Luke 2:28

KJV

Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G2532} took {G1209} he {G846} him {G846} up {G1209} in {G1519} his {G846} arms {G43}, and {G2532} blessed {G2127} God {G2316}, and {G2532} said {G2036},

Complete Jewish Bible

Shim`on took him in his arms, made a b'rakhah to God, and said,

Berean Standard Bible

Simeon took Him in his arms and blessed God, saying:

American Standard Version

then he received him into his arms, and blessed God, and said,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 2:28 captures the profoundly moving moment when Simeon, a righteous and devout man, encounters the infant Jesus in the Temple. Guided by the Holy Spirit, Simeon takes the child into his arms, an act of divine recognition that immediately prompts him to bless God and utter a prophetic declaration, setting the stage for his inspired song of praise and foreshadowing the universal scope of Christ's salvation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is nestled within the broader narrative of Jesus' infancy, specifically detailing His presentation at the Temple in Jerusalem. Preceding this, Luke introduces Simeon as a man "righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel" [Luke 2:25](/luke/2-25 "Luke 2:25 - Simeon's Righteousness"). The Holy Spirit had revealed to Simeon that he would not die before seeing the Messiah [Luke 2:26](/luke/2-26 "Luke 2:26 - Simeon's Prophecy"). Verse 27 describes Simeon being led by the Spirit into the Temple at the precise moment Mary and Joseph bring Jesus. Thus, Luke 2:28 marks the climax of Simeon's long anticipation, serving as the immediate prelude to his profound prophetic words in the [Nunc Dimittis](/luke/2-29-32 "Luke 2:29-32 - Simeon's Song of Praise"), which immediately follow this verse.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The presentation of Jesus in the Temple adhered to the Mosaic Law. According to [Exodus 13:2](/exodus/13-2 "Exodus 13:2 - Consecration of the Firstborn"), all firstborn sons were to be consecrated to the Lord, a practice reiterated in [Numbers 3:13](/numbers/3-13 "Numbers 3:13 - God Claims the Firstborn"). Furthermore, [Leviticus 12:6-8](/leviticus/12-6-8 "Leviticus 12:6-8 - Purification after Childbirth") prescribed a period of purification for the mother after childbirth, requiring an offering in the Temple. Mary and Joseph, devout Jews, faithfully observed these traditions. The setting of the Temple in Jerusalem, the spiritual heart of Judaism, underscores the significance of this event. Simeon himself embodies the deep Messianic expectation prevalent among many faithful Jews of that era, who longed for God's promised deliverance and the restoration of Israel.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 2:28 contributes significantly to several key themes in Luke's Gospel. Firstly, it highlights the **fulfillment of prophecy and divine promises**, as Simeon's personal revelation from the Holy Spirit is realized. Secondly, it emphasizes **divine recognition**, demonstrating that even in His infancy, Jesus' true identity as the Messiah was discernible through spiritual discernment, not just outward signs. This contrasts with the later rejection by many who expected a different kind of Messiah [John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - He Came to His Own"). Thirdly, Simeon's immediate response of "blessed God" introduces the theme of **worship and thanksgiving**, a recurring motif in Luke, exemplified by Mary's Magnificat [Luke 1:46-55](/luke/1-46-55 "Luke 1:46-55 - Mary's Magnificat") and Zechariah's Benedictus [Luke 1:68-79](/luke/1-68-79 "Luke 1:68-79 - Zechariah's Benedictus"). This verse sets the stage for the profound theological declarations that follow.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **took (Greek, _déchomai'_):** This verb, G1209, signifies "to receive" or "to accept." In this context, it is more than a simple physical action; it conveys Simeon's eager and reverent acceptance of the infant Jesus. It implies a welcoming, an embracing, and an acknowledgment of the child's true identity, not merely a casual taking. This act of receiving is indicative of Simeon's spiritual readiness.
* **arms (Greek, _ankálē'_):** G43 refers to the "arm" as a curved limb, specifically suggesting an embrace. The image of Simeon taking Jesus "in his arms" is deeply tender and personal, signifying intimacy and protection. It evokes a sense of holding something precious and long-awaited, an embodiment of the "consolation of Israel" that Simeon had anticipated.
* **blessed (Greek, _eulogéō'_):** G2127, derived from "good" (eu) and "word" (logos), means "to speak well of," "to praise," or "to invoke a benediction upon." When directed towards God, as here, it signifies profound praise, adoration, and thanksgiving. Simeon's immediate response upon holding the Messiah is not to speak to others or to the child, but to direct his heartfelt praise and gratitude to God for fulfilling His ancient promises.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then took he him up in his arms":** This clause describes Simeon's immediate and tender physical act. Guided by the Holy Spirit, Simeon recognizes the infant Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah. His action of taking Jesus into his arms is a physical manifestation of his spiritual recognition and acceptance, a deeply personal and intimate encounter with the divine.
* **"and blessed God":** This phrase reveals Simeon's primary and spontaneous response: profound worship and thanksgiving directed towards God. His blessing of God is an outpouring of gratitude and adoration for the fulfillment of His promises, particularly the promise that Simeon would see the Messiah before his death. This act sets the tone for the prophetic song that follows.
* **"and said":** This simple conjunction introduces Simeon's subsequent prophetic utterance, known as the Nunc Dimittis. His words are not casual but are a divinely inspired declaration, flowing directly from his encounter with the Christ child and his preceding act of blessing God. It signals the transition from private worship to public proclamation.

