Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Luke 2:34

"and Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this [child] is set for the falling and the rising of many in Israel; and for a sign which is spoken against;" — Luke 2:34 (ASV)

In spite of what they already know, Joseph and Mary are amazed (v.33; cf. comment on v.17) at Simeon’s song. Moreover, Simeon adds a solemn note by predicting that because of the child “many in Israel” would be brought to moral decision, some to a point of collapse and others to what can well be called a resurrection (anastasis; GK 414; NIV, “rising”). But there will be a cost to Jesus; he will be vulnerable to the hostility of unbelievers, who reject not only him but the whole of God’s revelation (v.35; cf. Jn 5:45-47). This clash will inevitably wound Jesus’ mother.