Luke 2:34

KJV

And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this [child] is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} Simeon {G4826} blessed {G2127} them {G846}, and {G2532} said {G2036} unto {G4314} Mary {G3137} his {G846} mother {G3384}, Behold {G2400}, this {G3778} child is set {G2749} for {G1519} the fall {G4431} and {G2532} rising again {G386} of many {G4183} in {G1722} Israel {G2474}; and {G2532} for {G1519} a sign {G4592} which shall be spoken against {G483};

Complete Jewish Bible

Shim`on blessed them and said to the child's mother, Miryam, "This child will cause many in Isra'el to fall and to rise, he will become a sign whom people will speak against;

Berean Standard Bible

Then Simeon blessed them and said to His mother Mary: “Behold, this Child is appointed to cause the rise and fall of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against,

American Standard Version

and Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the falling and the rising of many in Israel; and for a sign which is spoken against;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 2:34 records the prophetic words of Simeon to Mary concerning her infant son, Jesus. This profound declaration reveals that Jesus is divinely appointed to be a catalyst for spiritual division and transformation within Israel, leading to the "fall" of some and the "rising again" of others, based on their response to Him. Furthermore, Simeon foretells that Jesus will be a "sign" that provokes intense opposition and contradiction, foreshadowing the widespread rejection and hostility He would endure throughout His earthly ministry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Simeon's prophecy in [Luke 2:34](/luke/2-34 "Luke 2:34 - Simeon's Prophecy to Mary") is nestled within the broader narrative of Jesus' dedication at the Temple, as described in [Luke 2:22-40](/luke/2-22-40 "Luke 2:22-40 - Jesus' Dedication at the Temple"). Following the purification rites for Mary and the presentation of Jesus as her firstborn son, Simeon, a righteous and devout man, is led by the Holy Spirit to the Temple. He had received a divine promise that he would not die before seeing the Messiah ([Luke 2:26](/luke/2-26 "Luke 2:26 - Simeon's Divine Promise")). Upon holding the infant Jesus, Simeon offers a prayer of thanksgiving and blessing (the "Nunc Dimittis" in [Luke 2:29-32](/luke/2-29-32 "Luke 2:29-32 - Simeon's Prayer of Thanksgiving")), acknowledging Jesus as God's salvation. Immediately after this prayer, he turns to Mary and delivers the specific, poignant prophecy of [Luke 2:34-35](/luke/2-34-35 "Luke 2:34-35 - Simeon's Prophecy of Division and Mary's Sorrow"), which includes the foretelling of a "sword" piercing Mary's own soul. This prophecy serves as a stark counterpoint to the joyful anticipation surrounding Jesus' birth, introducing the theme of conflict and suffering that would characterize His mission.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of [Luke 2:34](/luke/2-34 "Luke 2:34 - Simeon's Prophecy") take place in the Temple in Jerusalem, approximately forty days after Jesus' birth, in accordance with the Mosaic Law. [Leviticus 12:1-8](/leviticus/12-1-8 "Leviticus 12:1-8 - Laws of Purification After Childbirth") prescribed a period of ritual impurity for a mother after childbirth, followed by a purification offering. Additionally, the firstborn male was to be consecrated to the Lord ([Exodus 13:2](/exodus/13-2 "Exodus 13:2 - Consecration of the Firstborn")), a practice that evolved into a redemption payment ([Numbers 18:15-16](/numbers/18-15-16 "Numbers 18:15-16 - Redemption of the Firstborn")). Simeon's presence and prophetic utterance reflect the deep messianic expectation prevalent in Israel during this period. Many devout Jews, like Simeon and Anna ([Luke 2:36-38](/luke/2-36-38 "Luke 2:36-38 - Anna's Prophecy")), were eagerly awaiting the "consolation of Israel" or the "redemption of Jerusalem," believing that the Messiah would bring about national liberation and spiritual renewal. However, the nature of this Messiah and His mission was often misunderstood, leading to diverse reactions and ultimately, the division Simeon prophesied.

