2:28 2:28

Luke 2:29

2:30 2:30

Bible Versions

Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
Lord {G1203}, now {G3568} lettest thou {G630} thy {G4675} servant {G1401} depart {G630} in {G1722} peace {G1515}, according {G2596} to thy {G4675} word {G4487}:
"Now, ADONAI, according to your word, your servant is at peace as you let him go;
“Sovereign Lord, as You have promised, You now dismiss Your servant in peace.
Now lettest thou thy servant depart, Lord, According to thy word, in peace;

Context of Luke 2:29

Luke 2:29 captures the profound moment of Simeon, a righteous and devout man in Jerusalem, as he holds the infant Jesus in his arms. According to Luke 2:25, Simeon was waiting for the "consolation of Israel," and the Holy Ghost was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ (Luke 2:26). Led by the Spirit into the temple when Mary and Joseph brought Jesus for His purification rites, Simeon took the child into his arms (Luke 2:28) and uttered this blessed prayer, often called the Nunc Dimittis (from the Latin for "Now dismiss").

Key Themes and Messages

  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: Simeon's prayer is a testament to God's faithfulness in keeping His promises. For generations, Israel had longed for the Messiah, and in this moment, Simeon sees the living embodiment of that hope. His words declare that the long-awaited deliverer has arrived.
  • Peace in God's Presence: The core of Simeon's statement is his readiness to "depart in peace." Having seen the Messiah, his life's purpose is fulfilled, and he can face death without fear or regret. This peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a profound spiritual contentment derived from encountering God's salvation.
  • Divine Appointment and Readiness: Simeon's life was characterized by waiting and obedience to the Holy Spirit. His readiness to depart signifies that a life lived in expectation of God's promises leads to ultimate fulfillment and peace, even in the face of death.
  • Universal Salvation: Though not explicitly stated in this verse, Simeon's subsequent words in Luke 2:32 reveal that this salvation is not just for Israel but also a "light to lighten the Gentiles," pointing to the global scope of Christ's redemptive work.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "lettest thou thy servant depart" comes from the Greek word apolyō (ἀπολύω), which literally means "to release," "to send away," or "to dismiss." In this context, it carries the sense of being released from life itself, or from one's earthly service. Simeon feels he has completed his divine assignment or mission on earth, having personally witnessed the arrival of the Savior. The "peace" (Greek: eirēnē, εἰρήνη) he refers to is not just a cessation of trouble, but a holistic well-being, harmony, and spiritual tranquility that comes from God.

Significance and Application

Simeon's prayer in Luke 2:29 offers powerful lessons for believers today:

  • Trusting God's Promises: Like Simeon, we are called to live with unwavering faith, knowing that God is faithful to His word (Hebrews 10:23). His plans unfold in His perfect timing.
  • Finding Peace in Christ: True peace, the kind that surpasses all understanding, is found in a relationship with Jesus Christ (Philippians 4:7). Simeon's peace came from seeing the Savior; our peace comes from knowing Him personally.
  • Living a Purpose-Driven Life: Simeon's life had a clear purpose, culminating in this moment. Believers are encouraged to live lives dedicated to God's will, finding satisfaction and peace in fulfilling their divine calling.
  • Readiness for Eternity: Simeon's readiness to "depart in peace" serves as a reminder for all believers to live in such a way that they are prepared for their own departure, trusting in God's salvation through Christ.
Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Revelation 14:13

    ¶ And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed [are] the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.

  • Genesis 15:15

    And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age.

  • Luke 2:26

    And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.

  • Philippians 1:23

    For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:

  • Genesis 46:30

    And Israel said unto Joseph, Now let me die, since I have seen thy face, because thou [art] yet alive.

  • Psalms 37:37

    Mark the perfect [man], and behold the upright: for the end of [that] man [is] peace.

  • Isaiah 57:1

    ¶ The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth [it] to heart: and merciful men [are] taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil [to come].
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