Simeon uses a powerful word here that's more than just "letting go"; it carries the sense of a master releasing a slave from duty. This isn't a simple death; it's a joyful, almost celebratory, emancipation now that his life's ultimate purpose has been fulfilled. He's not just dying, he's being set free!
“Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Simeon, an elderly man who had been promised by the Holy Spirit that he would not die until he had seen the Lord's Messiah, has just held the infant Jesus in his arms. Now, filled with the Spirit and recognizing the baby as God's promised salvation, he breaks into a song of profound gratitude and fulfillment. This ancient prayer marks the culmination of Simeon's life's hope, a moment where his personal anticipation meets God's grand prophetic plan for both Israel and the nations.
When Simeon says he's ready to 'depart,' it's more than just wanting to die. It's about a profound sense of release.
The original language here paints a picture of a slave being set free. Simeon, a devoted servant of God, feels his long service is complete.
Freedom's Fulfillment
Simeon's final moments are marked by an extraordinary peace. Where does this profound calm come from, especially in the face of death?
This isn't just a casual 'goodbye.' Simeon's peace is deeply rooted in God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His specific promises.
Ask a follow-up
The Anchor of Assurance
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.
sōtērion · Greek Noun
The act of divine deliverance and rescue from sin, death, and judgment, fully realized in the person and work of Jesus Christ.
hetoimazō · Greek Verb
To make ready, provide, or ordain something for a specific purpose. In a biblical context, it often refers to God's sovereign act of preparing salvation or a person for His divine plan.
laos · Greek Noun
The whole of humanity, referring to all nations or ethnic groups. In Scripture, it emphasizes God's universal mission and the inclusion of non-Jewish nations in His redemptive plan.
phōs · Greek Noun
In biblical imagery, light represents holiness, truth, salvation, and the presence of God. It stands in contrast to the darkness of sin and ignorance, revealing God's path to humanity.
apokalypsis · Greek Noun
The act of unveiling or making known something that was previously hidden. Theologically, it refers to God revealing His truth, His Son, or His mystery to those who were in spiritual darkness.
ethnos · Greek Noun
Non-Jewish nations or individuals. Biblically, this term signifies those outside the covenant of Israel, whom God intended to include in the blessings of salvation through the Messiah.
doxa · Greek Noun
The manifestation of God's character, majesty, and honor. To be the "glory" of Israel is to be the supreme manifestation of God's presence and favor toward His chosen people.
Simeon's song is deeply rooted in the specific context of Second Temple Judaism and the fervent expectation of a Messiah. His life, and this moment of seeing Jesus, represent the culmination of a long-held promise within that historical and religious setting.
~20 BC
Herod the Great Rebuilds Temple
King Herod the Great begins a massive, decades-long project to renovate and expand the Second Temple in Jerusalem. This monumental undertaking would have been a focal point of Jewish life and Messianic expectation.
c. 2 BC - 1 BC
Birth of Jesus
Jesus is born in Bethlehem during the reign of Emperor Augustus. His birth marks the beginning of the events foretold by prophets and anticipated by devout Israelites.
c. AD 29— this verse
Jesus Presented at the Temple
As a baby, Jesus is brought to the Second Temple in Jerusalem by his parents, Mary and Joseph, for the purification rituals and dedication. This is the specific event Simeon has been waiting for.
c. AD 29
Simeon's Prophecy
The devout and righteous Simeon, guided by the Holy Spirit, recognizes the infant Jesus as the promised Messiah. He blesses Mary and Joseph and utters his famous prophecy, the Nunc Dimittis.
c. AD 30 - 33
Jesus' Ministry and Crucifixion
Jesus begins his public ministry, teaching, healing, and ultimately being crucified, resurrected, and ascending to heaven. His life and work fulfill Simeon's prophecy of salvation.
This verse highlights a similar concept of dying in peace after a promise from God, providing an Old Testament parallel to Simeon's anticipation.
Isaiah 52:10This prophecy speaks of God revealing his salvation to all nations, which directly relates to Simeon's understanding of Jesus as 'a light for revelation to the Gentiles' and 'Israel's glory'.
Acts 4:24This passage uses the same term for 'Master' (Despotes) that Simeon uses, emphasizing God's supreme authority over His servants and their lives.
Romans 15:8This passage connects Jesus to the circumcision and promises of Israel, echoing Simeon's recognition of Christ as the fulfillment of God's covenant with His people.
2 Peter 1:15This verse uses a related word to 'depart' that signifies making an end or moving out of this life, drawing a conceptual link to Simeon's expressed desire to leave this world.
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 uses a powerful word here that's more than just "letting go"; it carries the sense of a master releasing a slave from duty. This isn't a simple death; it's a joyful, almost celebratory, emancipation now that his life's ultimate purpose has been fulfilled. He's not just dying, he's being set free!
Simeon, an elderly man who had been promised by the Holy Spirit that he would not die until he had seen the Lord's Messiah, has just held the infant Jesus in his arms. Now, filled with the Spirit and recognizing the baby as God's promised salvation, he breaks into a song of profound gratitude and fulfillment. This ancient prayer marks the culmination of Simeon's life's hope, a moment where his personal anticipation meets God's grand prophetic plan for both Israel and the nations.
Simeon, an elderly man who had been promised by the Holy Spirit that he would not die until he had seen the Lord's Messiah, has just held the infant Jesus in his arms. Now, filled with the Spirit and recognizing the baby as God's promised salvation, he breaks into a song of profound gratitude and fulfillment. This ancient prayer marks the culmination of Simeon's life's hope, a moment where his personal anticipation meets God's grand prophetic plan for both Israel and the nations.
"“Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for gl…" — Simeon uses a powerful word here that's more than just "letting go"; it carries the sense of a master releasing a slave from duty. This isn't a simple death; it's a joyful, almost celebratory, emanci…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
