Luke 2:29
Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
Original Language Analysis
Νῦν
now
G3568
Νῦν
now
Strong's:
G3568
Word #:
1 of 12
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
ἀπολύεις
depart
G630
ἀπολύεις
depart
Strong's:
G630
Word #:
2 of 12
to free fully, i.e., (literally) relieve, release, dismiss (reflexively, depart), or (figuratively) let die, pardon or (specially) divorce
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δοῦλόν
servant
G1401
δοῦλόν
servant
Strong's:
G1401
Word #:
4 of 12
a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)
κατὰ
according
G2596
κατὰ
according
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
7 of 12
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Revelation 14:13And 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 15:15And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age.Luke 2:26And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.Philippians 1:23For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:
Historical Context
Simeon's age is unspecified, but tradition depicts him as elderly, having waited decades for this moment. His words became part of Christian evening prayer (Compline) in liturgical traditions. The phrase 'depart in peace' echoes Jacob's words after seeing Joseph alive (Genesis 46:30): 'Now let me die, since I have seen thy face.' Simeon's peaceful readiness for death contrasts sharply with worldly fear of mortality, demonstrating how encounter with Christ transforms death's meaning.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Simeon's peaceful acceptance of death teach about how seeing Christ should affect our view of mortality?
- How does Simeon's example challenge us to evaluate whether we have found our life's true purpose in Christ?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Simeon's Nunc Dimittis begins: 'Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word' (νῦν ἀπολύεις τὸν δοῦλόν σου, δέσποτα, κατὰ τὸ ῥῆμά σου ἐν εἰρήνῃ). The verb 'apolyō' (ἀπολύω, let depart/release) can mean dismissal from service or peaceful death. Simeon had received God's promise (rēma, ῥῆμα, specific word) that he would not die before seeing the Messiah (v.26). Now, having seen 'thy salvation' (τὸ σωτήριόν σου, v.30), he is ready to die in 'eirēnē' (εἰρήνη, peace/shalom)—complete fulfillment and rest. This expresses the deepest satisfaction of completed purpose. Simeon's life mission was to witness Messiah; now he can depart content.