Bible Figure
Simeon
in the Gospel according to Luke, a man who meets Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus (Luke 2:25–35)
Simeon was a righteous and devout man in Jerusalem who was waiting for the consolation of Israel. The Holy Spirit had revealed that he would not die before seeing the Lord's Messiah. When Mary and Joseph brought the infant Jesus to the Temple, Simeon took Him in his arms, praised God, and proclaimed Him as salvation for Israel and the nations.
Biography
Luke 2 describes Simeon as righteous, devout, and expectant, with the Holy Spirit upon him. He had received a divine promise that he would see the Messiah before his death. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon entered the Temple when Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to fulfill the requirements of the Law. Taking the child in his arms, he blessed God in words traditionally called the Nunc Dimittis, declaring that his eyes had seen God's salvation, prepared before all peoples—a light for revelation to the Gentiles and glory for Israel. Simeon then blessed the family and told Mary that the child was appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel and would be a sign spoken against, adding that a sword would pierce Mary's own soul. Scripture records nothing further about Simeon's life.
Biblical Significance
Simeon is an important early witness to Jesus' identity. His Spirit-guided testimony connects Israel's messianic hope with God's saving purpose for the Gentiles and anticipates both the opposition Jesus will face and the sorrow associated with His mission. Along with Anna, Simeon represents faithful Israel recognizing God's Messiah.