* **Key Themes:** Simeon's prophecy contributes significantly to several key themes within the Gospel of Luke and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **Divine Purpose and Sovereignty** of God in sending Jesus. Jesus' mission is not accidental but "set" (appointed) by God for a specific, transformative outcome. Secondly, it highlights the **Divisive Nature of the Messiah**. Jesus would not bring universal peace and acceptance in the way many anticipated; instead, His coming would expose the true spiritual condition of hearts, leading to a separation between those who accept and those who reject Him. This theme resonates with Jesus' later declaration that He came not to bring peace but a sword ([Matthew 10:34](/matthew/10-34 "Matthew 10:34 - Jesus, the Divider")). Thirdly, the prophecy foreshadows the **Opposition and Suffering** Jesus would endure. The phrase "a sign which shall be spoken against" powerfully anticipates the relentless verbal and physical hostility Jesus would face from religious leaders and others, culminating in His crucifixion. This theme is echoed throughout the Gospels, such as when Jesus laments Jerusalem's rejection ([Luke 13:34](/luke/13-34 "Luke 13:34 - Jesus Laments Over Jerusalem")). Finally, it touches upon the theme of **Salvation and Judgment**, indicating that Jesus' arrival would be the decisive factor for many, leading either to spiritual restoration (rising) or spiritual ruin (fall), depending on their response to His person and message.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **set (Greek, _keîmai'_):** From G2749, meaning "to lie outstretched (literally or figuratively)." In this context, it signifies a divine appointment or designation. Jesus is not merely present but purposefully placed by God for a specific, predetermined outcome. This emphasizes the sovereign will of God behind His mission.
* **fall (Greek, _ptōsis'_):** From G4431, meaning "a crash, i.e. downfall (literally or figuratively)." It denotes ruin, destruction, or spiritual collapse. For those who reject Jesus, His coming would lead to their spiritual undoing and judgment, revealing their unrighteousness and bringing about their condemnation.
* **rising again (Greek, _anástasis'_):** From G386, meaning "a standing up again, i.e. (literally) a resurrection from death... or (figuratively) a (moral) recovery (of spiritual truth)." Here, it refers to spiritual restoration, revival, and elevation. For those who embrace Jesus, His coming would bring about spiritual renewal, justification, and a new life in God.
* **spoken against (Greek, _antilégō'_):** From G483, meaning "to dispute, refuse." This word, in its passive form, describes something that will be contradicted, opposed, or gainsaid. It highlights the active, verbal, and often hostile opposition Jesus would face, becoming a point of contention and controversy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother,"**: This opening clause sets the scene for the prophecy, emphasizing Simeon's authority as a man blessed by the Holy Spirit and the direct, personal nature of his address to Mary. The blessing signifies divine favor and approval, while the direct address to Mary underscores the profound, and at times painful, implications of this prophecy for her as Jesus' mother.
* **"Behold, this [child] is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel;"**: Simeon issues a solemn declaration, drawing attention to Jesus' divinely appointed purpose. The phrase "is set" (G2749 _keîmai_) indicates a preordained destiny. Jesus' advent will act as a spiritual touchstone, revealing the true spiritual state of individuals within Israel. For some, His presence and message will lead to spiritual "fall" (G4431 _ptōsis_), signifying judgment, ruin, or condemnation due to their rejection of Him. For others, it will lead to "rising again" (G386 _anástasis_), indicating spiritual restoration, salvation, and elevation through faith in Him. This highlights the inherent divisive nature of Christ's mission.
* **"and for a sign which shall be spoken against;"**: Beyond His role in spiritual transformation, Jesus is also designated as a "sign" (G4592 _sēmeîon_)—a miraculous or significant indicator of God's presence and work. However, this sign will be actively "spoken against" (G483 _antilégō_), meaning it will be contradicted, opposed, and gainsaid. This foreshadows the intense hostility, verbal attacks, and rejection Jesus would face throughout His ministry, culminating in His crucifixion. He would be a figure of controversy, a stumbling block to many, and a constant target of opposition from those who refused to believe in Him.

#### Literary Devices
Luke's narrative in [Luke 2:34](/luke/2-34 "Luke 2:34 - Simeon's Prophecy") employs several powerful literary devices. **Prophecy** is the overarching device, as Simeon delivers a divinely inspired foretelling of Jesus' future impact. This prophecy is characterized by **Antithesis**, specifically in the pairing of "fall and rising again." This stark contrast highlights the binary outcome of encountering Jesus: one either falls into judgment or rises into salvation, leaving no neutral ground. The phrase "a sign which shall be spoken against" serves as potent **Foreshadowing**, preparing the reader for the significant opposition and suffering that Jesus will endure throughout His public ministry, culminating in His rejection and crucifixion. There is also an element of **Irony** in this prophecy; while the birth of a Messiah was eagerly anticipated as a source of unity and national triumph, Simeon reveals that this Messiah will, paradoxically, be a source of profound division and conflict.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Simeon's prophecy in [Luke 2:34](/luke/2-34 "Luke 2:34 - Simeon's Prophecy") establishes Jesus as the ultimate dividing line for humanity. His coming compels a decision, revealing the true spiritual condition of every heart. This division is not arbitrary but flows from God's sovereign plan, where Jesus serves as the touchstone by which all are judged. For those who acknowledge Him as Lord and Savior, He brings spiritual resurrection and life; for those who reject Him, He becomes a stumbling block leading to spiritual ruin. This dual outcome underscores the profound seriousness of one's response to Christ and the gospel message, which inherently separates believers from unbelievers. The "sign which shall be spoken against" also connects to the suffering servant motif, where the Messiah, though divine, would face intense human opposition.

