Luke 2:26
And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτῷ
unto him
G846
αὐτῷ
unto him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 18
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
κεχρηματισμένον
revealed
G5537
κεχρηματισμένον
revealed
Strong's:
G5537
Word #:
4 of 18
to utter an oracle (compare the original sense of g5530), i.e., divinely intimate; by implication, (compare the secular sense of g5532) to constitute
ὑπὸ
by
G5259
ὑπὸ
by
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
5 of 18
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεύματος
Ghost
G4151
πνεύματος
Ghost
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
7 of 18
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
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἁγίου
the Holy
G40
ἁγίου
the Holy
Strong's:
G40
Word #:
9 of 18
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
10 of 18
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ἴδῃ
he had seen
G1492
ἴδῃ
he had seen
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
11 of 18
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
θάνατον
death
G2288
θάνατον
death
Strong's:
G2288
Word #:
12 of 18
(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)
ἴδῃ
he had seen
G1492
ἴδῃ
he had seen
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
15 of 18
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
John 8:51Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death.Hebrews 11:5By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.Luke 9:27But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God.Acts 10:38How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.Acts 2:36Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.Psalms 25:14The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.
Historical Context
The revelation came during decades or centuries of prophetic silence, sustaining Simeon's hope when others despaired. His prolonged life to witness Messiah's coming demonstrates God's sovereign control over life and death to accomplish His purposes. The Spirit's promise prepared one witness to testify to Jesus's identity.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's specific promises to individuals sustain them through long waiting?
- What does Simeon's prolonged life teach about God's sovereignty over death's timing?
- How does the Spirit's revelation enable recognition of Christ when others miss Him?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Simeon's revelation 'by the Holy Ghost that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ' demonstrates God's gracious encouragement to His servants. The passive construction 'it was revealed' emphasizes God's initiative in making known what couldn't be discovered naturally. The Holy Spirit's specific promise sustained Simeon through years of waiting, showing how divine assurance enables patient endurance. The phrase 'the Lord's Christ' (Messiah) shows Simeon expected God's Anointed One. That God gave this personal revelation demonstrates His pastoral care, ensuring one faithful servant would recognize and testify to Messiah. This promise's fulfillment validates faith and demonstrates God's faithfulness to His word.