John and Paul,

Lots of helpful commentary provided that puts these verses in the proper focus... and more levels of depth.

Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,

I have always considered this line to be concerning the heartache Mary would bear... and I think that is so; I think that statement to Mary fits with Simeon’s blessing.


Even so, the reference to this being a Sword piercing Mary’s own soul... appears to holds another level of meaning in the rest of the message, which is entirely about the dividing nature of Jesus...


Because the Word is referred to as a two-edged Sword.

Eph 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

Hbr 4:12 For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.


Behold, this [child] is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

-Kathy