so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealedThis 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.,
Matthew 9:4,
John 2:24-25). 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
Malachi 3:1-3, 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 (John 19:25-27). 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.
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 Christ. He speaks the prophecy in which this verse is found.
2.
MaryThe mother of Jesus, to whom Simeon directs this prophecy, indicating the future suffering she will endure as the mother of the Messiah.
3.
JesusThe central figure of the prophecy, whose life and mission will reveal the true thoughts and intentions of many hearts.
4.
JerusalemThe city where this event takes place, significant as the religious and cultural center of Jewish life.
5.
The TempleThe setting of this encounter, symbolizing the presence of God and the fulfillment of His promises.
Teaching Points
The Revelation of HeartsJesus' life and teachings expose the true nature of human hearts. Reflect on how your own heart is revealed in light of Christ's teachings.
The Cost of DiscipleshipMary’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.
The Role of ProphecySimeon'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.
The Intersection of Joy and SorrowMary’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.
The Sword of TruthThe "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.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Luke 2:35?
2.How does Luke 2:35 reveal the purpose of Jesus' coming to earth?
3.What does "a sword will pierce" symbolize in Mary’s life and faith?
4.How can Simeon's prophecy in Luke 2:35 deepen our understanding of suffering?
5.How does Luke 2:35 connect with Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah?
6.How can we apply the message of Luke 2:35 in our daily trials?
7.What does "a sword will pierce your own soul" mean in Luke 2:35?
8.How does Luke 2:35 foreshadow Mary's future suffering?
9.Why is Simeon's prophecy significant in Luke 2:35?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 2?
11.Mary, did you know your son would change the world?
12.What is contemplative prayer?
13.How can you give generously without expecting anything back?
14.Mary, did you know your son would change the world?What Does Luke 2:35 Mean
so thatLuke 2:35 opens with purpose language: “so that.” God never works randomly. Every prophecy has a divine intention.
• Simeon’s words link directly to God’s redemptive plan first announced inGenesis 3:15 and progressively revealed throughIsaiah 7:14 andMicah 5:2.
• The Lord orchestrates events “so that” His will is accomplished (Romans 8:28;Ephesians 1:11).
• Jesus is presented in the temple at exactly the right time “so that” prophecy moves forward (Galatians 4:4–5).
the thoughts of many heartsThe focus shifts to what lies inside people.
• Scripture teaches that “man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).
• Jesus repeatedly exposed inner motives—whether Pharisaic pride (Mark 2:6–8) or a disciple’s sincere faith (John 1:47–49).
•Hebrews 4:12 affirms that God’s Word “judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
will be revealedHidden motives come into the light when confronted with Christ.
•John 3:19–21 contrasts those who hide in darkness with those who come to the Light.
• At Calvary two criminals reacted differently to Jesus; their responses unveiled their hearts (Luke 23:39–43).
• At the final judgment “God will bring to light what is hidden in darkness” (1 Corinthians 4:5).
andThis small connective ties together two profound truths: Christ exposes hearts, and Mary herself will experience deep anguish.
• God’s broader story often interweaves glory and suffering (Acts 14:22;1 Peter 4:13).
• The conjunction reminds us that personal sorrow can coexist with divine purpose (Romans 8:18).
a swordSimeon shifts to vivid imagery.
• The “sword” pictures sharp, penetrating pain (Psalm 22:16;Isaiah 53:5).
• It foreshadows the cross where Jesus is literally pierced (John 19:34), yet the image here points to Mary’s emotional wound.
will pierceThis is no glancing blow; it is a deliberate thrust.
• Mary’s suffering begins as opposition rises against her Son (Mark 3:21, 31).
• At Golgotha she stands near the cross, witnessing the horror (John 19:25–27).
• Prophecy ensures fulfillment—what God says, He does (Numbers 23:19).
your soulMary’s innermost being, not merely her feelings, will be wounded.
• The emotional cost of discipleship is real: “Whoever does not take up his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me” (Matthew 10:38).
• Jesus later redefines family ties around faith (Luke 8:19–21), underscoring that spiritual allegiance surpasses natural bonds.
as wellMary is not exempt from suffering because of her favored status (Luke 1:28).
• Even the most blessed saints share in Christ’s sufferings (Philippians 1:29).
• Her pain underscores that redemption is costly for all involved—Christ supremely, but also His followers (Colossians 1:24).
summaryLuke 2:35 teaches that Jesus’ coming exposes every hidden motive, compelling people to choose darkness or light, while simultaneously forecasting the profound anguish Mary will endure as she witnesses her Son’s rejection and crucifixion. God’s plan is intentional, penetrating hearts and weaving personal sorrow into His redemptive tapestry, assuring us that He uses even pain to accomplish eternal purposes.
(35)
A sword shall pierce through thy own soul also.--The word used for "sword" here, occurs also in the Apocalypse (
Revelation 1:16;
Revelation 2:12,
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 (
Luke 4:29); when she came, as in anxious fear, to check His teaching as the Pharisees charged Him with casting out devils through Beelzebub (
Matthew 12:46); when she stood by the cross, and heard the blasphemies and revilings of the priests and people (
John 19:26).
That the thoughts of manyhearts 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. . . .
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."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
so thatὅπως(hopōs)Conjunction
Strong's 3704:From hos and pos; what(-ever) how, i.e. In the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual).[the] thoughtsδιαλογισμοί(dialogismoi)Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1261:From dialogizomai; discussion, i.e. consideration, or debate.ofἐκ(ek)Preposition
Strong's 1537:From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.manyπολλῶν(pollōn)Adjective - Genitive Feminine Plural
Strong's 4183:Much, many; often.heartsκαρδιῶν(kardiōn)Noun - Genitive Feminine Plural
Strong's 2588: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
Strong's 601:To uncover, bring to light, reveal. From apo and kalupto; to take off the cover, i.e. Disclose.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.a swordῥομφαία(rhomphaia)Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4501:A sword, scimitar; fig: war, piercing grief. Probably of foreign origin; a sabre, i.e. A long and broad cutlass.will pierceδιελεύσεται(dieleusetai)Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1330:To pass through, spread (as a report). From dia and erchomai; to traverse.yourσοῦ(sou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.soulψυχὴν(psychēn)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5590:From psucho; breath, i.e. spirit, abstractly or concretely.as well.”δὲ(de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.
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NT Gospels: Luke 2:35 Yes a sword will pierce through your (Luke Lu Lk) 
