Luke 2:34

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

33 The Child’s father and mother were amazed at what was spoken about Him.

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,

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

36 There was also a prophetess named Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher, who was well along in years. She had been married for seven years,

Here the Bible tells a story about someone else. Ask yourself what it can say to us today. Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
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,
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;
WEB
Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary, his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which is spoken against.
ASV
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;
DARBY
And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary his mother, Lo, this [child] is set for the fall and rising up of many in Israel, and for a sign spoken against;
BLB
And Simeon blessed them and said to His mother Mary: “Behold, this [Child] is appointed for the falling and rising up of many in Israel, and for a sign spoken against—
ÅB
Og Simeon velsignet dem, og sa til hans mor Maria: Se, denne er satt til fall og oppreisning for mange i Israel, og til et tegn som blir motsagt;
OTB
Simeon velsignet dem og sa til Maria, hans mor: "Se, dette barn er satt til fall og oppreisning for mange i Israel, og til et tegn som blir motsagt,
B1930
Og Simeon velsignet dem, og sa til hans mor Maria: Se, denne er satt til fall og opreisning for mange i Israel, og til et tegn som blir motsagt;

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • 1 Corinthians 1:23

    but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles,

    Read in context
  • 1 Peter 2:7–8

    To you who believe, then, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,”

    Read in context
  • Isaiah 8:14–15

    And He will be a sanctuary— but to both houses of Israel a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense, to the dwellers of Jerusalem a trap and a snare.

    Read in context
  • Matthew 21:44

    He who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces, but he on whom it falls will be crushed.”

    Read in context
  • 2 Corinthians 2:15–16

    For we are to God the sweet aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.

    Read in context
  • Acts 9:1–20

    Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the disciples of the Lord. He approached the high priest

    Read in context
  • Hosea 14:9

    Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them. For the ways of the LORD are right, and the righteous walk in them but the rebellious stumble in them.

    Read in context
  • Acts 17:6

    But when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some other brothers before the city officials, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down have now come here,

    Read in context