Luke 2:35

(Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

(Yea {G1161}, a sword {G4501} shall pierce through {G1330} thy {G4675} own {G846} soul {G5590} also {G2532},) that {G3704} the thoughts {G1261} of {G1537} many {G4183} hearts {G2588}{G302} may be revealed {G601}.

moreover, a sword will pierce your own heart too. All this will happen in order to reveal many people's inmost thoughts."

so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed— and a sword will pierce your soul as well.”

yea and a sword shall pierce through thine own soul; that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed.

Context of Luke 2:35

This poignant verse is part of Simeon's prophetic blessing and warning delivered to Mary and Joseph when they brought the infant Jesus to the Temple for dedication, as prescribed by Mosaic Law. Following his declaration that Jesus is "set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be spoken against" (Luke 2:34), Simeon turns directly to Mary, delivering a personal prophecy concerning her future sorrow. This moment underscores the divine significance of Jesus' birth and the challenging path ahead for both the Messiah and His mother.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Mary's Profound Sorrow: The phrase "a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also" is a powerful metaphor for the intense emotional pain and suffering Mary would experience. This prophecy foreshadows her deep anguish, particularly as she would witness her son's rejection, suffering, and crucifixion (John 19:25). It highlights the costly nature of her role as the mother of the Savior.
  • Jesus as a Revealer of Hearts: The purpose clause, "that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed," points to one of Jesus' primary ministries. His life, teachings, and ultimately His death and resurrection, would serve as a divine litmus test, exposing the true intentions, allegiances, and spiritual condition of individuals. People would be forced to confront their beliefs and make a decision about who Jesus is, thereby revealing the hidden thoughts and motives within their hearts.
  • Divine Purpose in Suffering and Revelation: This verse indicates that both Mary's suffering and the revelation of hearts are part of God's sovereign plan. Jesus' presence in the world would not bring universal peace and acceptance, but rather a division, bringing truth to light and exposing sin, hypocrisy, and genuine faith.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "sword" here is machaira (μάχαιρα), which refers to a short sword or dagger, often used for close combat. Its metaphorical use here powerfully conveys deep emotional wounding, not physical harm. The term "soul" (psychē, ψυχή) in this context refers to Mary's innermost being, her emotions, will, and very essence, emphasizing the profound depth of the sorrow predicted. "Revealed" comes from apokalyptō (ἀποκαλύπτω), meaning to uncover, disclose, or bring to light, underscoring the idea that Jesus' ministry would bring hidden things into the open.

Practical Application

Luke 2:35 reminds us that following Christ, whether as His mother or as a disciple, often involves facing challenges and sorrows. Just as Jesus' presence revealed the true nature of hearts in His time, His teachings and the Gospel continue to challenge us today, prompting us to examine our own hearts. Are our thoughts aligned with God's truth, or do we resist the light He brings (John 3:19)? This verse encourages us to allow God's Word to discern the thoughts and intentions of our hearts, leading to genuine transformation (Hebrews 4:12).

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 Corinthians 11:19

    For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.

  • Deuteronomy 8:2

    And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, [and] to prove thee, to know what [was] in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no.

  • Matthew 12:24

    But when the Pharisees heard [it], they said, This [fellow] doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.

  • Matthew 12:35

    A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.

  • Judges 5:15

    And the princes of Issachar [were] with Deborah; even Issachar, and also Barak: he was sent on foot into the valley. For the divisions of Reuben [there were] great thoughts of heart.

  • Judges 5:16

    Why abodest thou among the sheepfolds, to hear the bleatings of the flocks? For the divisions of Reuben [there were] great searchings of heart.

  • John 15:22

    If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin.
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