2:35a

so that: Scholars interpret the Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as so that in two ways:

(1) It indicates the purpose for which God destined Jesus. He was destined “to be a sign that people will oppose in order that their secret thoughts will be revealed.” For example:

so that the thoughts of many will be made known (New Century Version)

(Berean Standard Bible, New International Version, Revised Standard Version, New Jerusalem Bible, New American Standard Bible, New Century Version, King James Version)

(2) It indicates the result of many people opposing the sign. He was “a sign that people will oppose, with the result that their secret thoughts will be revealed.” For example:

Indeed, as a result of him the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed (NET Bible)

(Good News Translation, NET Bible, Revised English Bible, New Living Translation (2004))

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1) and the larger number of English versions and commentaries.

the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed: This is a passive clause. The text does not say who will reveal the thoughts. It is likely that the actions of the people themselves will reveal their true thoughts to other people. When they oppose and reject Jesus, their actions will expose their true character. They may not intend to reveal their thoughts, but God planned that Jesus would cause them to do that. Here is one way to express this meaning in 2:34c–35a:

34cHe will be a sign that will expose 35athe thoughts of those who reject him. (God’s Word)

the thoughts of many hearts: In this context the word hearts is used as a figure of speech. Often the “heart” refers figuratively to the part of a person that thinks about and remembers things. In this context, it represents the people who have these thoughts.

Some other ways to translate this are:

that which many people think in their hearts/minds
-or-
the true thoughts of many people
-or-
that which many people really think

many: The word many refers to the same people as the “many in Israel” in 2:34b who would either fall or rise.

2:35b

and a sword will pierce your soul as well: In this part of the verse Simeon made a prophecy about Mary herself. In the Greek text the phrase your soul comes first in the sentence. This order helps to connect the statement to 2:34c. The sense is that when Jesus is opposed, Mary will feel as though a sword had pierced her own heart.

a sword will pierce your soul: This is a metaphor. Simeon referred here to something that would happen to Mary in the future. When people would later reject and crucify Jesus, it would cause Mary intense mental suffering. This great sorrow would be as if someone had pierced her with a sword.

Some ways to translate this are:

• Use a simile and make the point of similarity explicit. For example:

⌊suffering/sorrow⌋ will pierce your own soul like a sword
-or-

⌊you will grieve so much that it will be as if⌋ a sword has pierced your own soul

• Use an idiom that expresses the meaning in your language. For example, in English you could say:

your heart/soul will be broken

• Translate the meaning directly. For example:

you will suffer greatly

sword: The word sword refers to a very long, straight, broad knife. A sword is sharp on both edges. It is about the same length as a machete.

soul: Here the word soul refers to that part of a person where emotions occur. In some languages, people call this part of a person the “heart.” In others, people call it the “liver” or use some other word. Notice that in this context the word soul is part of the figure of speech. So some languages will not need to translate a word for soul. For example:

you, too, will feel great sorrow
-or-
you, too, will suffer as though ⌊people⌋ had wounded you with a sword

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