And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed
English Standard Version (ESV)
Simeon blesses Joseph and Mary, but then addresses Mary alone, highlighting that this Child is destined not just for salvation, but also to be the reason some fall away, a radical idea that reveals the hidden inclinations of many hearts. He is a sign that will be actively opposed, not a universally accepted deliverer, a challenging truth that exposes the true character of those who encounter him.
And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed
English Standard Version (ESV)
Simeon, a devout man waiting for the Messiah, encounters the infant Jesus in the temple and is filled with the Holy Spirit. He blesses Mary and Joseph, but then delivers a profound prophecy directly to Mary, speaking of the child's destiny. This encounter sets the stage for Jesus' ministry, highlighting from the very beginning that his coming will be a source of division and controversy, not universal acceptance.
Simeon blesses Mary and Joseph, but his prophecy about Jesus is startlingly intense, particularly for Mary. Why does he focus on her so personally?
Simeon's words to Mary are deeply personal. While he pronounces a blessing on her and Joseph, his prophecy about Jesus is directed specifically to Mary. He foresees that this child, destined to be a source of both great joy and deep sorrow, will pierce her soul like a sword. This isn't just a general statement about future suffering; it's a profound acknowledgment of the unique anguish Mary will endure as Jesus faces opposition, rejection, and ultimately, crucifixion. Her journey with Jesus will be one of unparalleled faith and unparalleled pain.
Simeon also calls Jesus 'a sign that is spoken against.' This highlights that Jesus' very presence would be divisive. He wouldn't be universally accepted. Instead, he would reveal the hidden thoughts and intentions of people's hearts, forcing them to take a stand.
Jesus is described as being 'for the fall and rising again of many.' What does this 'fall' and 'rising' truly mean in this context?
Simeon's words are a powerful allusion to Old Testament prophecies, particularly Isaiah 8:14. Jesus is presented as a stone – a cornerstone for some, but a stumbling stone for others.
For many, Jesus will be a cause for falling. This 'fall' represents spiritual ruin and judgment for those who reject him, particularly the Jewish leaders and people who refused to recognize him as the Messiah because he didn't meet their expectations of a political deliverer. Their rejection leads to spiritual death and, ultimately, national destruction.
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For many others, Jesus will be a cause for rising. This 'rising' signifies salvation, restoration, and new life for those who believe in him. It's about being lifted out of sin and despair into a relationship with God. This includes not only many Israelites who accepted him but also Gentiles who would later flock to him.
Understand the original words
eulogeō · Greek Verb
To pronounce a blessing or confer divine favor upon someone. It is a priestly or prophetic act of invoking God's grace and goodness.
sēmeion · Greek Noun
A signal, wonder, or evidence. In the Bible, a sign often points beyond itself to a greater divine truth or serves as a proof of God’s authority and presence.
Simeon's prophecy at the Temple places Jesus' birth within a long history of Israel's covenant and prophetic expectation, highlighting the profound division His coming would cause.
c. 1400 BC
Mosaic Law Established
The Law of Moses is given to Israel, including regulations for purification after childbirth and the presentation of firstborn sons to the Lord.
c. 740 BC
Isaiah's Prophecy
Prophet Isaiah foretells a 'stumbling stone' and 'rock of offense' in Zion, alluding to a future Messiah who would cause both fall and rising.
c. 605 BC
First Jewish Deportation to Babylon
King Nebuchadnezzar deports Jewish nobles, including Daniel, to Babylon, marking the beginning of the Babylonian exile and a period of national crisis.
c. 586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
Babylonian forces destroy Jerusalem and the Temple, scattering the Jewish people and intensifying their longing for a prophesied deliverer.
c. 4 BC - AD 30/33— this verse
Life of Jesus
The birth, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of Messianic prophecies.
c. AD 30s
Early Spread of Christianity
The gospel begins to spread, facing immediate opposition from Jewish religious leaders and the Roman authorities.
c. AD 64
Nero's Persecution of Christians
Emperor Nero blames Christians for the Great Fire of Rome, initiating the first major state-sponsored persecution of the early church.
This prophecy directly informs Simeon's words, describing the Messiah as a 'stone of stumbling and rock of offense' who will cause many to fall, aligning with Jesus being 'appointed for the fall' of many in Israel.
1 Peter 2:7-8This New Testament passage echoes Simeon's prophecy, quoting Isaiah and applying it to Jesus, stating He is a 'stone of stumbling' for those who disobey but a 'precious cornerstone' for believers, illuminating the 'fall and rising' aspect.
Romans 9:32-33Paul explicitly links the rejection of Christ by many Jews to this prophecy, explaining that their pursuit of righteousness through works, not faith, caused them to stumble over Christ, the 'stone of stumbling,' directly supporting the 'fall' mentioned by Simeon.
John 1:29John the Baptist identifies Jesus as the 'Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world,' highlighting Jesus' divine mission which, as Simeon foretold, would be a source of both judgment (fall) and salvation (rising) and would be 'spoken against.'
Acts 28:22This passage shows the early disciples acknowledging that the Christian movement was 'everywhere spoken against,' directly fulfilling Simeon's prophecy that Jesus would be 'a sign that is opposed.'
bensonLuke 2:34: "And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;"
Luke 2:34-35 . And Simeon blessed them — Namely, Joseph and Mary. He pronounced them blessed who had the honour to be related to this child, and were intrusted with the bringing him up. He prayed for them, that God would bless them, and, doubtless, wished others to do the same. Behold, this child is set for…
pulpitLuke 2:34: "And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;"
Verse 34. - And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this Child. It is noticeable that, while Simeon blesses Mary and Joseph, he refrains from blessing the Child, of whom, however, he pointedly speaks. It was not for one like Simeon to speak words of blessing over "the Son of the Highe…
Simeon blesses Joseph and Mary, but then addresses Mary alone, highlighting that this Child is destined not just for salvation, but also to be the reason some fall away, a radical idea that reveals the hidden inclinations of many hearts. He is a sign that will be actively opposed, not a universally accepted deliverer, a challenging truth that exposes the true character of those who encounter him.
Simeon, a devout man waiting for the Messiah, encounters the infant Jesus in the temple and is filled with the Holy Spirit. He blesses Mary and Joseph, but then delivers a profound prophecy directly to Mary, speaking of the child's destiny. This encounter sets the stage for Jesus' ministry, highlighting from the very beginning that his coming will be a source of division and controversy, not universal acceptance.
Simeon, a devout man waiting for the Messiah, encounters the infant Jesus in the temple and is filled with the Holy Spirit. He blesses Mary and Joseph, but then delivers a profound prophecy directly to Mary, speaking of the child's destiny. This encounter sets the stage for Jesus' ministry, highlighting from the very beginning that his coming will be a source of division and controversy, not universal acceptance.
"And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed" — Simeon blesses Joseph and Mary, but then addresses Mary alone, highlighting that this Child is destined not just for salvation, but also to be the reason some fall away, a radical idea that reveals t…
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Last reviewed October 2026