Luke 2:35

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

(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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 2:35 is a profound prophetic utterance from Simeon to Mary, the mother of Jesus, delivered during the infant Messiah's dedication at the Temple. It foretells a deep, soul-piercing sorrow Mary would experience, metaphorically described as a sword, and connects this suffering to the ultimate purpose of Jesus' ministry: to reveal the true intentions and spiritual condition of humanity, exposing the hidden thoughts and allegiances within many hearts.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Simeon's initial prophecy concerning Jesus in [Luke 2:34](/luke/2-34 "Luke 2:34 - Simeon's Prophecy to Mary and Joseph"), where he declares Jesus is destined for the "fall and rising again of many in Israel" and to be "a sign which shall be spoken against." The shift in [Luke 2:35](/luke/2-35 "Luke 2:35 - Simeon's Prophecy to Mary") is a direct address to Mary, singling her out for a personal prophecy of suffering that parallels, yet is distinct from, the broader societal division Jesus will cause. It serves as a somber counterpoint to the joy of the birth narrative, hinting at the costly nature of the Messiah's mission and Mary's unique role within it. This passage is part of the broader narrative of Jesus' infancy, which includes the angelic announcements, the shepherds' visit, and the visit of the wise men, all pointing to Jesus' identity as the long-awaited Savior.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The dedication of a firstborn male child and the purification of the mother, as described in [Luke 2:22-24](/luke/2-22-24 "Luke 2:22-24 - Jesus' Presentation at the Temple"), were practices rooted in Mosaic Law (e.g., [Exodus 13:2](/exodus/13-2 "Exodus 13:2 - Consecration of the Firstborn") and [Leviticus 12](/leviticus/12 "Leviticus 12 - Laws Concerning Childbirth")). Mary and Joseph, devout Jews, were adhering to these traditions. The Temple in Jerusalem was the spiritual center of Jewish life, a place where prophecies were often revealed and divine encounters occurred. Simeon, described as "just and devout" and "waiting for the consolation of Israel" in [Luke 2:25](/luke/2-25 "Luke 2:25 - Simeon Awaits the Messiah"), represents the faithful remnant of Israel who earnestly anticipated the Messiah's coming. His prophecy, therefore, carries significant weight within the Jewish expectation of a deliverer.
* **Key Themes:** The themes in [Luke 2](/luke/2 "Luke 2 - The Birth of Jesus and Early Life") are rich and multifaceted. This verse contributes significantly to the theme of **Jesus as a sign of division and revelation**. His coming would not bring universal peace and acceptance, but rather would expose the true spiritual state of individuals, leading to either salvation or condemnation, as hinted at in [Luke 2:34](/luke/2-34 "Luke 2:34 - Simeon's Prophecy"). Furthermore, it introduces the theme of **suffering and sorrow** that would accompany the Messiah's mission, not only for Jesus himself but also for those intimately connected to Him, particularly Mary. This foreshadows the profound anguish Mary would endure, culminating at the cross (cf. [John 19:25](/john/19-25 "John 19:25 - Mary at the Cross")). The verse also subtly underscores **divine sovereignty**, indicating that these challenging outcomes are part of God's predetermined plan for salvation and judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sword (Greek, _rhomphaía'_):** This term refers to a large, long, and broad cutlass or saber, often associated with judgment or severe wounding. Its use here is clearly metaphorical, signifying an intense, deep, and penetrating emotional pain rather than physical injury. It powerfully conveys the profound anguish Mary would experience.
* **soul (Greek, _psychḗ'_):** In this context, _psychḗ_ refers to Mary's innermost being—her emotions, will, mind, and very essence. It emphasizes that the "sword" would pierce not just her body, but the core of her identity and emotional existence, highlighting the depth of the sorrow she would endure as the mother of the suffering Messiah.
* **revealed (Greek, _apokalýptō'_):** This word means "to uncover," "to disclose," or "to bring to light." It signifies the act of making manifest what was previously hidden or unknown. In this verse, it indicates that Jesus' life, teachings, and ultimately His redemptive work, would serve as a divine catalyst, exposing the true character, intentions, and spiritual condition of people's hearts.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"(Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,)"**: This clause is a direct, personal prophecy to Mary, foretelling a future of profound emotional suffering. The "sword" is a vivid metaphor for the deep anguish and sorrow she would experience, particularly in witnessing her Son's rejection, suffering, and crucifixion. The inclusion of "also" connects her suffering to the broader division Jesus would cause, suggesting her pain is part of the larger divine plan.
* **"that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."**: This is a purpose clause, explaining *why* Mary's suffering and Jesus' ministry are necessary. Jesus' presence and work would act as a divine litmus test, bringing to light the hidden intentions, allegiances, and true spiritual state of individuals. His life would force people to confront their beliefs and make a decision about who He is, thereby exposing the genuine faith, hypocrisy, or unbelief residing within their hearts.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 2:35 is rich in **Symbolism** and **Foreshadowing**. The "sword" is a powerful **metaphor** for the intense, soul-deep sorrow Mary would endure, particularly in witnessing her Son's suffering and death. This is a clear instance of **foreshadowing**, preparing the reader for the anguish Mary would experience at the foot of the cross, as recorded in [John 19:25](/john/19-25 "John 19:25 - Mary at the Cross"). The second part of the verse, "that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed," employs a **purpose clause** to explain the divine intent behind both Mary's suffering and Jesus' ministry. It foreshadows Jesus' role as a divine revealer, whose life and teachings would expose the true spiritual condition of humanity, acting as a catalyst for division and judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 2:35 stands as a pivotal prophetic statement, intertwining the personal suffering of Mary with the universal revealing work of Jesus. Theologically, it underscores that the path of salvation, though bringing ultimate joy, is often paved with suffering, even for those closest to the Messiah. Mary's sorrow is not punitive but redemptive in its context, part of the larger divine narrative of Christ's mission to confront and conquer sin. The verse also highlights Jesus' role as the ultimate revealer of truth. His presence in the world forces a decision, bringing to light the hidden motivations, allegiances, and spiritual conditions of every human heart. This revelation is both a necessary step towards salvation for those who believe and a basis for judgment for those who reject Him.

