Luke 2:35

Authorized King James Version

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(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
σοῦ thy own G4675
σοῦ thy own
Strong's: G4675
Word #: 2 of 15
of thee, thy
δὲ (Yea G1161
δὲ (Yea
Strong's: G1161
Word #: 3 of 15
but, and, etc
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
διελεύσεται shall pierce through G1330
διελεύσεται shall pierce through
Strong's: G1330
Word #: 7 of 15
to traverse (literally)
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)
ἂν G302
ἂν
Strong's: G302
Word #: 10 of 15
whatsoever
ἀποκαλυφθῶσιν may be revealed G601
ἀποκαλυφθῶσιν may be revealed
Strong's: G601
Word #: 11 of 15
to take off the cover, i.e., disclose
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
καρδιῶν hearts G2588
καρδιῶν hearts
Strong's: G2588
Word #: 14 of 15
the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle
διαλογισμοί the thoughts G1261
διαλογισμοί the thoughts
Strong's: G1261
Word #: 15 of 15
discussion, i.e., (internal) consideration (by implication, purpose), or (external) debate

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.

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.

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