For my eyesThis phrase is spoken by Simeon, a devout man in Jerusalem, who had been promised by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Messiah. The use of "my eyes" emphasizes the personal and direct experience Simeon has in witnessing the fulfillment of God's promise. In biblical times, seeing was often equated with understanding and experiencing truth firsthand. This moment is significant as it represents the culmination of Simeon's faith and the tangible realization of God's promise to him.
have seen
The act of seeing here is not just physical sight but spiritual insight. Simeon's recognition of Jesus as the Messiah is a revelation from God, highlighting the theme of divine revelation throughout the Gospel of Luke. This seeing is a fulfillment of prophecy and a testament to Simeon's righteousness and faithfulness. It also underscores the theme of light and revelation that is prevalent in Luke's Gospel, where Jesus is often depicted as the light to the Gentiles and the glory of Israel.
Your salvation
The term "salvation" in this context refers to Jesus Christ, who is the embodiment of God's plan to redeem humanity. This salvation is not just for Israel but for all people, as indicated in the surrounding verses. The concept of salvation is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, with prophecies such asIsaiah 52:10, which speaks of God's salvation being revealed to all nations. Jesus is the fulfillment of these prophecies, serving as the ultimate deliverer and redeemer. This phrase encapsulates the essence of the Gospel message, which is the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
SimeonA 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 Messiah. Simeon is the speaker of this verse.
2.
JesusThe infant Jesus is the subject of Simeon's proclamation. He is recognized as the salvation of God.
3.
JerusalemThe city where this event takes place, specifically in the temple, which is central to Jewish worship and prophecy.
4.
The TempleThe location where Mary and Joseph bring Jesus for the purification rites, according to the Law of Moses.
5.
The Holy SpiritThe Spirit who revealed to Simeon that he would see the Messiah and who guided him to the temple at the right time.
Teaching Points
Recognition of SalvationSimeon's declaration teaches us to recognize Jesus as the fulfillment of God's promise of salvation. We are called to see Jesus as the central figure in God's redemptive plan.
Faithfulness of GodSimeon's experience reminds us of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. We can trust that God will accomplish what He has promised in His Word.
Role of the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit's role in guiding Simeon highlights the importance of being sensitive to the Spirit's leading in our own lives.
Universal SalvationSimeon's words point to the universal nature of Jesus' mission. Salvation is available to all people, regardless of background or nationality.
Living with ExpectationSimeon's life exemplifies living with expectation and hope in God's promises. We are encouraged to live with a similar anticipation of God's work in our lives.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Luke 2:30?
2.How does Luke 2:30 reveal God's salvation plan for all people?
3.In what ways can we recognize God's salvation in our daily lives?
4.How does Luke 2:30 connect with Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah?
5.How can we share the message of salvation found in Luke 2:30?
6.What personal changes can you make to reflect the salvation seen in Luke 2:30?
7.How does Luke 2:30 affirm the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies about salvation?
8.What is the significance of "salvation" in Luke 2:30 for Christian theology?
9.How does Luke 2:30 relate to the concept of Jesus as the Messiah?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 2?
11.What events shaped Jesus' early life and upbringing?
12.What is the Nunc Dimittis?
13.What does the Bible say about our beliefs?
14.In Luke 21:20–24, was Jesus prophesying the destruction of Jerusalem before it happened, or was this written after the fact?What Does Luke 2:30 Mean
For- The word "for" links Simeon’s present exclamation to the promise he has just acknowledged: “Now dismiss Your servant in peace, O Lord, according to Your word” (Luke 2:29).
- It signals a reason: God’s word is fulfilled right before him.
- Throughout Scripture, “for” often introduces a cause for praise—seePsalm 118:21, “I will give You thanks, for You have answered me.”
- Simeon is saying, in essence, “I can depart in peace because You have kept Your promise.” Compare this withJoshua 21:45, where “not one of the good promises which the LORD had made… failed; all came to pass.”
my eyes- Salvation is not an abstract idea here; Simeon literally beholds the infant Jesus.
-Job 42:5 echoes the same wonder: “My ears had heard of You, but now my eyes have seen You.”
- John and the apostles testify similarly: “What we have seen with our eyes… we proclaim to you” (1 John 1:1).
- God allows His servants to experience His work firsthand, deepening assurance (Psalm 34:8).
have seen- Simeon’s “seeing” combines physical sight with spiritual recognition.
-John 1:14 states, “We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only Son…”—another eyewitness confession.
- Jesus later tells Thomas, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29); yet Simeon is uniquely blessed to both see and believe.
-Isaiah 52:10 foretold, “The LORD has bared His holy arm in the sight of all nations,” indicating a visible revelation of God’s saving power.
Your- Salvation belongs to God alone.Jonah 2:9 declares, “Salvation is of the LORD.”
-Isaiah 12:2 repeats, “Behold, God is my salvation.”
- By saying “Your,” Simeon affirms that the rescue plan originates in God’s heart, not human effort (Ephesians 2:8-9).
salvation- Simeon calls the child “Your salvation”—identifying Jesus Himself as the embodiment of rescue.
- Luke later citesIsaiah 40:5: “All flesh will see the salvation of God” (Luke 3:6); in baby Jesus that prophecy is taking shape.
- Peter proclaims, “There is no other name under heaven… by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).
- This salvation is:
• Universal in scope—intended “for all people” (Luke 2:10).
• Rooted in covenant—fulfilling promises to Abraham and David (Luke 1:54-55, 69-70).
• Personal—experienced by everyone who looks to Christ in faith (Romans 1:16).
summaryLuke 2:30 captures Simeon’s joyful recognition that God has kept His word in sending Jesus. The conjunction “for” ties his peace to divine faithfulness. “My eyes” highlights personal, eyewitness assurance. “Have seen” underscores fulfilled prophecy made visible. “Your” credits God alone as the author of redemption. “Salvation” points directly to Jesus, the promised deliverer for Jew and Gentile alike. Taken together, the verse invites us to behold Christ with the same confident certainty: God’s salvation has arrived, and in Him every promise stands fulfilled.
(30)
Mine eyes have seen thy salvation.--The Greek word is not the usual feminine noun expressing the abstract idea of salvation, but the neuter of the adjective--that which brings or works out salvation. Its use here is probably determined by its appearance in the LXX. version of
Isaiah 52:10, as quoted in
Luke 3:6. He saw in that infant child the means of deliverance for the world.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Forὅτι(hoti)Conjunction
Strong's 3754:Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.myμου(mou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.eyesὀφθαλμοί(ophthalmoi)Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3788:The eye; fig: the mind's eye. From optanomai; the eye; by implication, vision; figuratively, envy.have seenεἶδον(eidon)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 3708:Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.Yourσου(sou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.salvation,σωτήριόν(sōtērion)Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4992:Saving, bringing salvation; subst: salvation. Neuter of the same as soteria as noun; defender or defence.
Links
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NT Gospels: Luke 2:30 For my eyes have seen your salvation (Luke Lu Lk) 
