CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Luke 2:35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed--and a sword will pierce your soul as well."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/luke/2-35.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/42_Luk_02_35.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Luke 2:35 - The Prophecy of Simeon" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed--and a sword will pierce your soul as well." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/luke/2-35.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/luke/2-35.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/luke/">Luke</a> > <a href="/luke/2.htm">Chapter 2</a> > Verse 35</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad15.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/luke/2-34.htm" title="Luke 2:34">◄</a> Luke 2:35 <a href="/luke/2-36.htm" title="Luke 2:36">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/luke/2.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/luke/2.htm">New International Version</a> so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/luke/2.htm">New Living Translation</a> As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.” <a href="/esv/luke/2.htm">English Standard Version</a> (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” <a href="/bsb/luke/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your soul as well.” <a href="/blb/luke/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> and a sword also will go through your own soul-- so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed." <a href="/kjv/luke/2.htm">King James Bible</a> (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. <a href="/nkjv/luke/2.htm">New King James Version</a> (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” <a href="/nasb_/luke/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> and a sword will pierce your own soul—to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” <a href="/nasb/luke/2.htm">NASB 1995</a> and a sword will pierce even your own soul— to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/luke/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a> and a sword will pierce even your own soul—to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” <a href="/lsb/luke/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> and a sword will pierce through your own soul as well—that the thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” <a href="/amp/luke/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a> and a sword [of deep sorrow] will pierce through your own soul—so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” <a href="/csb/luke/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> and a sword will pierce your own soul—that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” <a href="/hcsb/luke/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> and a sword will pierce your own soul—that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.&#8221 <a href="/asv/luke/2.htm">American Standard Version</a> yea and a sword shall pierce through thine own soul; that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed. <a href="/cev/luke/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> and you, Mary, will suffer as though you had been stabbed by a dagger. But all this will show what people are really thinking." <a href="/erv/luke/2.htm">English Revised Version</a> yea and a sword shall pierce through thine own soul; that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed. <a href="/gwt/luke/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> the thoughts of those who reject him. And a sword will pierce your heart." <a href="/gnt/luke/2.htm">Good News Translation</a> and so reveal their secret thoughts. And sorrow, like a sharp sword, will break your own heart." <a href="/isv/luke/2.htm">International Standard Version</a> Indeed, a sword will pierce your own soul, too, so that the inner thoughts of many people might be revealed." <a href="/msb/luke/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed?and a sword will pierce your soul as well.? <a href="/net/luke/2.htm">NET Bible</a> Indeed, as a result of him the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed--and a sword will pierce your own soul as well!" <a href="/nheb/luke/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed." <a href="/wbt/luke/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> (And a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. <a href="/wey/luke/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> and a sword will pierce through your own soul also; that the reasonings in many hearts may be revealed." <a href="/web/luke/2.htm">World English Bible</a> Yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/luke/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> (and also a sword will pass through your own soul)—that the reasonings of many hearts may be revealed.” <a href="/blb/luke/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> and a sword also will go through your own soul-- so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed." <a href="/ylt/luke/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> (and also thine own soul shall a sword pass through) -- that the reasonings of many hearts may be revealed.' <a href="/slt/luke/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> (And also a spear shall pass through the soul of thyself,) so that the reasonings from many hearts might be revealed.