#### Literary Devices
Luke employs several literary devices in Luke 2:28. The primary device is **Symbolism**: Simeon taking the infant Jesus into his arms is highly symbolic. It represents the culmination of Israel's long wait, the embrace of God's promised salvation, and the personal reception of the Messiah by a faithful remnant. It is a tangible act of faith. There is also an element of **Foreshadowing**, as Simeon's immediate blessing of God and subsequent prophetic words [Luke 2:29-32](/luke/2-29-32 "Luke 2:29-32 - Simeon's Song of Praise") foreshadow the universal scope of Jesus' mission and the light He will bring to the Gentiles, as well as the suffering He will endure. The narrative also uses **Juxtaposition** by placing the humble, vulnerable infant in the arms of an aged, devout man, highlighting the divine power manifested in weakness and the profound spiritual insight granted to those who wait faithfully.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 2:28 stands as a powerful testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient promises. Simeon's encounter with the infant Jesus underscores the theme of divine recognition, where spiritual discernment, guided by the Holy Spirit, apprehends the truth of God's redemptive work even in its most humble beginnings. This moment bridges the Old Testament expectation with the New Testament reality, demonstrating that the "consolation of Israel" had indeed arrived, not as a conquering king, but as a vulnerable child. Simeon's immediate response of blessing God exemplifies the appropriate human response to divine revelation: profound worship and gratitude for God's redemptive plan unfolding before one's eyes. It highlights that true worship flows from a heart that recognizes and rejoices in God's perfect timing and unwavering covenant love.

* [Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Abrahamic Covenant of Blessing")
* [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Servant as Light to the Gentiles")
* [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Exaltation of Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Simeon's story in Luke 2:28 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It calls us to cultivate a spirit of patient waiting, not for a future Messiah, but for God's ongoing work in our lives and in the world. Simeon's spiritual discernment, honed by righteousness and devotion, enabled him to recognize the Messiah in an unexpected form – a vulnerable infant. This challenges us to remain attentive to the Holy Spirit's leading, to see God's hand at work even in the ordinary, the humble, or the seemingly insignificant. Our response, like Simeon's, should be one of immediate and heartfelt worship, blessing God for His faithfulness, His perfect timing, and His unfolding purposes. This verse encourages us to embrace God's plan, even when it diverges from our expectations, and to respond with gratitude and praise for the salvation He has provided in Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Simeon's patient waiting for the Messiah challenge my own patience in waiting for God's promises or timing in my life?**
* **In what ways might I be prone to miss God's work because it doesn't align with my preconceived notions or expectations?**
* **What does Simeon's immediate response of "blessing God" teach me about the nature of true worship and gratitude in the face of divine revelation?**

### FAQ
**Who was Simeon, and why was his encounter with Jesus so significant?**

Answer: Simeon was a righteous and devout man living in Jerusalem, described in [Luke 2:25](/luke/2-25 "Luke 2:25 - Simeon's Righteousness") as "waiting for the consolation of Israel." The Holy Spirit was upon him, and it had been revealed to him that he would not die before seeing the Lord's Christ [Luke 2:26](/luke/2-26 "Luke 2:26 - Simeon's Prophecy"). His encounter with the infant Jesus is highly significant because it represents the culmination of centuries of Messianic expectation among faithful Jews. Simeon, guided by the Spirit, immediately recognizes this humble child as the promised deliverer, offering a powerful prophetic blessing and song of praise [Luke 2:29-32](/luke/2-29-32 "Luke 2:29-32 - Simeon's Song of Praise") that foretells Jesus' role as a light to the Gentiles and the glory of Israel. His recognition is a divine affirmation of Jesus' identity even in His infancy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Simeon's embrace of the infant Jesus in Luke 2:28 is a poignant moment that finds its Christ-centered fulfillment in the broader narrative of salvation history. Simeon, representing the faithful remnant of Israel, literally takes into his arms the One who is the "consolation of Israel" [Luke 2:25](/luke/2-25 "Luke 2:25 - Simeon's Righteousness") and the "salvation" prepared before the face of all peoples [Luke 2:30-31](/luke/2-30-31 "Luke 2:30-31 - Simeon's Prophecy of Salvation"). This physical act foreshadows the spiritual embrace of Christ by all who believe, Jew and Gentile alike. Jesus, the infant held in Simeon's arms, would grow to be the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), the very fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Abraham [Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - Christ, the Seed of Abraham"). Simeon's blessing of God upon seeing Jesus anticipates the ultimate praise and worship that will be offered to Christ, who, having accomplished redemption through His death and resurrection [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love"), is now exalted to the highest place, where every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Exaltation of Christ"). Thus, Simeon's reverent reception of the infant Messiah is a microcosm of the world's ultimate need and the divine provision found solely in Christ.

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

Luke 1:64

And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue [loosed], and he spake, and praised God.

Luke 2:20

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Luke 2:13

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Luke 2:14

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Psalms 135:19

Bless the LORD, O house of Israel: bless the LORD, O house of Aaron:

Psalms 135:20

Bless the LORD, O house of Levi: ye that fear the LORD, bless the LORD.

Luke 1:68

Blessed [be] the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people,