Luke 2:30
For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
Original Language Analysis
ὅτι
For
G3754
ὅτι
For
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
1 of 8
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
εἶδον
have seen
G1492
εἶδον
have seen
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
2 of 8
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 8
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὀφθαλμοί
eyes
G3788
ὀφθαλμοί
eyes
Strong's:
G3788
Word #:
4 of 8
the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 8
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Luke 3:6And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.Isaiah 49:6And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.Isaiah 52:10The LORD hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.Genesis 49:18I have waited for thy salvation, O LORD.
Historical Context
In Luke's theology, salvation (sōtēria) encompasses forgiveness of sins (1:77), deliverance from enemies, healing, and restoration. Simeon's declaration that salvation would be 'prepared before the face of all people' (v.31) challenged Jewish assumptions about Gentile exclusion. Within 20 years of Jesus' resurrection, the gospel would reach Rome, Antioch, and beyond, vindicating Simeon's prophecy. The humble presentation of a poor couple's baby became the hinge-point of salvation history.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Simeon's identification of the infant Jesus as salvation itself deepen our understanding of the incarnation?
- What does Simeon's prophecy about Gentile inclusion teach about God's universal saving purposes?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Simeon declares: 'For mine eyes have seen thy salvation' (ὅτι εἶδον οἱ ὀφθαλμοί μου τὸ σωτήριόν σου). The perfect tense 'eidon' (εἶδον, have seen) emphasizes completed action with continuing effects—he has seen and continues to possess this vision. 'Sōtērion' (σωτήριον, salvation) is neuter, referring to the means or instrument of salvation—the infant Jesus Himself is God's salvation incarnate. The possessive 'thy salvation' (σου) identifies Jesus as God's provision, planned from eternity. This echoes Isaiah 52:10: 'all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.' Simeon recognizes the universal scope of Christ's mission (v.31-32: 'a light to lighten the Gentiles'), expanding beyond Jewish particularism.