Luke 2:34 (BSB)
Then Simeon blessed them and said to His mother Mary: “Behold, this Child is appointed to cause the rise and fall of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against,
Commentary on Luke 2:34
- John Calvin (Reformed), Calvin's Commentaries on Luke 2:34: 34. And Simeon blessed them If you confine this to Joseph and Mary, there will be no difficulty. But, as Luke appears to include Christ at the same time, it might be asked, What right had Simeon to take upon him the office of blessing Christ?
- Matthew Henry (Presbyterian), Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on Luke 2:25-40: Even when he humbles himself, still Christ has honour done him to balance the offence of it. That we might not be stumbled at the meanness of his birth, angels then did him honour; and now, that we may not be offended at his being presented in the temple, like other children born in sin, and without any manner of solemnity peculiar to him, but...
- John Gill (Reformed Baptist), Exposition of the Old and New Testaments on Luke 2:34: Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,.... Meaning either the sword, "or spear of scandal", as the Arabic version renders it; so the calumny, and reproach of the tongues of men, is compared to a sharp sword, Psa 57:4 and such the virgin might meet with on account of her conception in art unmarried state, which might greatly wound her soul; or...
- Albert Barnes (Presbyterian), Barnes' New Testament Notes on Luke 2:34: Verse 34. Simeon blessed them. Joseph and Mary. On them he sought the blessing of God. Is set. Is appointed or constituted for that, or such will be he effect of his coming. The fall. The word fall here denotes misery, suffering, disappointment, or ruin.