Luke Chapter 2 · Verse 35
(Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτῆς
G846
αὐτῆς
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 15
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
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ψυχὴν
soul
G5590
ψυχὴν
soul
Strong's:
G5590
Word #:
6 of 15
breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh
ῥομφαία
a sword
G4501
ῥομφαία
a sword
Strong's:
G4501
Word #:
8 of 15
a sabre, i.e., a long and broad cutlass (any weapon of the kind, literally or figuratively)
ὅπως
that
G3704
ὅπως
that
Strong's:
G3704
Word #:
9 of 15
what(-ever) how, i.e., in the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual)
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
12 of 15
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
πολλῶν
many
G4183
πολλῶν
many
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
13 of 15
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
Cross References
1 Corinthians 11:19For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.Deuteronomy 8:2And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no.
Historical Context
Simeon spoke these words during Jesus' temple presentation (40 days after birth) as he held the infant Messiah. His prophecy reveals that redemption comes through suffering—the Messiah must suffer, and those closest to Him share that suffering. Mary's sword of sorrow fulfills the suffering servant pattern (Isaiah 53)—the righteous suffer with and for others. This prophecy prepares Mary for the cross, where her maternal love becomes a participation in redemptive suffering. Early Christian tradition saw Mary as the New Eve, faithful where the first Eve failed.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Simeon's prophecy of Mary's suffering prepare us for understanding discipleship's costly nature?
- What does Mary's willingness to embrace a call involving certain future suffering teach about faithful obedience to God?
Analysis & Commentary
Simeon prophesies to Mary: 'a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also.' This prediction of Mary's suffering refers primarily to her anguish at Christ's crucifixion (John 19:25-27), where she witnessed her son's horrific death. The Greek 'rhomphaia' (ῥομφαία) denotes a large sword, emphasizing the depth and severity of coming pain. Mary's participation in Christ's suffering begins at the incarnation and climaxes at Calvary. Her willingness to bear this sword demonstrates costly discipleship—following Christ involves suffering, not just blessing.