Luke 2:34 - An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

³⁴ Then Simeon [asked God to] bless them and said to Jesus’ mother Mary, “Look, many Israelites will be caused to fall [i.e., into spiritual ruin] or rise [i.e., to spiritual renewal] because of Him. And [He will be] a ‘sign’ [for people] to speak against,

More versions

King James Version (Oxford) 1769

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;

Amplified Bible - Classic Edition

³⁴ And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, Behold, this Child is appointed and destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is spoken against–[Isa. 8:14, 15.]

American Standard Version (1901)

³⁴ and Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the falling and the rising of many in Israel; and for a sign which is spoken against;

Common English Bible

³⁴ Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “This boy is assigned to be the cause of the falling and rising of many in Israel and to be a sign that generates opposition

Catholic Public Domain Version

³⁴ And Simeon blessed them, and he said to his mother Mary: "Behold, this one has been set for the ruin and for the resurrection of many in Israel, and as a sign which will be contradicted.

Luke 2:34 Cross References

1 Corinthians 1:23

but we [apostles] preach that Christ was crucified [for our sins]. This message is offensive to Jews and foolishness to [unconverted] Gentiles.

Matthew 21:44

And the person who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces, but whoever it falls on will be scattered like dust.”

1 Peter 4:14

If you are spoken against for being Christians, you have God’s blessing, because His glorious Holy Spirit rests upon you [to provide comfort, See John 14:16].

Hebrews 7:7

Without question [then], the lesser [of these two persons] is blessed by the greater one.

Romans 9:32

Why? Because they did not [attempt to do it] by faith [in Him], but by trying to fulfill all the requirements [of the law]. So, they stumbled over “the stumbling stone,” [i.e., the Jews refused to become obedient to Christ. See I Pet. 2:6-8].

Acts 6:7

So, the message of God increased [in its influence] and the disciples multiplied in number greatly in Jerusalem, [so that even] a large number of [Jewish] priests became obedient to [the message of] the faith.

Acts 24:5

We have found this man [i.e., Paul] to be extremely bothersome, and an instigator of strife among the Jews throughout the world and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.

Acts 17:6

When they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some other brothers before the city officials and shouted, “These men have turned the world upside down [i.e., disrupted society by their preaching] and have [now] come here also [i.e., to do the same thing in our community].

Acts 13:45

But when the Jews saw the large crowds [gathered to hear the Gospel] they became very jealous and took sharp issue with the things Paul said, and [even] spoke against them.

Acts 4:26

The kings of the earth [i.e., Herod and Pilate] took their stand [against Jesus], and the rulers [of the Jews] gathered against the Lord and against His Anointed One [i.e., Christ].’

John 5:18

So, for this reason the Jews looked for more [opportunities] to kill Him, because He not only broke Sabbath day [restrictions], but also He had called God His own Father, [thereby] making Himself equal with God.

John 3:20

For every person who practices evil things hates the light [of truth] and does not come to it, for fear of having his deeds exposed [as sinful].

Matthew 27:63

and said, “Sir, we remember what that deceiver said while he was still alive: ‘I will rise [from the dead] after three days.’

Matthew 12:46

While Jesus was still speaking to the large crowds, His mother and [half-] brothers were standing outside [of the large house. See 13:1] wanting to speak to Him.

Matthew 11:19

[Then] the Son of man came eating and drinking [at festive occasions] and they said, ‘Look, He is a glutton and a drunkard and a friend of tax collectors and worldly people.’ It proves that [God’s] wise counsel is right by the way things turn out.”

Hebrews 7:1

For this Melchizedek was king of Salem [Note: This probably refers to Jerusalem], and a priest of the Most High God. He met Abraham returning [from battle] when he defeated the kings [See Gen. 14:1ff] and blessed him.

Acts 28:22

But we would like to hear what you think, for according to our knowledge, this sect [you belong to] is being spoken against everywhere.”

Luke 2:35

and thus reveal the thoughts of many hearts. Yes, and a sword will cut you [Mary] to the heart [i.e., causing you inward pain].”