he had seen the Messiah of ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.

American Standard Version

And it had been revealed unto him by the Holy Spirit, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 2:26 presents a pivotal moment in the life of Simeon, a righteous and devout man in Jerusalem, revealing a profound divine promise. Through the direct agency of the Holy Spirit, Simeon received an extraordinary assurance: he would not experience physical death until he had personally witnessed the arrival of the Messiah, God's Anointed One. This verse highlights God's specific, personal revelation to those who faithfully await His purposes, setting the stage for Simeon's encounter with the infant Jesus in the Temple.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Luke's infancy narrative, specifically detailing Jesus' presentation at the Temple in Jerusalem. It immediately follows the introduction of Simeon in [Luke 2:25](/luke/2-25 "Luke 2:25 - Simeon's Character and Expectation"), where he is described as "just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him." This prior description establishes Simeon's spiritual readiness and the divine presence already active in his life, making the revelation in [Luke 2:26](/luke/2-26 "Luke 2:26 - Simeon's Divine Revelation") a natural progression. The events that follow, Simeon's encounter with Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus, and his subsequent prophetic declarations (the Nunc Dimittis in [Luke 2:28-32](/luke/2-28-32 "Luke 2:28-32 - Simeon's Prophecy of Salvation")), directly fulfill the promise given in this verse. The narrative flow emphasizes divine orchestration leading to a momentous encounter.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period in which Jesus was born was marked by intense Messianic expectation among the Jewish people, who longed for a deliverer from Roman oppression and the restoration of God's kingdom. Many, like Simeon, were devoutly studying the Scriptures and waiting for the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah. The presentation of Jesus at the Temple, as described in [Luke 2:22-24](/luke/2-22-24 "Luke 2:22-24 - Jesus' Presentation at the Temple"), was in accordance with Mosaic Law, requiring the purification of the mother and the consecration of the firstborn son ([Exodus 13:2](/exodus/13-2 "Exodus 13:2 - Consecration of the Firstborn"), [Leviticus 12:6](/leviticus/12-6 "Leviticus 12:6 - Purification Offerings")). This cultural setting of faithful adherence to the Law and fervent hope for the Messiah provides the backdrop for Simeon's unique experience, underscoring the spiritual climate of Jerusalem at that time.

* **Key Themes:** [Luke 2:26](/luke/2-26 "Luke 2:26 - Simeon's Divine Revelation") contributes significantly to several key themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Revelation and Guidance by the Holy Spirit**, explicitly stating that the promise came "by the Holy Ghost." This emphasizes the Spirit's active role in communicating God's will and guiding individuals, a theme prevalent throughout Luke-Acts. Secondly, it underscores **God's Faithfulness to His Promises**, demonstrating that God remembers and fulfills His specific assurances to those who wait patiently, even across a lifetime. Simeon's story is a powerful testament to **Patient Waiting and Ultimate Fulfillment**, serving as an encouragement for believers to trust in God's perfect timing. Finally, the verse centers on the theme of **Jesus' Identity as the Messiah**, using the significant title "the Lord's Christ," which points to His unique role as the Anointed One, the long-awaited deliverer of Israel and the world, as prophesied throughout the Old Testament, for example, in [Isaiah 42:6](/isaiah/42-6 "Isaiah 42:6 - Covenant to the People").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **revealed (Greek, _chrēmatízō_):** This verb signifies a divine communication, often implying an oracle or a direct intimation from God. It suggests that the message Simeon received was not merely an intuition or a hope, but a direct, authoritative disclosure from the divine realm, emphasizing the supernatural origin and certainty of the promise.
* **Holy Ghost (Greek, _hágios_ + _pneûma_):** "Holy" (G40, _hágios_) denotes sacredness, purity, and consecration, while "Ghost" or "Spirit" (G4151, _pneûma_) refers to a current of air, breath, or, in this context, the divine Spirit. Together, "Holy Ghost" refers to the third person of the Trinity, God's Spirit, who is sacred and distinct, actively involved in communicating God's will, empowering, and guiding believers. This highlights the divine source and authority of the revelation given to Simeon.
* **Christ (Greek, _Christós_):** This term, meaning "anointed," is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew "Messiah." It identifies Jesus as the divinely chosen and consecrated King, Priest, and Prophet, who was set apart by God to fulfill all the Old Testament prophecies concerning the deliverer of Israel and the world. Simeon's longing was specifically for this "Anointed One," the central figure of God's redemptive plan.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost":** This opening clause immediately establishes the divine origin and authority of the message Simeon received. The passive voice ("it was revealed") emphasizes that Simeon was the recipient of a supernatural communication, not the originator of a thought or desire. The explicit mention of "the Holy Ghost" (Holy Spirit) underscores the Spirit's active role as the agent of divine communication, guiding and empowering Simeon with this specific insight.
* **"that he should not see death":** This phrase conveys the core of the promise: a supernatural extension of Simeon's life. "To see death" is a common biblical idiom for experiencing death. The negation ("not see death") signifies that his lifespan was providentially guaranteed to continue beyond its natural course, a unique and personal divine intervention to ensure the fulfillment of the subsequent condition.
* **"before he had seen the Lord's Christ":** This final clause specifies the condition for Simeon's prolonged life and the ultimate object of his patient waiting. His death was deferred until he had personally encountered "the Lord's Christ"—the Anointed One appointed by God Himself. This highlights the profound significance of the Messiah's arrival and the personal, tangible nature of God's faithfulness to Simeon, allowing him to witness the fulfillment of Israel's hope firsthand.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 2:26 employs several significant literary devices. **Divine Intervention** is central, as the verse explicitly states the revelation came "by the Holy Ghost," emphasizing God's direct and personal involvement in Simeon's life and the unfolding of His redemptive plan. This also functions as **Foreshadowing**, as the promise sets up the dramatic fulfillment in the subsequent verses when Simeon encounters the infant Jesus. The phrase "should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ" creates a powerful **Antithesis** or **Contrast**, juxtaposing the certainty of death with the divine suspension of it for a specific, holy purpose. This highlights the immense importance of the event Simeon was to witness. Furthermore, the title "**the Lord's Christ**" is a crucial **Messianic Title**, rich with theological significance, linking Jesus directly to the long-awaited deliverer prophesied throughout the Old Testament, affirming His identity and divine appointment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 2:26 profoundly illustrates God's intimate involvement in human history and His unwavering faithfulness to His promises. The direct revelation from the Holy Spirit to Simeon underscores the Spirit's role as the divine communicator, guiding and preparing individuals for God's unfolding plan. Simeon's patient waiting, fueled by this divine assurance, exemplifies a life lived in expectation of God's redemptive work. His experience is a powerful testament to the truth that God's timing is perfect, and His promises, though sometimes deferred, are always fulfilled for those who trust Him. This verse serves as a bridge, connecting the long-held hopes of Old Testament prophecy with their tangible fulfillment in the person of Jesus, the promised Messiah, demonstrating that God's salvation is not merely a concept but a living reality to be seen and embraced.

