Luke 2:28 (KJV)

What does Luke 2:28 mean?

Luke 2:28 describes Simeon receiving the infant Jesus in his arms and thanking God aloud. Simeon’s action shows that meeting this child is a moment of deep importance to him, and his words express that importance as praise directed to God.

After Jesus’ parents bring him into the temple, Simeon holds the child close and begins to speak. The verse stops at “and said,” inviting the reader to hear Simeon’s words in the verses that follow.

The Greek behind Luke 2:28

• “took … up” — δέχομαι (dechomai): The Greek carries the sense of receiving or accepting someone. Here, Simeon receives the child into his arms, an action that suggests welcome as well as holding him.
• “blessed” — εὐλογέω (eulogeō): The word can mean to speak well of someone or to praise. Because God is the one Simeon blesses, the word describes praise offered to God.

Why Luke 2:28 matters

• Simeon’s praise has a particular reason: the child in his arms. Earlier, Luke says Simeon had been told he would see the one God had promised before he died (Luke 2:26).
• Simeon’s words are addressed to God, not to the child. The phrase “blessed God, and said” introduces a prayer that begins, “Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace” (Luke 2:29).
• Jesus’ parents are present for Simeon’s response. They have brought Jesus to the temple, and Luke later says they marvel at what Simeon says about him (Luke 2:27, 33).