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Luke 2:34
ESV And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed
NIV Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: 'This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against,
NASB And Simeon blessed them and said to His mother Mary, 'Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and as a sign to be opposed—
CSB Then Simeon blessed them and told his mother Mary, "Indeed, this child is destined to cause the fall and rise of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be opposed--
NLT Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, 'This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, and many others to rise. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him.
KJV And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;

What does Luke 2:34 mean?

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem (Luke 2:4–7), His family followed all the requirements of Mosaic law. This included circumcision (Luke 2:21) and rites for ceremonial purification (Luke 2:22–24). While in the temple in Jerusalem for purification, Mary and Joseph encounter Simeon, a man driven by the Holy Spirit (Luke 2:25–27). He celebrates God's fulfillment of prophecy while holding the infant Jesus (Luke 2:28–32). This speech amazed Mary and Joseph (Luke 2:33).

Not all of Simeon's prophecy is positive, however. Here, he notes that Jesus' ministry will create a sharp division in the world (Matthew 10:34–38). This follows Old Testament predictions that even some among Israel would "stumble" over the Messiah (Isaiah 8:14). This division between those who accept Christ and those who reject Him will become a recurring theme in both Jesus' preaching (John 9:39) and the ministry of the early church (1 Corinthians 1:23; 1 Peter 2:8).

Another dire aspect of Simeon's prophecy is given in the next verse: Mary will suffer intense emotional pain as part of her role in Jesus' life (Luke 2:35).
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