* [Isaiah 40:5](/isaiah/40-5 "Isaiah 40:5 - The Glory of the Lord Revealed")
* [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")
* [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power of the Holy Spirit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Simeon's story in Luke 2:26 offers profound encouragement for believers today. His patient waiting, empowered by a specific divine promise and sustained by the Holy Spirit, reminds us that God is actively involved in our lives and that His purposes will ultimately prevail. In a world that often demands instant gratification, Simeon's example calls us to cultivate a spirit of patient expectation, trusting that God will reveal His plans and fulfill His promises in His perfect timing. It encourages us to remain sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit, recognizing that divine guidance often comes in quiet, personal revelations that prepare us for significant encounters with God's truth and presence. Just as Simeon was privileged to see the "Lord's Christ," we too are called to recognize and embrace Jesus as the center of God's redemptive work, allowing His presence to bring consolation and purpose to our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Simeon's patient waiting for the Messiah encourage you in areas where you are currently waiting on God for a breakthrough or fulfillment?**
* **In what ways do you seek the guidance and revelation of the Holy Spirit in your daily life, and how might you become more attuned to His promptings?**
* **Considering God's faithfulness to Simeon, how does this story strengthen your trust in God's promises and His perfect timing for your own life?**

### FAQ
**Who was Simeon, and why was this revelation given to him?**

Answer: Simeon was a righteous and devout man living in Jerusalem, described in [Luke 2:25](/luke/2-25 "Luke 2:25 - Simeon's Character") as "waiting for the consolation of Israel." This revelation was given to him because of his deep piety and faithful expectation of the Messiah. It was a unique, personal promise from God, through the Holy Spirit, to honor his unwavering faith and allow him to witness the fulfillment of Israel's hope before his death.

**What does "the Lord's Christ" mean?**

Answer: "The Lord's Christ" is a highly significant title. "Christ" (Greek: _Christós_) is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew "Messiah," both meaning "Anointed One." It refers to the divinely appointed deliverer, king, and savior prophesied throughout the Old Testament. The phrase "the Lord's Christ" emphasizes that this Anointed One belongs to God, is sent by God, and acts on God's behalf to accomplish His redemptive purposes, as seen in passages like [Psalm 2:2](/psalm/2-2 "Psalm 2:2 - The Lord and His Anointed One").

**How does this verse show the Holy Spirit's role?**

Answer: This verse explicitly states that the revelation came "by the Holy Ghost," highlighting the Holy Spirit's crucial role in divine communication and guidance. The Spirit is not merely an influence but an active agent, directly conveying God's will and promises to individuals. This demonstrates the Spirit's intimate involvement in preparing God's people to recognize and receive Jesus, the Messiah, and underscores the personal nature of God's interaction with His faithful servants, as also seen in [Acts 13:2](/acts/13-2 "Acts 13:2 - The Holy Spirit Speaks").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 2:26 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the very person of Jesus. Simeon's divine assurance that he would not "see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ" points directly to Jesus as the long-awaited Anointed One, the Messiah of Israel and the Savior of the world. When Simeon finally holds the infant Jesus, his subsequent declaration in [Luke 2:30-32](/luke/2-30-32 "Luke 2:30-32 - Simeon's Prophecy of Salvation") confirms that this child is indeed "thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel." Jesus, therefore, is the embodiment of God's promise, the ultimate fulfillment of centuries of Messianic prophecy (e.g., [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6-7 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - Prophecy of the Messiah's Reign")). Simeon's personal encounter foreshadows the universal truth that all who believe in Jesus will "see" God's salvation, not just with their physical eyes, but with the eyes of faith. His coming marks the turning point in salvation history, bringing God's redemptive plan to its climax, as the Word became flesh and dwelt among us ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Thus, Simeon's fulfilled promise encapsulates the grander narrative of God sending His Son "in the fullness of time" ([Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4 - God Sent His Son in the Fullness of Time")) to bring light and salvation to all humanity.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 8:51

¶ Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death.

Luke 9:27

But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God.

Hebrews 11:5

By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.

Acts 10:38

How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

Psalms 25:14

The secret of the LORD [is] with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.

Acts 2:36

Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

John 1:41

He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.