Luke 2:35

35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

Luke 2:35 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
English Standard Version (ESV)
35 (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed."
New Living Translation (NLT)
35 As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.”
The Message Bible (MSG)
35 the pain of a sword-thrust through you - But the rejection will force honesty, as God reveals who they really are.
American Standard Version (ASV)
35 yea and a sword shall pierce through thine own soul; that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
35 the thoughts of those who reject him. And a sword will pierce your heart."
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
35 and a sword will pierce your own soul-that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
35 The thoughts of many hearts will be known. A sword will wound your own soul too."

Luke 2:35 Meaning and Commentary

Luke 2:35

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, ( Psalms 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 else the sorrows she met with on account of her son: as he was a man of sorrows, so was she a woman of sorrows, from his cradle to his cross; and his sorrows, like so many darts, or javelins, rebounded from him to her, and pierced her soul through; as when Herod sought his life, ( Matthew 2:13 Matthew 2:14 ) when she had lost him for a whole day, ( Luke 2:48 ) and when he was frequently exposed to danger among the spiteful and malicious Jews; but never more than when she stood at his cross, and saw him, in his agonies, extended on the tree, bleeding, gasping, and dying, ( John 19:25 ) . Some think this refers to martyrdom, which she was to suffer by the sword, of which the Scripture is silent, Epiphanius, an ancient writer, seems to hint at it F14.

That the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed;
that is, all this offence was to be taken at Christ, and he to be spoken against; and all these afflictions, reproaches, and persecutions, he and his were to endure for this end; that the secret thoughts of men might be discovered, and they be known to be what they were, whether hypocrites, or good men, foes or friends of Christ: so on the one hand, what were the Scribes and Pharisees, who talked of a Messiah, and pretended to righteousness and holiness, and yet when the Messiah came, rejected him, and so all such who followed Christ with worldly views, and expected a temporal kingdom, but left him when they found it otherwise, and Judas, one of his disciples; and, on the other hand, who were sincere and hearty? as the rest of his disciples, Joseph of Arimathea, and others, who abode by him, notwithstanding the cross; and the same use have all persecutions, errors, and heresies, the opposition and contradiction of men in every shape now, and the same end is answered; wicked men, and hypocrites, are known to be what they are; and good men are made manifest; and what each think of Christ and his Gospel, is discovered hereby; see ( 1 Corinthians 11:19 ) .


FOOTNOTES:

F14 Contr. Haeres. 72.

Luke 2:35 In-Context

33 The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him.
34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against,
35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
36 There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage,
37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.
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