Luke 2:31
Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
Original Language Analysis
ὃ
Which
G3739
ὃ
Which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
1 of 7
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
κατὰ
before
G2596
κατὰ
before
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
3 of 7
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
πρόσωπον
the face
G4383
πρόσωπον
the face
Strong's:
G4383
Word #:
4 of 7
the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person
Historical Context
Isaiah's Servant Songs (especially Isaiah 42:6, 49:6) prophesied Messiah as a light to the gentiles. First-century Jewish expectation largely missed this universal dimension, anticipating instead a nationalistic deliverer. Simeon's Spirit-inspired insight grasped what most missed—salvation transcending ethnic boundaries.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's 'preparation' of salvation throughout history demonstrate His sovereignty and faithfulness?
- What does the universal scope of 'all peoples' reveal about the gospel's obligation to every culture and nation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people (ὃ ἡτοίμασας κατὰ πρόσωπον πάντων τῶν λαῶν, ho hētoimasas kata prosōpon pantōn tōn laōn)—The phrase kata prosōpon literally means 'according to the face of' or 'in the presence of,' suggesting public, visible display. The Greek laōn (peoples, plural) signals gentile inclusion, not Israel alone.
God's salvation plan, conceived in eternity past (Ephesians 1:4), now manifests in tangible human flesh before all peoples. Simeon's words echo Isaiah 52:10 ('all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God'), recognizing that this Jewish infant carries universal significance. The temple scene becomes a cosmic unveiling—heaven's secret purposes made flesh for the world's witness.