Luke 2:29
“Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word;
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Simeon's phrase "now you are letting your servant depart" isn't just about dying; it carries the weight of being released from duty, like a slave being freed. He sees seeing the Messiah as the ultimate fulfillment of his life's purpose, earning him his 'manumission' from earthly service, all in perfect alignment with God's promise.
Simeon, an elderly and righteous man, has been promised by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before seeing the Lord's Messiah. After waiting for years, he finally encounters the infant Jesus in the Temple, recognizing Him as God's promised salvation. This verse marks Simeon's joyful declaration, expressing his fulfillment and readiness to depart from life now that his life's ultimate purpose has been realized.
Simeon uses a powerful word when he speaks of departing. It's more than just dying; it's about being set free.
The Greek word translated as 'lettest depart' (apolueis) carries a rich meaning. It’s often used for releasing a prisoner, forgiving a debt, or, significantly, the manumission of a slave. Simeon, an elderly servant of God, sees his death not as an end, but as a grand release from his earthly duties. Having seen the promised Messiah, his long service is fulfilled, and he is now 'enfranchised' from life’s obligations. This isn't a fearful end, but a joyous liberation.
Think of it like a soldier finally being relieved from guard duty after a long watch. The task is complete, the enemy sighted, and now they can peacefully return.
Simeon's departure is marked by 'peace,' but this isn't just a calm feeling. It's deeply connected to God's faithfulness.
The phrase 'according to your word' is the key here. Simeon isn't just dying peacefully; he's dying peacefully because God's promises have been met.
He had been promised that he would not see death before he saw the Lord's Anointed (Luke 2:26). Now, holding the infant Jesus, he sees that promise realized. This fulfillment brings him a profound and ultimate peace. It's the peace that comes from knowing God is true to His Word. His life's purpose, revealed by a divine promise, has been accomplished, allowing him to depart from this world in complete assurance and rest.
Understand the original words
Despota · Greek Noun
A title indicating absolute sovereignty, authority, and ownership; in the New Testament, it is frequently used to address God or Jesus as the supreme Master to whom all devotion is owed.
doulon · Greek Noun
One who is in a position of complete submission to the authority and will of another, often used to describe the voluntary, loving bond between a believer and God.
eirēnē · Greek Noun
A state of wholeness, harmony, and reconciliation—specifically the reconciliation between God and humanity—which results from being in right relationship with Him through faith.
Simeon's prayer is deeply rooted in the covenant promises God made to Israel. He had waited decades for this moment, seeing Jesus not just as a baby, but as the fulfillment of God's word and the long-awaited salvation for both Jews and Gentiles.
c. 20 BC
Herod the Great Renovates the Temple
Herod the Great begins a massive, decades-long renovation of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. This ambitious project significantly alters the city's landscape and religious life.
c. 19 BC
Simeon Receives Divine Promise
Simeon, a devout elderly man in Jerusalem, is promised by the Holy Spirit that he will not die until he has seen the Lord's Messiah.
c. AD 1-2
Birth of Jesus Christ
Jesus is born in Bethlehem to Mary and Joseph, fulfilling prophecies and divine promises throughout Jewish history.
c. AD 1-2— this verse
Presentation of Jesus in the Temple
Joseph and Mary bring the infant Jesus to the Jerusalem Temple for the purification rituals and to present him to the Lord, as was customary.
This passage parallels Simeon's desire to 'depart in peace,' as God promised Abraham that he would 'go to his fathers in peace' after a long life, highlighting the theme of peaceful rest in old age after divine assurance.
Isaiah 52:10This prophecy speaks of the Lord arming Himself and the ends of the earth seeing His salvation, which directly aligns with Simeon's fulfillment of seeing 'the Lord's Christ' and recognizing Him as salvation prepared for all nations.
Acts 4:24The use of 'Master' (Despotes) for God here, as in Luke 2:29, emphasizes God's sovereign authority over His servants, particularly as they recognize His mighty works, like the healing of the lame man.
Romans 15:8Paul mentions Christ ministering to the circumcised to confirm God's promises, echoing Simeon's recognition of Jesus as the fulfillment of God's word to Israel, and anticipating His role as light to the Gentiles.
2 Peter 1:14Peter speaks of laying aside his earthly tent soon, similar to Simeon's sense of departure, linking the shedding of the physical body to the assurance of being with Christ, a peace found in the Lord's salvation.
barnesLuke 2:29: "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:"
Now lettest - Now thou "dost" let or permit. This word is in the indicative mood, and signifies that God was permitting him to die in peace, by having relieved his anxieties, allayed his fears, fulfilled the promises, and having by the appearing of the Messiah, removed every reason why he should live any longer, and every wish to live. Depart - Die. According to thy word - Thy promise made by revelation. God…
cambridgeLuke 2:29: "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:"
29 . Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace ] Rather, Now art Thou setting free Thy slave, O Master, according to Thy word, in peace . This rapturous Psalm—the Nunc Dimittis —has formed a part of Christian evening worship certainly since the fifth century. Despotes is not often used of God ( Acts 4:24 ; Revelation 6:10 ). In peace ] On leaving a dying person the Jews said, ‘Go in peace ’ ( Be sha…
Simeon's phrase "now you are letting your servant depart" isn't just about dying; it carries the weight of being released from duty, like a slave being freed. He sees seeing the Messiah as the ultimate fulfillment of his life's purpose, earning him his 'manumission' from earthly service, all in perfect alignment with God's promise.
Simeon, an elderly and righteous man, has been promised by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before seeing the Lord's Messiah. After waiting for years, he finally encounters the infant Jesus in the Temple, recognizing Him as God's promised salvation. This verse marks Simeon's joyful declaration, expressing his fulfillment and readiness to depart from life now that his life's ultimate purpose has been realized.
Simeon, an elderly and righteous man, has been promised by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before seeing the Lord's Messiah. After waiting for years, he finally encounters the infant Jesus in the Temple, recognizing Him as God's promised salvation. This verse marks Simeon's joyful declaration, expressing his fulfillment and readiness to depart from life now that his life's ultimate purpose has been realized.
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c. AD 1-2
Simeon Recognizes Jesus
The Holy Spirit leads Simeon to the Temple, where he recognizes the infant Jesus as the promised Messiah. He then offers his prayer of release.
"“Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word;" — Simeon's phrase "now you are letting your servant depart" isn't just about dying; it carries the weight of being released from duty, like a slave being freed. He sees seeing the Messiah as the ulti…
