Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;

LUKE 2:31KJV
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Luke 2:31 (KJV)

What does Luke 2:31 mean?

Luke 2:31 describes how God has made something ready and visible for all people to see. The verse emphasizes that what God has prepared is not hidden or limited, but is openly set before everyone.

In this scene, Simeon is speaking in the Temple after seeing the infant Jesus. Simeon is addressing God, recognizing that God’s salvation—represented by Jesus—has been made available to all people, not just a select group. The verse highlights the universal scope of God’s plan, showing that what is happening is meant for everyone, everywhere.

The Greek behind Luke 2:31

  • "προσωπον" (prosōpon, G4383) — This word means "face" or "presence." Here, it carries the sense of something being right in front of everyone, not hidden away.
  • "λαος" (laos, G2992) — This word means "people" or "nation." In this context, it refers to all humanity, not just Israel, underlining the inclusive nature of what God has done.
  • "πᾶς" (pas, G3956) — This word means "all" or "every." Its use here stresses that no one is excluded from what God has prepared.

Why Luke 2:31 matters

  • Luke 2:31 clears up any idea that God’s salvation is only for a specific group; it is meant for everyone, regardless of background or nationality.
  • The verse highlights the public and open nature of God’s work—what God has done is not secret or hidden, but displayed for all to witness.
  • This statement by Simeon connects to the broader theme in Luke’s Gospel of God’s concern for all people, setting the stage for the message of Jesus to reach beyond Israel.

Where else these words appear

“prepared” Greek G2090 · used in 40 verses

  • Matthew 3:3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
  • Luke 1:76 And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways;
  • John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

“face” Greek G4383 · used in 73 verses

  • Matthew 6:16 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
  • Luke 21:35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.
  • 2 Corinthians 10:1 Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:

“people” Greek G2992 · used in 139 verses

  • Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
  • Luke 22:66 And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came together, and led him into their council, saying,
  • Acts 21:28 Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all men every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place.