In brief
Simeon is a man of Jerusalem whom Luke describes as righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not die before seeing the Lord's Christ. When Joseph and Mary present Jesus at the temple, he takes the child in his arms, blesses God and announces salvation for all peoples. He also warns Mary that a sword will pierce her soul. We remember his patient waiting and his peace.
What does the name Simeon mean?
Simeon comes from the Hebrew Shimon, generally linked to the verb to hear. The Bible gives this explanation for the son of Jacob who bears the same name, in connection with a prayer that God heard (Genesis 29:33). The Simeon of Luke 2 is introduced only by his name, his devotion and the Spirit who is upon him.
The story of Simeon
A righteous man who waits
Luke 2:25-26Luke presents Simeon as a righteous and devout man of Jerusalem. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. The Holy Spirit had told him by revelation that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. His whole life is turned toward this promise.
Led by the Spirit to the temple
Luke 2:27One day Simeon comes to the temple, moved by the Spirit. At that very moment, the parents of Jesus bring in the child to do what the law required. Nothing is left to chance: the Spirit leads the old man exactly to the place where the child arrives.
The child in his arms
Luke 2:28-32Simeon takes Jesus in his arms and blesses God. He declares that his eyes have seen the salvation God has prepared before all peoples, a light to enlighten the nations and the glory of Israel. He can now depart in peace, according to God's word.
A word for Mary
Luke 2:33-35The father and mother of Jesus marvel. Simeon blesses them, then tells Mary that this child will cause the fall and rising of many in Israel and will be a sign that is opposed. A sword will also pierce Mary's own soul, so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
Anna, a second witness
Luke 2:36-38At the same moment Anna arrives, a prophetess eighty-four years old, who never leaves the temple and serves God with fasting and prayer. She gives thanks to God and speaks about Jesus to all who are waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem. Simeon is not alone in recognizing the child.
What Simeon teaches us
- God keeps his promises, even when the waiting lasts a lifetime.
- Letting the Holy Spirit lead puts us in the right place at the right time.
- Jesus is the salvation prepared for all peoples, not only for one group.
- We can die in peace when we have seen the Savior and put our trust in him.
- Following Christ can cost something, and God honestly warns Mary of the pain to come.
Key verses
These two verses describe Simeon: righteous, devout, full of Israel's hope, with the Spirit upon him. They explain why he recognizes the child among all the visitors to the temple.
This is the song of Simeon. He thanks God for seeing the salvation prepared before all peoples. The text is often read to end a day or an evening vigil in peace.
Simeon announces that Jesus will be a sign that is opposed and that Mary will suffer. The passage shows that the gospel leaves no one neutral and that God warns before the trial.
Sermons about Simeon
Frequently asked questions
Who was Simeon in the Bible?
Simeon is a righteous and devout man of Jerusalem, mentioned only in Luke 2. The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would see the Christ before he died. He takes Jesus in his arms at the temple, blesses God and announces salvation for all peoples.
What does the name Simeon mean?
Simeon comes from the Hebrew Shimon, generally linked to the verb to hear. The son of Jacob who bears this name receives an explanation in Genesis 29:33, tied to a prayer that God heard. Luke does not explain the name of the man at the temple.
Where can I find the story of Simeon in the Bible?
It is in Luke 2:25-35, when Mary and Joseph present Jesus at the temple in Jerusalem. The account is short. It reads easily together with the neighboring passage about the prophetess Anna in Luke 2:36-38, and the start of the chapter on the birth of Jesus.