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/luke/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And thy own soul a sword shall pierce, that, out of many hearts, thoughts may be revealed. <a href="/cpdv/luke/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And a sword will pass through your own soul, so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” <a href="/nabre/luke/2.htm">New American Bible</a> (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” <a href="/nrsvce/luke/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/luke/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And a sword will pierce through your own soul; so that the thoughts of the hearts of many may be revealed. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/luke/2.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> “And a lance will pass through into your soul, so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/luke/2.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> (and a sword shall pierce through your own soul,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.<CM> <a href="/godbey/luke/2.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> and a sword shall go through thy soul, in order that the reasonings of many hearts may be revealed. <a href="/haweis/luke/2.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> (so shall a dart pierce through thy own soul) that the reasonings of many hearts may be laid open,<CM> <a href="/mace/luke/2.htm">Mace New Testament</a> which like a dart will pierce even thro' your own soul, that thereby the sincerity of many may be revealed." <a href="/wey/luke/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> and a sword will pierce through your own soul also; that the reasonings in many hearts may be revealed." <a href="/worrell/luke/2.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> (and a sword shall pierce through your own soul); that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed." <a href="/worsley/luke/2.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> (and a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also) that the thoughts of many hearts may be discovered. <a href="/parallel/luke/2-35.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3-5_0Jtd9Lc?start=861" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/luke/2.htm">The Prophecy of Simeon</a> …34Then 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, 35<a href="/greek/3704.htm" title="3704: hopōs (Conj) -- From hos and pos; what(-ever) how, i.e. In the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual).">so that</a> <a href="/greek/1261.htm" title="1261: dialogismoi (N-NMP) -- From dialogizomai; discussion, i.e. consideration, or debate.">the thoughts</a> <a href="/greek/1537.htm" title="1537: ek (Prep) -- From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.">of</a> <a href="/greek/4183.htm" title="4183: pollōn (Adj-GFP) -- Much, many; often. ">many</a> <a href="/greek/2588.htm" title="2588: kardiōn (N-GFP) -- Prolonged from a primary kar; the heart, i.e. the thoughts or feelings; also the middle.">hearts</a> <a href="/greek/302.htm" title="302: an (Prtcl) -- A primary particle, denoting a supposition, wish, possibility or uncertainty."></a> <a href="/greek/601.htm" title="601: apokalyphthōsin (V-ASP-3P) -- To uncover, bring to light, reveal. From apo and kalupto; to take off the cover, i.e. Disclose.">will be revealed—</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/4501.htm" title="4501: rhomphaia (N-NFS) -- A sword, scimitar; fig: war, piercing grief. Probably of foreign origin; a sabre, i.e. A long and broad cutlass.">a sword</a> <a href="/greek/1330.htm" title="1330: dieleusetai (V-FIM-3S) -- To pass through, spread (as a report). From dia and erchomai; to traverse.">will pierce</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: sou (PPro-G2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">your</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autēs (PPro-GF3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/5590.htm" title="5590: psychēn (N-AFS) -- From psucho; breath, i.e. spirit, abstractly or concretely.">soul</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">as well.”</a> 36There was also a prophetess named Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher, who was well along in years. She had been married for seven years,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/john/19-25.htm">John 19:25-27</a> Near the cross of Jesus stood His mother and her sister, as well as Mary the wife of Clopas and Mary Magdalene. / When Jesus saw His mother and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, “Woman, here is your son.” / Then He said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” So from that hour, this disciple took her into his home. <a href="/isaiah/53-3.htm">Isaiah 53:3-5</a> He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. Like one from whom men hide their faces, He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. / Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows; yet we considered Him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. / But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. <a href="/hebrews/4-12.htm">Hebrews 4:12</a> For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart. <a href="/zechariah/12-10.htm">Zechariah 12:10</a> Then I will pour out on the house of David and on the people of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and prayer, and they will look on Me, the One they have pierced. They will mourn for Him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for Him as one grieves for a firstborn son. <a href="/matthew/10-34.htm">Matthew 10:34-36</a> Do not assume that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. / For I have come to turn ‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. / A man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’ <a href="/john/7-43.htm">John 