Luke 2:25
And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Ἰερουσαλὴμ
Jerusalem
G2419
Ἰερουσαλὴμ
Jerusalem
Strong's:
G2419
Word #:
6 of 26
hierusalem (i.e., jerushalem), the capitol of palestine
ᾧ
whose
G3739
ᾧ
whose
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
7 of 26
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ὄνομα
name
G3686
ὄνομα
name
Strong's:
G3686
Word #:
8 of 26
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
Συμεών
was Simeon
G4826
Συμεών
was Simeon
Strong's:
G4826
Word #:
9 of 26
symeon (i.e., shimon), the name of five israelites
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὗτος
the same
G3778
οὗτος
the same
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
13 of 26
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
δίκαιος
was just
G1342
δίκαιος
was just
Strong's:
G1342
Word #:
14 of 26
equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εὐλαβής
devout
G2126
εὐλαβής
devout
Strong's:
G2126
Word #:
16 of 26
taking well (carefully), i.e., circumspect (religiously, pious)
προσδεχόμενος
waiting
G4327
προσδεχόμενος
waiting
Strong's:
G4327
Word #:
17 of 26
to admit (to intercourse, hospitality, credence, or (figuratively) endurance); by implication, to await (with confidence or patience)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰσραήλ
of Israel
G2474
Ἰσραήλ
of Israel
Strong's:
G2474
Word #:
20 of 26
israel (i.e., jisrael), the adopted name of jacob, including his descendants (literally or figuratively)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
21 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πνεῦμα
Ghost
G4151
πνεῦμα
Ghost
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
22 of 26
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
ἅγιον
the Holy
G40
ἅγιον
the Holy
Strong's:
G40
Word #:
23 of 26
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
Cross References
Isaiah 25:9And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.Luke 1:6And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.Luke 2:38And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.Mark 15:43Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.Luke 1:41And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:Isaiah 40:1Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.2 Peter 1:21For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.Luke 23:51(The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) he was of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the kingdom of God.
Historical Context
Between the testaments (400 years of prophetic silence), faithful Jews like Simeon kept messianic hope alive through study of Scripture and prayer. His presence in the temple at Jesus' dedication (40 days after birth, Leviticus 12:2-4) was Spirit-directed divine appointment. Anna the prophetess (vv.36-38) similarly represented faithful waiting. These two witnesses validate Jesus' identity within the temple itself, the heart of Jewish worship.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Simeon's patient waiting teach about faith that persists through long periods of God's apparent silence?
- How does the Holy Spirit's work in Simeon demonstrate God's faithfulness to preserve a remnant who will recognize Messiah?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Simeon is introduced: 'And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel' (καὶ ἰδοὺ ἄνθρωπος ἦν ἐν Ἰερουσαλὴμ ᾧ ὄνομα Συμεών, καὶ ὁ ἄνθρωπος οὗτος δίκαιος καὶ εὐλαβής, προσδεχόμενος παράκλησιν τοῦ Ἰσραήλ). 'Dikaios' (δίκαιος, just/righteous) and 'eulabēs' (εὐλαβής, devout/reverent) describe his character. The phrase 'waiting for the consolation of Israel' (προσδεχόμενος παράκλησιν τοῦ Ἰσραήλ) refers to messianic hope—'paraklēsis' (παράκλησις) means comfort or encouragement, recalling Isaiah 40:1-2. Simeon represents faithful remnant Israel, patiently awaiting God's promises. That 'the Holy Ghost was upon him' (v.25) indicates special prophetic enablement rare in this period.