Luke 2:29

KJV

Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:

KJV (with Strong's)

Lord {G1203}, now {G3568} lettest thou {G630} thy {G4675} servant {G1401} depart {G630} in {G1722} peace {G1515}, according {G2596} to thy {G4675} word {G4487}:

Complete Jewish Bible

"Now, ADONAI, according to your word, your servant is at peace as you let him go;

Berean Standard Bible

“Sovereign Lord, as You have promised, You now dismiss Your servant in peace.

American Standard Version

Now lettest thou thy servant depart, Lord, According to thy word, in peace;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 2:29 records Simeon's profound prayer, often called the *Nunc Dimittis*, uttered as he held the infant Jesus in the Temple. This prayer expresses a deep sense of peace and fulfillment, as Simeon, a righteous and devout man, recognizes the long-awaited Messiah, signifying the culmination of his life's purpose and God's faithfulness to His ancient promises of salvation for Israel and all nations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 2:29 is the climax of Simeon's narrative, which begins in [Luke 2:25](/luke/2-25 "Luke 2:25 - Simeon's Righteousness and Expectation"). The preceding verses establish Simeon as a righteous and devout man in Jerusalem, "waiting for the consolation of Israel," upon whom the Holy Spirit rested. Crucially, the Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not die before seeing the Lord's Christ ([Luke 2:26](/luke/2-26 "Luke 2:26 - The Holy Spirit's Promise to Simeon")). Led by the Spirit, Simeon entered the Temple courts precisely when Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to present Him to the Lord and perform the purification rites according to the Law ([Luke 2:27-28](/luke/2-27-28 "Luke 2:27-28 - Simeon Takes Jesus in His Arms")). Taking the child into his arms, Simeon immediately burst forth in this powerful declaration, signifying the fulfillment of the divine promise to him and the arrival of Israel's hope.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Jewish people in the 1st century AD lived under Roman occupation, longing for the promised Messiah who would deliver them from oppression and restore the kingdom of Israel. This expectation was deeply rooted in Old Testament prophecies. The Temple in Jerusalem was the spiritual heart of Judaism, where devout individuals like Simeon regularly worshipped and awaited God's intervention. The purification rites for a mother after childbirth and the presentation of the firstborn son were prescribed by the Mosaic Law ([Leviticus 12:1-8](/leviticus/12-1-8 "Leviticus 12:1-8 - Laws of Purification After Childbirth") and [Exodus 13:2](/exodus/13-2 "Exodus 13:2 - Consecration of the Firstborn")), highlighting Mary and Joseph's obedience to Jewish custom. Simeon's presence and prophetic utterance within this sacred setting underscore the continuity of God's plan, bridging the Old Covenant expectations with the New Covenant reality embodied in Christ.
* **Key Themes:** Simeon's prayer in [Luke 2:29-32](/luke/2-29-32 "Luke 2:29-32 - Simeon's Prophecy") encapsulates several profound themes. Foremost is the **fulfillment of prophecy** and God's unwavering **faithfulness** to His promises, as the long-awaited Messiah finally appears. The phrase "depart in peace" speaks to the theme of **divine peace and contentment** found in encountering God's salvation, suggesting that Simeon's life purpose has been gloriously achieved. Furthermore, Simeon's life exemplifies **patient waiting and obedience to the Holy Spirit**, demonstrating that a life lived in expectation of God's word leads to ultimate spiritual fulfillment. While [Luke 2:29](/luke/2-29 "Luke 2:29 - Simeon's Prayer") focuses on personal peace, Simeon's subsequent words in [Luke 2:32](/luke/2-32 "Luke 2:32 - Jesus: A Light to the Gentiles") broaden the scope to **universal salvation**, revealing Jesus as "a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel," thus extending the Messianic hope beyond Israel to all humanity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lord (Greek, _despótēs'_):** This term signifies an absolute ruler or master, often implying ownership and authority. Simeon addresses God with profound reverence, acknowledging His supreme sovereignty and control over life and death, and the divine plan unfolding before him. It highlights God's ultimate authority to grant or withhold life, and to fulfill His promises.
* **Servant (Greek, _doûlos'_):** This word denotes a slave or bond-servant, emphasizing complete subjection and subservience. Simeon identifies himself as God's humble servant, whose life is entirely devoted to and dependent upon his Master. This self-identification underscores his obedience and the completion of his divinely appointed task, now that he has seen the Messiah.
* **Peace (Greek, _eirḗnē'_):** While often translated simply as "peace," this term in biblical Greek (and Hebrew *shalom*) encompasses a much richer meaning: holistic well-being, prosperity, harmony, tranquility, and the absence of conflict. For Simeon, this peace is not merely a feeling but a profound spiritual state derived from the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, allowing him to face death without fear or regret.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace":** Simeon addresses God as his absolute Master, acknowledging His authority to release him from his earthly life and service. The phrase "lettest thou... depart" (from *apolýō*) signifies a divine dismissal or release, implying that Simeon's life's mission, specifically the promise given to him by the Holy Spirit, has been fulfilled. Having seen the Messiah, he can now face death with profound spiritual tranquility and contentment, a peace that transcends earthly circumstances.
* **"according to thy word":** This clause explicitly links Simeon's readiness to depart to God's prior promise. It underscores God's faithfulness and the certainty of His prophetic utterances. Simeon's peace is not arbitrary but is directly consequent upon the fulfillment of God's specific revelation to him, affirming that God always keeps His word.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Apostrophe** is evident as Simeon directly addresses God ("Lord"), creating a personal and intimate tone in his prayer. The term "thy servant" functions as an **epithet**, highlighting Simeon's identity and relationship with God as one dedicated to His will and service. Furthermore, the concept of "departing in peace" is rich with **symbolism**. It symbolizes not merely physical death, but a peaceful conclusion to a life lived in expectation and faith, a life whose ultimate purpose has been realized in the person of the Messiah. The peace itself symbolizes the profound spiritual rest and contentment that comes from witnessing God's salvation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Simeon's prayer is a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and the profound peace found in His presence. It highlights that true contentment and the ability to face life's end without fear come from seeing God's promises fulfilled, particularly in the person of Jesus Christ. Simeon's experience foreshadows the ultimate peace and reconciliation with God that Christ's coming brings to all who believe. His prayer serves as a model of a life lived in patient expectation and faithful obedience, culminating in the joyous recognition of God's salvation.