7:43</a> So there was division in the crowd because of Jesus. <a href="/acts/28-22.htm">Acts 28:22</a> But we consider your views worth hearing, because we know that people everywhere are speaking against this sect.” <a href="/1_peter/2-8.htm">1 Peter 2:8</a> and, “A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word—and to this they were appointed. <a href="/psalms/22-16.htm">Psalm 22:16-18</a> For dogs surround me; a band of evil men encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet. / I can count all my bones; they stare and gloat over me. / They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing. <a href="/matthew/27-54.htm">Matthew 27:54</a> When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified and said, “Truly this was the Son of God.” <a href="/john/3-19.htm">John 3:19-21</a> And this is the verdict: The Light has come into the world, but men loved the darkness rather than the Light because their deeds were evil. / Everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come into the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. / But whoever practices the truth comes into the Light, so that it may be seen clearly that what he has done has been accomplished in God.” <a href="/romans/9-32.htm">Romans 9:32-33</a> Why not? Because their pursuit was not by faith, but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone, / as it is written: “See, I lay in Zion a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense; and the one who believes in Him will never be put to shame.” <a href="/1_corinthians/1-23.htm">1 Corinthians 1:23-24</a> but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, / but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. <a href="/isaiah/8-14.htm">Isaiah 8:14-15</a> And He will be a sanctuary—but to both houses of Israel a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense, to the dwellers of Jerusalem a trap and a snare. / Many will stumble over these; they will fall and be broken; they will be ensnared and captured.” <a href="/jeremiah/31-15.htm">Jeremiah 31:15</a> This is what the LORD says: “A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>(Yes, a sword shall pierce through your own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.a sword.<a href="/psalms/42-10.htm">Psalm 42:10</a> As with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, Where is thy God?<a href="/john/19-25.htm">John 19:25</a> Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.that.<a href="/luke/16-14.htm">Luke 16:14,15</a> And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him… <a href="/deuteronomy/8-2.htm">Deuteronomy 8:2</a> And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no.<a href="/judges/5-15.htm">Judges 5:15,16</a> And the princes of Issachar were with Deborah; even Issachar, and also Barak: he was sent on foot into the valley. For the divisions of Reuben there were great thoughts of heart… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/luke/2-34.htm">Appointed</a> <a href="/luke/2-34.htm">Blessed</a> <a href="/luke/2-34.htm">Child</a> <a href="/luke/2-22.htm">End</a> <a href="/luke/2-34.htm">Falling</a> <a href="/luke/2-19.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/luke/1-66.htm">Hearts</a> <a href="/luke/2-34.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/luke/2-34.htm">Mary</a> <a href="/luke/2-34.htm">Mother</a> <a href="/habakkuk/3-14.htm">Pierce</a> <a href="/mark/7-21.htm">Reasonings</a> <a href="/luke/2-27.htm">Revealed</a> <a href="/mark/7-24.htm">Secret</a> <a href="/luke/1-46.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/mark/14-47.htm">Sword</a> <a href="/luke/2-34.htm">Symeon</a> <a href="/luke/1-51.htm">Thoughts</a> <a href="/luke/2-12.htm">Token</a> <a href="/mark/15-7.htm">Uprising</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/luke/3-13.htm">Appointed</a> <a href="/luke/6-20.htm">Blessed</a> <a href="/luke/2-38.htm">Child</a> <a href="/luke/2-43.htm">End</a> <a href="/luke/4-22.htm">Falling</a> <a href="/luke/2-51.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/luke/2-36.htm">Hearts</a> <a href="/luke/4-25.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/luke/2-39.htm">Mary</a> <a href="/luke/2-41.htm">Mother</a> <a href="/luke/2-36.htm">Pierce</a> <a href="/luke/2-36.htm">Reasonings</a> <a href="/luke/2-36.htm">Revealed</a> <a href="/luke/8-17.htm">Secret</a> <a href="/luke/2-36.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/luke/2-36.htm">Sword</a> <a href="/luke/3-30.htm">Symeon</a> <a href="/luke/5-22.htm">Thoughts</a> <a href="/luke/11-30.htm">Token</a> <a href="/psalms/139-2.htm">Uprising</a><div class="vheading2">Luke 2</div>1. <a href="/luke/2-1.htm">Augustus taxes all the Roman empire.</a> 6. <a href="/luke/2-6.htm">The nativity of Jesus.</a> 8. <a href="/luke/2-8.htm">An angel relates it to the shepherds, and many sing praises to God for it.</a> 15. <a href="/luke/2-15.htm">The shepherds glorify God.</a> 21. <a href="/luke/2-21.htm">Jesus is circumcised.</a> 22. <a href="/luke/2-22.htm">Mary purified.</a> 25. <a href="/luke/2-25.htm">Simeon and Anna prophesy of Jesus,</a> 39. <a href="/luke/2-39.htm">who increases in wisdom,</a> 41. <a href="/luke/2-41.htm">questions in the temple with the teachers,</a> 51. <a href="/luke/2-51.htm">and is obedient to his parents.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/luke/2.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/luke/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/luke/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed This phrase indicates the discerning nature of Jesus' ministry. