Luke 2:28
Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
Then
G2532
καὶ
Then
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτοῦ,
him
G846
αὐτοῦ,
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
2 of 14
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
ἐδέξατο
took he
G1209
ἐδέξατο
took he
Strong's:
G1209
Word #:
3 of 14
to receive (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
αὐτοῦ,
him
G846
αὐτοῦ,
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 14
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
εἰς
in
G1519
εἰς
in
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
5 of 14
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῦ,
him
G846
αὐτοῦ,
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 14
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
καὶ
Then
G2532
καὶ
Then
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εὐλόγησεν
blessed
G2127
εὐλόγησεν
blessed
Strong's:
G2127
Word #:
10 of 14
to speak well of, i.e., (religiously) to bless (thank or invoke a benediction upon, prosper)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸν
God
G2316
θεὸν
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
12 of 14
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
Historical Context
Jewish blessing (berakah) was the standard response to recognizing God's acts. Simeon's public blessing in the temple courts would have attracted attention, as elderly men didn't typically embrace strangers' infants. His prophetic authority, recognized by regular temple worshippers, lent weight to his declaration.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Simeon's immediate blessing of God teach about proper response to answered prayer?
- How does Simeon's physical embrace of Jesus picture faith's personal reception of Christ?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Then took he him up in his arms (καὶ αὐτὸς ἐδέξατο αὐτὸ εἰς τὰς ἀγκάλας, kai autos edexato auto eis tas agkalas)—The Greek verb dechomai means 'to receive' or 'welcome,' suggesting deliberate acceptance. Simeon physically embraces the infant Messiah, a prophetic act symbolizing Israel's longed-for reception of salvation.
And blessed God (εὐλόγησεν τὸν θεόν, eulogēsen ton theon)—Simeon's immediate response is doxology. Having received God's greatest gift, he returns praise. The moment fulfills decades of Spirit-sustained expectation, as the aged prophet cradles the infant King who would cradle him into eternal rest. This tender scene captures the intimacy between faith's patience and promise's fulfillment.