This verse is part of the story of Simeon in the Gospel of Luke. Let's break down what it means:
"Then he received him into his arms": Simeon was an elderly, righteous man who had been promised by the Holy Spirit that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah (the Christ). When Mary and Joseph brought the infant Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem to fulfill the requirements of the Law, Simeon recognized Jesus as the Messiah. He "received him into his arms" – he held the baby Jesus. This act signifies reverence, joy, and acceptance of Jesus as the promised Savior. It's a physical manifestation of a deeply spiritual recognition.
"and blessed God": To "bless God" in this context means to praise, thank, and adore God. Simeon was filled with gratitude that God had kept his promise and allowed him to witness the Messiah.
"and said": This introduces the prayer or prophecy that Simeon is about to utter, which is known as the Nunc Dimittis (from the Latin phrase meaning "Now you dismiss"). The following verses (Luke 2:29-32) contain Simeon's famous declaration that he can now die in peace, having seen God's salvation for all people, both Jews and Gentiles.
In essence, this verse describes a moment of profound fulfillment and joy for Simeon. He recognizes the baby Jesus as the Messiah, embraces him with love and reverence, and bursts forth in praise to God for keeping his promise. It is a pivotal moment that highlights the arrival of salvation and God's faithfulness.
This verse is part of the story of Simeon in the Gospel of Luke. Let's break down what it means:
"Then he received him into his arms": Simeon was an elderly, righteous man who had been promised by the Holy Spirit that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah (the Christ). When Mary and Joseph brought the infant Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem to fulfill the requirements of the Law, Simeon recognized Jesus as the Messiah. He "received him into his arms" – he held the baby Jesus. This act signifies reverence, joy, and acceptance of Jesus as the promised Savior. It's a physical manifestation of a deeply spiritual recognition.
"and blessed God": To "bless God" in this context means to praise, thank, and adore God. Simeon was filled with gratitude that God had kept his promise and allowed him to witness the Messiah.
"and said": This introduces the prayer or prophecy that Simeon is about to utter, which is known as the Nunc Dimittis (from the Latin phrase meaning "Now you dismiss"). The following verses (Luke 2:29-32) contain Simeon's famous declaration that he can now die in peace, having seen God's salvation for all people, both Jews and Gentiles.
In essence, this verse describes a moment of profound fulfillment and joy for Simeon. He recognizes the baby Jesus as the Messiah, embraces him with love and reverence, and bursts forth in praise to God for keeping his promise. It is a pivotal moment that highlights the arrival of salvation and God's faithfulness.