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus is shown to have the ability to perceive the true intentions and thoughts of individuals (e.g., <a href="/matthew/9-4.htm">Matthew 9:4</a>, <a href="/john/2-24.htm">John 2:24-25</a>). This revelation of hearts aligns with the prophetic role of Jesus as one who brings truth and exposes hidden motives. The context of this passage is Simeon's prophecy in the temple, where he speaks to Mary and Joseph about Jesus' future impact. The revealing of hearts can be seen as a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, such as <a href="/malachi/3.htm">Malachi 3:1-3</a>, where the coming of the Lord is described as a refining and purifying process. This phrase also underscores the idea that Jesus' presence and message would challenge individuals to confront their inner beliefs and attitudes.and a sword will pierce your soul as well.” This metaphorical expression is directed towards Mary, foretelling the deep sorrow and anguish she would experience, particularly at the crucifixion of Jesus (<a href="/john/19-25.htm">John 19:25-27</a>). The "sword" symbolizes intense emotional pain, reflecting the personal cost of being the mother of the Messiah. This prophecy highlights the human aspect of Mary’s experience, emphasizing her role in the divine narrative and the suffering she would endure. The imagery of a sword piercing the soul can also be connected to the broader biblical theme of suffering and sacrifice, which is central to the life and mission of Jesus. This phrase serves as a reminder of the profound personal impact of Jesus' mission on those closest to Him, and it foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice He would make for humanity's redemption.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/s/simeon.htm">Simeon</a> A devout and righteous man in Jerusalem who was promised by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. He speaks the prophecy in which this verse is found. 2. <a href="/topical/m/mary.htm">Mary</a> The mother of Jesus, to whom Simeon directs this prophecy, indicating the future suffering she will endure as the mother of the Messiah. 3. <a href="/topical/j/jesus.htm">Jesus</a> The central figure of the prophecy, whose life and mission will reveal the true thoughts and intentions of many hearts. 4. <a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a> The city where this event takes place, significant as the religious and cultural center of Jewish life. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_temple.htm">The Temple</a> The setting of this encounter, symbolizing the presence of God and the fulfillment of His promises.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_revelation_of_hearts.htm">The Revelation of Hearts</a> Jesus' life and teachings expose the true nature of human hearts. Reflect on how your own heart is revealed in light of Christ's teachings. <a href="/topical/t/the_cost_of_discipleship.htm">The Cost of Discipleship</a> Mary’s experience reminds us that following Christ can involve deep personal sacrifice and suffering. Consider what sacrifices you are called to make in your own walk with Christ. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_prophecy.htm">The Role of Prophecy</a> Simeon's prophecy highlights the importance of prophecy in understanding God's plan. Study how biblical prophecies have been fulfilled in Christ and what that means for your faith. <a href="/topical/t/the_intersection_of_joy_and_sorrow.htm">The Intersection of Joy and Sorrow</a> Mary’s joy in Jesus is intertwined with the sorrow of His future suffering. Reflect on how joy and sorrow coexist in the Christian life and how you can find hope in Christ amidst trials. <a href="/topical/t/the_sword_of_truth.htm">The Sword of Truth</a> The "sword" that pierces can be seen as the truth of the Gospel, which divides and discerns. Consider how the truth of the Gospel challenges and transforms your life.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_luke_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Luke 2</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'lord_of_the_harvest'_mean.htm">Mary, did you know your son would change the world?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_contemplative_prayer.htm">What is contemplative prayer?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_patience_boost_faith_in_god.htm">How can you give generously without expecting anything back?</a> <a href="/q/mary,_did_you_know_your_sonand#8217;s_impact.htm">Mary, did you know your son would change the world?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/luke/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(35) A sword shall pierce through thy own soul also.--The word used for "sword" here, occurs also in the Apocalypse (<a href="/revelation/1-16.htm" title="And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp two edged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shines in his strength.">Revelation 1:16</a>; <a href="/revelation/2-12.htm" title="And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things said he which has the sharp sword with two edges;">Revelation 2:12</a>, et. al.), but not elsewhere in the New Testament. It was the large barbaric sword used by the Thracians, as distinguished from the shorter weapon of Roman soldiers. The announcement of the special sorrow that was to be the Virgin Mother's portion, comes as the sequel to "the sign that is spoken against," the antagonism which her Son would meet with. We may find fulfilments of it when the men of Nazareth sought to throw Him from the brow of their hill (<a href="/luke/4-29.htm" title="And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him to the brow of the hill where on their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong.">Luke 4:29</a>); when she came, as in anxious fear, to check His teaching as the Pharisees charged Him with casting out devils through Beelzebub (<a href="/matthew/12-46.htm" title="While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brothers stood without, desiring to speak with him.">Matthew 12:46</a>); when she stood by the cross, and heard the blasphemies and revilings of the priests and people (<a href="/john/19-26.htm" title="When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he said to his mother, Woman, behold your son!">John 19:26</a>).That the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.