* [John 19:25](/john/19-25 "John 19:25 - Mary at the Cross")
* [Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "Hebrews 4:12 - The Living and Active Word of God")
* [John 3:19-21](/john/3-19-21 "John 3:19-21 - Light and Darkness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 2:35 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. First, it reminds us that following Christ, even in the most intimate ways, does not guarantee an absence of sorrow or hardship. Mary, blessed among women, was also destined for deep pain. This calls us to embrace a realistic view of discipleship, acknowledging that faithfulness may involve suffering for the sake of the Gospel. Second, the verse challenges us to consider how Jesus' presence reveals the thoughts of our own hearts. His teachings, His life, and the very Gospel itself act as a divine mirror, exposing our true motivations, our hidden biases, and the genuine state of our faith. Do we welcome this revelation, allowing the "sword" of truth to pierce our souls and expose what needs to be transformed? Or do we resist the light, preferring to keep our true thoughts hidden? This verse encourages a posture of humility and openness before God, inviting His Word to discern the intentions of our hearts, leading to genuine repentance and alignment with His will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might following Christ lead to personal sorrow or challenge, even today?**
* **How does Jesus' life and teaching reveal the true thoughts and intentions of your own heart?**
* **What "hidden thoughts" or motivations might God be seeking to expose and transform in your life through His Word?**
* **How can you cultivate a heart that is open and receptive to the revealing work of the Holy Spirit, even when it brings discomfort?**

### FAQ

**What is the "sword" referring to in Luke 2:35?**

Answer: The "sword" is a powerful metaphor for the profound emotional pain and sorrow that Mary, Jesus' mother, would experience throughout her life, particularly as she witnessed her Son's rejection, suffering, and crucifixion. It does not refer to a literal physical sword or a wound, but rather to a deep, soul-piercing anguish that would affect her innermost being. This prophecy foreshadows her presence at the foot of the cross, a moment of immense grief for any mother, especially for the mother of the Messiah (see [John 19:25](/john/19-25 "John 19:25 - Mary at the Cross")).

**How does Jesus "reveal the thoughts of many hearts"?**

Answer: Jesus reveals the thoughts of many hearts through His very presence, His teachings, His life, and ultimately His death and resurrection. He is the divine "litmus test" for humanity. When people encounter Jesus, they are confronted with truth, grace, and righteousness, which forces them to make a decision about Him. This decision-making process, whether to accept or reject Him, exposes their true spiritual condition, their hidden motives, their allegiances, and the genuine state of their faith or unbelief. As [John 3:19-21](/john/3-19-21 "John 3:19-21 - Light and Darkness") states, "light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil." Jesus, as the Light, brings everything into the open.

**Does this prophecy imply Mary was sinful or needed a "sword" for her own salvation?**

Answer: No, this prophecy does not imply Mary was sinful or that the "sword" was for her own salvation. The "sword" refers to her suffering as the mother of the Messiah, not as a judgment against her. Mary is consistently portrayed as a devout and faithful servant of the Lord (see [Luke 1:38](/luke/1-38 "Luke 1:38 - Mary's Submission")). Her suffering is intrinsically linked to her unique role in God's redemptive plan, sharing in the cost of her Son's mission. It highlights the profound personal sacrifice involved in being the mother of the Savior, whose path would lead to the cross.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 2:35 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Himself. While Simeon's prophecy directly addresses Mary's impending sorrow, it simultaneously points to the very essence of Christ's ministry: to divide and to reveal. Jesus, the "sign which shall be spoken against" ([Luke 2:34](/luke/2-34 "Luke 2:34 - Simeon's Prophecy to Mary and Joseph")), became the ultimate touchstone for humanity, exposing the true state of every heart. His teachings, such as the Sermon on the Mount ([Matthew 5-7](/matthew/5-7 "Matthew 5-7 - The Sermon on the Mount")), challenged conventional righteousness and revealed the depth of human sinfulness. His miracles, while acts of compassion, often provoked either faith or hardened opposition, laying bare the intentions of those who witnessed them (e.g., [John 11:47-48](/john/11-47-48 "John 11:47-48 - The Plot to Kill Jesus")). Most profoundly, the cross itself, where Mary's soul was indeed pierced by sorrow ([John 19:25](/john/19-25 "John 19:25 - Mary at the Cross")), served as the ultimate revelation. It exposed the depths of human sin and rebellion, yet simultaneously revealed the boundless love and righteousness of God. Through His suffering, death, and resurrection, Jesus brought to light the hidden thoughts concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment ([John 16:8](/john/16-8 "John 16:8 - The Work of the Holy Spirit")), offering salvation to those whose hearts were revealed as receptive to His grace and condemning those who clung to their darkness. Thus, Jesus is the ultimate fulfiller of this prophecy, being both the cause of the revelation and the one through whom hearts are transformed.

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 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.