Luke 2:34 (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.
As quoted in the map (KJV)
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;
Key words
- εἰς πτῶσιν καὶ ἀνάστασινeis ptōsin kai anastasin · Greek
- 'for the fall and rising again' — the child will divide Israel.
- σημεῖον ἀντιλεγόμενονsēmeion antilegomenon · Greek
- 'a sign which shall be spoken against' — a contradicted sign, pointing to the cross.
Why it matters
Simeon blesses the couple and then speaks to Mary alone, telling her that her son will be a sign spoken against and that a sword will pierce her own soul (v. 35). Pitre reads Simeon's oracle as binding Mary to her Son's rejection and passion. The sorrow foretold here is the New Rachel's sorrow, through which she will bear a second son at the cross.