2:32

a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to Your people Israel: Scholars interpret this clause differently:

(1) The words revelation and glory are parallel. They both relate to a light (2:32a). This light:

(a) reveals God’s salvation to the Gentiles, and

(b) brings glory to Israel. For example:

a light that will bring revelation to the Gentiles and glory to your people Israel (Revised English Bible)

(Berean Standard Bible, New International Version, Good News Translation, New Jerusalem Bible, Revised Standard Version, NET Bible, Revised English Bible, God’s Word)

(2) The words light and glory are parallel. They both relate to salvation (2:30). The Christ and the salvation that he brings are:

(a) a light to…the Gentiles, and

(b) the glory of Israel. For example:

He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of…Israel! (New Living Translation (2004))

(New International Version (2011), New American Standard Bible, New Century Version, Contemporary English Version, New Living Translation (2004), King James Version)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1).

2:32a

a light: As with “salvation” in 2:30, a light is another way that Simeon referred to “the Lord’s Christ” (2:26b). Simeon described the Christ as a light because he is like a light. Just as light enables people to see things, the Christ will enable people to know things.

for revelation to the Gentiles: In this context the word revelation indicates that the Christ as the light will reveal God and his character (his love, will, truth, and grace). He will reveal this to the Gentiles who are in spiritual darkness.

If your language needs to express the word revelation as a verbal idea, you can say:

⌊He will be like⌋ a light to reveal/show ⌊you⌋ to the Gentiles
-or-
A light to reveal your will to the Gentiles (Good News Translation)

2:32b

for glory to Your people Israel: The Christ as the light will bring glory to God’s people Israel.

glory: Here, the word glory means “honor,” “praise,” or “a high reputation.” In some language this can be expressed as:

he is the pride of your people Israel

Israel received glory and honor because the Christ, the Savior, was an Israelite. See glory, sense A3(c), in Key Biblical Terms.

General Comment on 2:29–32

Luke 2:30–32 gives the reason for 2:29. In some languages, it may be more natural to put 2:30–32 before 2:29. For example:

³⁰My eyes have seen your salvation, ³¹which you have prepared in the sight of all people, ³²a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel. ²⁹⌊So,⌋ Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace.

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