Luke 2:32

A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

A light {G5457} to {G1519} lighten {G602} the Gentiles {G1484}, and {G2532} the glory {G1391} of thy {G4675} people {G2992} Israel {G2474}.

a light that will bring revelation to the Goyim and glory to your people Isra'el."

a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to Your people Israel.”

A light for revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of thy people Israel.

Commentary

This verse is part of Simeon's prophecy (often called the Nunc Dimittis) when Mary and Joseph bring the infant Jesus to the temple for dedication according to the Law of Moses.

Context

Simeon, a righteous and devout man in Jerusalem, had been promised by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before seeing the Lord's Christ. When he saw the child Jesus in the temple, guided by the Spirit, he took Him in his arms and offered a prayer of praise to God. Verses 29-32 contain this prayer, acknowledging that he has seen the salvation God prepared, which this verse then expands upon.

See Simeon's full prayer starting in Luke 2:29.

Key Themes

  • Universal Salvation: The prophecy declares that Jesus' coming is not exclusively for the Jewish people but extends to the Gentiles, who would receive spiritual "light" through Him. This foreshadows the global mission of the church.
  • Jesus as Light: The term "light" symbolizes revelation, truth, salvation, and guidance, contrasting with the darkness of ignorance, sin, and separation from God. Jesus is presented as the source of this light for the entire world. This echoes prophecies like Isaiah 49:6.
  • Jesus as the Glory of Israel: While extending salvation globally, the prophecy also affirms Jesus' central importance to Israel. He is the fulfillment of God's promises to them, their Messiah, and the ultimate source of their national and spiritual glory.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "light" is phos (Ο†αΏΆΟ‚), commonly used in the New Testament to represent divine truth, life, and salvation, especially in contrast to spiritual darkness. "Glory" is doxa (δόξα), signifying honor, splendor, and eminence, here referring to Jesus as the ultimate honor and fulfillment for the people of Israel.

Reflection

Luke 2:32 is a profound declaration of the dual nature of Christ's mission: bringing salvation and revelation to all nations (Gentiles) while simultaneously being the promised Messiah and glory of Israel. It reminds us that God's plan of salvation, centered in Jesus, is vast enough to encompass the entire world, breaking down barriers between Jew and Gentile, yet remains rooted in His covenant with Israel. For believers today, it highlights the privilege of having received this "light" and the call to share the "glory" of Christ with others.

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Cross-References

  • Isaiah 60:1

    ΒΆ Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.

  • Isaiah 60:3

    And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.

  • Isaiah 49:6

    And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.

  • Acts 26:23

    That Christ should suffer, [and] that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.

  • Acts 13:47

    For so hath the Lord commanded us, [saying], I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.

  • Acts 13:48

    And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.

  • Isaiah 42:6

    I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;