* [Isaiah 8:14](/isaiah/8-14 "A Stone of Stumbling and a Rock of Offense")
* [Romans 9:33](/romans/9-33 "Christ as a Stumbling Block")
* [1 Peter 2:7-8](/1_peter/2-7-8 "Christ, the Cornerstone and Stumbling Stone")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Simeon's prophecy serves as a timeless reminder that Jesus Christ is not a passive figure but an active, transformative force who demands a response. For every individual, encountering Jesus means confronting a choice that determines spiritual destiny: either to embrace Him and experience spiritual "rising again" into new life and reconciliation with God, or to reject Him and face spiritual "fall" into judgment and separation. This truth compels us to examine our own hearts and ensure our posture is one of humble submission and faith. Furthermore, the prophecy that Jesus would be "a sign which shall be spoken against" prepares believers for the reality of opposition in their own lives. As followers of Christ, we too may be "spoken against" for our allegiance to Him, for upholding His truth, or for living according to His principles in a world that often contradicts them. This should not deter us but rather strengthen our resolve, knowing that we share in the experience of our Lord. It also underscores the urgency of sharing the gospel, recognizing that it is the message that brings life to some and exposes the unbelief of others, always demanding a decisive response.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways have you experienced Jesus as a "sign which shall be spoken against" in your own life or in the lives of those around you?**
* **How does the concept of Jesus being "set for the fall and rising again" challenge or affirm your understanding of His mission and impact on individuals?**
* **Considering that Jesus divides, how does this truth influence your approach to sharing the gospel with others, knowing that not all will receive it?**

### FAQ

**What does "fall and rising again" primarily refer to in this verse?**

Answer: While the terms "fall" (G4431 _ptōsis_) and "rising again" (G386 _anástasis_) can have various meanings, in [Luke 2:34](/luke/2-34 "Luke 2:34 - Simeon's Prophecy"), they primarily refer to the spiritual state and destiny of individuals in Israel. "Fall" signifies spiritual ruin, judgment, or condemnation for those who reject Jesus. "Rising again" denotes spiritual restoration, salvation, and elevation for those who embrace Him. It's about their response to Jesus determining their spiritual standing before God, rather than a literal physical death and resurrection for every individual. Jesus' coming would expose the true condition of hearts, leading some to spiritual life and others to spiritual ruin.

**Why would Jesus be "a sign which shall be spoken against"?**

Answer: The phrase "a sign which shall be spoken against" (G483 _antilégō_) indicates that Jesus would be a figure of intense controversy and opposition. This prophecy foreshadowed the widespread rejection, contradiction, and hostility Jesus would face throughout His ministry. He challenged established religious norms, exposed hypocrisy, claimed divine authority, and ultimately offered a kingdom that was not of this world, which clashed with the expectations of many, especially the religious leaders. His teachings and claims were often disputed, leading to verbal attacks, accusations, and ultimately His crucifixion. He became a "stumbling block" to many ([Romans 9:33](/romans/9-33 "Romans 9:33 - Christ as a Stumbling Block")), precisely because His truth demanded a radical reorientation of life and belief.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Simeon's prophecy in [Luke 2:34](/luke/2-34 "Luke 2:34 - Simeon's Prophecy") finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the entirety of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. Jesus is indeed "set for the fall and rising again" as His very presence and message forced a decisive response. Those who, like the repentant thief on the cross ([Luke 23:42-43](/luke/23-42-43 "Luke 23:42-43 - Jesus and the Repentant Thief")), turned to Him in faith experienced spiritual "rising again," a new life in God's grace. Conversely, those who, like the religious leaders who plotted His death ([John 11:47-53](/john/11-47-53 "John 11:47-53 - The Plot to Kill Jesus")), rejected and opposed Him, experienced a spiritual "fall," demonstrating their condemnation under God's righteous judgment. Jesus perfectly embodied the "sign which shall be spoken against" as He consistently faced contradiction and hostility, from the accusations of blasphemy ([Mark 2:7](/mark/2-7 "Mark 2:7 - Jesus Forgives Sins")) to the rejection by His own people ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - Jesus Rejected by His Own")). His crucifixion, the ultimate act of being "spoken against," paradoxically became the means of salvation, demonstrating that through His atoning sacrifice ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")), He became 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")), offering resurrection life to all who believe, even as He remains a stumbling block to those who refuse Him ([1 Corinthians 1:23](/1_corinthians/1-23 "1 Corinthians 1:23 - Christ Crucified, a Stumbling Block")).

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

1 Corinthians 1:23

But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;

1 Peter 2:7

Unto you therefore which believe [he is] precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,

1 Peter 2:8

And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, [even to them] which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.

Isaiah 8:14

And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

Isaiah 8:15

And many among them shall stumble, and fall, and be broken, and be snared, and be taken.

Matthew 21:44

And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.

Acts 9:1

¶ And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,