Luke 2:29-32
“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)
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Simeon doesn't just say he's ready to die; he uses a word that means to be "released" or "set free," like a slave finally gaining freedom. This paints a beautiful picture: after a lifetime of faithfully waiting for God's promise, he feels completely liberated from his service on earth, no longer bound by earthly duties.
This verse comes right after Simeon, an old and righteous man, has been led by the Spirit into the Temple and held the infant Jesus. Having seen the promised Messiah with his own eyes, he erupts in this song of praise. His declaration marks the fulfillment of God's promise to him personally and sets the stage for him to prophesy about Jesus' future impact on both Israel and the Gentiles.
Simeon uses a powerful word to describe his departure from life. It's not just death, but a release.
The word "depart" (apolyeis) here carries a rich meaning beyond simply leaving. It suggests being let go, released, or even set free.
A Slave's Enfranchisement
Think of it like a slave being granted freedom, or a soldier being relieved from duty. Simeon, an aging "servant" (doulos), feels his long service of waiting is over. God, his "Master" (Despotes), is now releasing him from his earthly post.
This isn't a passive resignation to death, but an active acknowledgment of God's fulfillment of His promise, granting him liberation from the ties of this life.
Simeon's peace isn't a vague feeling; it's directly tied to something God promised.
Simeon's final moments are marked by a profound peace, explicitly linked to God's promise ('according to your word').
The Certainty of God's Promise
He had been told by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ (Luke 2:26). Now, holding the infant Jesus, that promise is fulfilled. This fulfillment is the bedrock of his peace.
His peace isn't about avoiding suffering or hardship, but about the absolute certainty that God keeps His word. This assurance allows him to face death without fear, knowing his life's ultimate purpose has been met.
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.
Simeon's song isn't just a beautiful prayer; it's the fulfillment of a personal promise from God, given to an old man who trusted in His word. It highlights the deep anticipation for the Messiah among God's faithful people and the recognition of Jesus as the Savior for all nations.
~21-20 BC
Birth of Jesus Christ
The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, the central event prophesied in Hebrew scriptures and anticipated by devout Jews.
c. AD 1-2— this verse
Simeon Prophesies at the Temple
Simeon, a devout and elderly man, is led by the Holy Spirit to the Jerusalem Temple where he encounters the infant Jesus. He recognizes Jesus as the promised Messiah and speaks the prophecy recorded in Luke 2:29-35, often called the Nunc Dimittis.
c. AD 30-33
Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus
Jesus is crucified in Jerusalem and rises from the dead, fulfilling prophecies about salvation and a light to the Gentiles.
c. AD 40-50
Early Spread of the Gospel
The apostles begin spreading the message of Jesus Christ throughout the Roman Empire, fulfilling Simeon's prophecy about Jesus being a light to the Gentiles.
This passage speaks of a peaceful death for Abraham after a divine encounter, echoing Simeon's desire to 'depart in peace' after seeing God's salvation.
Isaiah 52:10This prophecy foretells the nations witnessing God's salvation, aligning with Simeon's recognition of Jesus as salvation prepared for 'all people' and 'a light to the Gentiles'.
Matthew 5:17Jesus states He did not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets but to fulfill them, which resonates with Simeon's understanding that his life's purpose was met with the fulfillment of God's word in Christ.
Acts 4:24The early believers cry out to God as 'Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth,' mirroring Simeon's address to God as 'Master' (Despotes), acknowledging His ultimate authority.
2 Timothy 4:7Paul reflects on fighting the good fight and finishing his race, which shares the theme of life's completion and readiness for departure, similar to Simeon's sentiment.
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 doesn't just say he's ready to die; he uses a word that means to be "released" or "set free," like a slave finally gaining freedom. This paints a beautiful picture: after a lifetime of faithfully waiting for God's promise, he feels completely liberated from his service on earth, no longer bound by earthly duties.
This verse comes right after Simeon, an old and righteous man, has been led by the Spirit into the Temple and held the infant Jesus. Having seen the promised Messiah with his own eyes, he erupts in this song of praise. His declaration marks the fulfillment of God's promise to him personally and sets the stage for him to prophesy about Jesus' future impact on both Israel and the Gentiles.
This verse comes right after Simeon, an old and righteous man, has been led by the Spirit into the Temple and held the infant Jesus. Having seen the promised Messiah with his own eyes, he erupts in this song of praise. His declaration marks the fulfillment of God's promise to him personally and sets the stage for him to prophesy about Jesus' future impact on both Israel and the Gentiles.
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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.
c. AD 60s
Writing of Luke's Gospel
The Gospel of Luke is written, preserving the account of Simeon's encounter with Jesus at the Temple, including his prophetic words.
"“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 doesn't just say he's ready to die; he uses a word that means to be "released" or "set free," like a slave finally gaining freedom. This paints a beautiful picture: after a lifetime of faithfu…
