Who Was Simeon in the Temple — Meaning Explained

Simeon appears briefly in Luke's Gospel, yet his encounter with the infant Jesus is one of the most beautiful scenes in Scripture. He is described as 'just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.' This elderly man had received a personal promise from the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. On the day Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple to present Him to the Lord and offer the sacrifice of the poor (a pair of turtledoves or young pigeons), Simeon was guided by the Spirit into the temple. When he saw the child, he took Him in his arms and blessed God with the magnificent prayer known as the Nunc Dimittis: 'Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.' Simeon's words encapsulate the gospel's universal scope — Jesus is not only Israel's glory but also a light for the Gentiles. Joseph and Mary 'marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.' Simeon then blessed them and spoke prophetically to Mary, predicting that Jesus would be a sign 'spoken against' and that 'a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also.' This was a prophecy of Mary's anguish at the cross. Anna, the aged prophetess, arrived at that moment and also gave thanks, speaking of Jesus to all who looked for redemption in Jerusalem. Simeon's story demonstrates that faithful waiting on God is never in vain, that the Holy Spirit guides His people to divine appointments, and that even a brief life can fulfill its purpose when centered on Christ. His words have been sung by Christians for two thousand years in evening prayer services around the world.