Luke 2:28
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 2:28
28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
Chapter Context
Luke 2 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of truth, faith, grace. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-52: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 2:28
28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
Analysis
Then took he him up in his arms (καὶ αὐτὸς ἐδέξατο αὐτὸ εἰς τὰς ἀγκάλας, kai autos edexato auto eis tas agkalas)—The Greek verb dechomai means 'to receive' or 'welcome,' suggesting deliberate acceptance. Simeon physically embraces the infant Messiah, a prophetic act symbolizing Israel's longed-for reception of salvation.
And blessed God (εὐλόγησεν τὸν θεόν, eulogēsen ton theon)—Simeon's immediate response is doxology. Having received God's greatest gift, he returns praise. The moment fulfills decades of Spirit-sustained expectation, as the aged prophet cradles the infant King who would cradle him into eternal rest. This tender scene captures the intimacy between faith's patience and promise's fulfillment.
Historical Context
Jewish blessing (berakah) was the standard response to recognizing God's acts. Simeon's public blessing in the temple courts would have attracted attention, as elderly men didn't typically embrace strangers' infants. His prophetic authority, recognized by regular temple worshippers, lent weight to his declaration.
Reflection
- What does Simeon's immediate blessing of God teach about proper response to answered prayer?
- How does Simeon's physical embrace of Jesus picture faith's personal reception of Christ?
Word Studies
- God: Θεός (Theos) G2316 - God