Luke 2:32
A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
Original Language Analysis
φῶς
A light
G5457
φῶς
A light
Strong's:
G5457
Word #:
1 of 9
luminousness (in the widest application, natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative)
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
2 of 9
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
ἐθνῶν
the Gentiles
G1484
ἐθνῶν
the Gentiles
Strong's:
G1484
Word #:
4 of 9
a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 9
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
δόξαν
the glory
G1391
δόξαν
the glory
Strong's:
G1391
Word #:
6 of 9
glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)
Cross References
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.Acts 26:23That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.Isaiah 9:2The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.Revelation 21:23And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.Acts 28:28Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.Isaiah 4:2In that day shall the branch of the LORD be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and comely for them that are escaped of Israel.Isaiah 45:25In the LORD shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory.Isaiah 60:19The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the LORD shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory.Matthew 4:16The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.
Historical Context
Isaiah's prophecies consistently portrayed Israel's Messiah as having global significance, yet post-exilic Judaism increasingly emphasized particularistic nationalism. Simeon's prophetic insight recovered the universal vision—gentile enlightenment through Jewish Messiah. This would become Christianity's central missionary impulse.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ being simultaneously 'light to gentiles' and 'glory of Israel' unite God's particular and universal purposes?
- What does Simeon's inclusion of gentiles in his prophecy challenge about religious tribalism or exclusivism today?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
A light to lighten the Gentiles (φῶς εἰς ἀποκάλυψιν ἐθνῶν, phōs eis apokalypsin ethnōn)—The Greek apokalypsin means 'revelation' or 'unveiling,' indicating Christ discloses God to gentile darkness (John 1:9). This directly quotes Isaiah 42:6 and 49:6, identifying Jesus as Isaiah's Suffering Servant who brings salvation beyond Israel.
And the glory of thy people Israel (καὶ δόξαν λαοῦ σου Ἰσραήλ, kai doxan laou sou Israēl)—The Greek doxa signifies God's manifest presence. Jesus simultaneously illuminates gentiles and glorifies Israel, fulfilling the Abrahamic promise that through Abraham's seed all nations would be blessed (Genesis 12:3). Simeon grasps what Paul would later articulate: Messiah came 'to confirm the promises made to the patriarchs so that the Gentiles might glorify God' (Romans 15:8-9).