--This was conspicuously the result of our Lord's earthly ministry. It brought out latent good, as with publicans and harlots and robbers, rich and poor disciples, and the common people, who heard Him gladly; latent evil, as with Pharisees and scribes and rulers. And what was true of His work then, has been true in greater or less measure ever since. Wherever Christ is preached, there is a manifestation of the thoughts of men's hearts, of their secret yearning after righteousness, their secret bitterness against it. It may be noted, however, that the Greek word for "thought" is almost always used in the Greek with a shade of evil implied in it. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/luke/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 35. - Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also. Christian art has well caught the spirit of her life who was, in spite of her untold suffering, "blessed among women," in depicting her so often and so touchingly as the mother of sorrows (Mater Dolorosa). The childhood in the Nazareth home, and the early manhood in the Nazareth carpentry, were no doubt her happiest days, though, in those quiet years, expectation, fears, dread, curiously interwoven, must have ever torn that mother's heart. The days of the public ministry for Mary must have been sad, and her heart full of anxious forebodings, as she watched the growing jealousies, the hatred, and the unbelief on the part of the leading men of her people. Then came the cross. We know she stood by it all the while. And, after the cross and the Resurrection, silence. Verily the words of Simeon were awfully fulfilled. Bleek, quoted by Godet, makes an interesting suggestion on the subject of the sword piercing Mary's heart: "Thou shalt feel in thine own heart their contradiction in regard to thy Son, when thou thyself shall be seized with doubt in regard to his mission." <a href="/commentaries/luke/2-35.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>so that ὅπως (hopōs) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3704.htm">Strong's 3704: </a> From hos and pos; what(-ever) how, i.e. In the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual). [the] thoughts διαλογισμοί (dialogismoi) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1261.htm">Strong's 1261: </a> From dialogizomai; discussion, i.e. consideration, or debate. of ἐκ (ek) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1537.htm">Strong's 1537: </a> From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out. many πολλῶν (pollōn) Adjective - Genitive Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4183.htm">Strong's 4183: </a> Much, many; often. hearts καρδιῶν (kardiōn) Noun - Genitive Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2588.htm">Strong's 2588: </a> Prolonged from a primary kar; the heart, i.e. the thoughts or feelings; also the middle. will be revealed— ἀποκαλυφθῶσιν (apokalyphthōsin) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Passive - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_601.htm">Strong's 601: </a> To uncover, bring to light, reveal. From apo and kalupto; to take off the cover, i.e. Disclose. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. a sword ῥομφαία (rhomphaia) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4501.htm">Strong's 4501: </a> A sword, scimitar; fig: war, piercing grief. Probably of foreign origin; a sabre, i.e. A long and broad cutlass. will pierce διελεύσεται (dieleusetai) Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1330.htm">Strong's 1330: </a> To pass through, spread (as a report). From dia and erchomai; to traverse. your σοῦ (sou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. soul ψυχὴν (psychēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5590.htm">Strong's 5590: </a> From psucho; breath, i.e. spirit, abstractly or concretely. as well.” δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/luke/2-35.htm">Luke 2:35 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/luke/2-35.htm">Luke 2:35 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/luke/2-35.htm">Luke 2:35 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/luke/2-35.htm">Luke 2:35 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/luke/2-35.htm">Luke 2:35 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/luke/2-35.htm">Luke 2:35 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/luke/2-35.htm">Luke 2:35 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/luke/2-35.htm">Luke 2:35 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/luke/2-35.htm">Luke 2:35 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/luke/2-35.htm">Luke 2:35 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/luke/2-35.htm">NT Gospels: Luke 2:35 Yes a sword will pierce through your (Luke Lu Lk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/luke/2-34.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Luke 2:34"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Luke 2:34" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/luke/2-36.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Luke 2:36"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Luke 2:36" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>