* [Isaiah 26:3](/isaiah/26-3 "Isaiah 26:3 - God Keeps in Perfect Peace")
* [Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")
* [Hebrews 10:23](/hebrews/10-23 "Hebrews 10:23 - God's Faithfulness to His Promises")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Simeon's prayer offers profound lessons for believers today. His life models patient endurance and unwavering faith, reminding us to live with an expectant heart, trusting that God will fulfill His promises in His perfect timing. The "peace" Simeon experiences is not merely the absence of trouble, but a profound spiritual contentment derived from encountering God's salvation. For us, this peace is found in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, who is our ultimate peace. Simeon's readiness to "depart" after seeing the Messiah also challenges us to consider our own readiness for eternity. A life lived in faithful pursuit of God's will, recognizing Christ as the fulfillment of all hope, allows us to face both life and death with the same profound peace that Simeon experienced. Our greatest purpose, like Simeon's, is to behold and proclaim the Savior.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "consolation" or fulfillment are you currently waiting for from God, and how does Simeon's patient waiting encourage you?**
* **How does encountering Jesus Christ bring you a peace that allows you to face life's uncertainties, or even death, without fear?**
* **In what ways can you live a life more fully dedicated to God's purpose, finding your ultimate satisfaction in Him, as Simeon did?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Simeon's desire to "depart in peace"?**

Answer: Simeon's desire to "depart in peace" signifies that his life's purpose, as revealed by the Holy Spirit ([Luke 2:26](/luke/2-26 "Luke 2:26 - The Holy Spirit's Promise to Simeon")), has been completely fulfilled. He had been promised that he would not die before seeing the Messiah. Upon holding the infant Jesus, he recognized Him as the Lord's Christ, confirming God's faithfulness. The "peace" (Greek: *eirēnē*) he speaks of is a profound, holistic well-being and spiritual contentment that comes from witnessing God's salvation. It means he can now face death without fear or regret, having seen the ultimate hope of Israel and the world.

**How does Simeon's prayer connect to the broader theme of God's faithfulness?**

Answer: Simeon's prayer is a direct affirmation of God's faithfulness. The phrase "according to thy word" explicitly states that his readiness to depart is a direct result of God keeping His promise to him. For generations, Israel had awaited the Messiah, and Simeon's encounter with Jesus confirms that God is true to all His covenants and prophecies ([Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6-7 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - Prophecy of the Messiah's Reign")). It demonstrates that God's plans unfold precisely as He declares, providing assurance that His promises to all believers will also be fulfilled.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Simeon's prayer in [Luke 2:29](/luke/2-29 "Luke 2:29 - Simeon's Prayer") finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus as the very embodiment of God's promised salvation and the source of true peace. Simeon's longing for the "consolation of Israel" ([Luke 2:25](/luke/2-25 "Luke 2:25 - Simeon's Expectation")) is met in Christ, who is not merely a deliverer but the divine Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). The "peace" Simeon receives is a foretaste of the profound spiritual peace that Jesus Himself offers to His followers, a peace that the world cannot give ([John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus Gives Peace")). Christ's coming fulfills all the Old Testament prophecies, making Him the "light to lighten the Gentiles" and the "glory of thy people Israel" ([Luke 2:32](/luke/2-32 "Luke 2:32 - Jesus: A Light to the Gentiles")), extending God's redemptive plan beyond national Israel to all humanity. Thus, Simeon's readiness to depart in peace is a prophetic declaration that through Christ, humanity can find ultimate reconciliation with God and eternal rest, having seen and received the Savior who conquered death and offers everlasting life ([Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Peace with God Through Christ") and [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus Delivers from Fear of Death")).

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.

Cross-References

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].