The Nunc Dimittis by Simeon in the Bible
Quick Summary
The Nunc Dimittis, also known as the Song of Simeon, is found in Luke 2:29–32. Spoken by Simeon upon seeing the infant Jesus at the temple, this brief but profound song expresses fulfillment, peace, and revelation. Simeon declares that he can now die in peace because he has seen God's salvation. The passage has inspired centuries of Christian liturgy and art.
Introduction
Among the earliest songs recorded in the New Testament, the Nunc Dimittis stands as a quiet but powerful expression of faith. Found in Luke 2:29–32, this prayer is attributed to Simeon, a devout man waiting for the consolation of Israel. When Mary and Joseph bring Jesus to the temple, Simeon takes the child into his arms and praises God in what has become one of the most beloved canticles in Christian tradition.
The Latin title, Nunc Dimittis, comes from the opening words in the Vulgate translation: "Now you dismiss."
Verse-by-Verse Breakdown and Commentary
Luke 2:29
"Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word."
Simeon's first words reflect the serenity of a faithful servant who has seen the fulfillment of God’s promise. The word "Master" (Greek: despota) conveys authority, while "servant" (Greek: doulos) signals submission. Simeon sees himself not merely as an observer but as someone who has completed his appointed task. His readiness to depart "in peace" shows that seeing the Messiah was the climax of his life’s longing.
This verse has been widely used in Christian evening liturgies (e.g., Compline or Evensong) as a prayer of peaceful release at the end of the day—and, symbolically, at the end of life.
Luke 2:30–31
"For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples."
Simeon’s joy is not personal alone; it is deeply theological. The child Jesus is not merely the Messiah for Israel but the embodiment of God’s salvation prepared for all people. The universal scope is central to Luke’s Gospel. Simeon recognizes that the promise made through the prophets has now arrived in flesh and blood.
"In the presence of all peoples" implies visibility, not secrecy. God’s salvation is not hidden but public and unfolding in real time.
Luke 2:32
"A light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel."
Here we see a theology of inclusion. The Messiah is not only for the Jewish people but also for the Gentiles. This echoes Isaiah 49:6: "I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth." Simeon affirms that Jesus is the light that reveals truth to all nations, even as he fulfills the glory promised to Israel.
The word "glory" refers not to military triumph or national dominance but to the presence of God. In Jesus, God's glory is restored to His people and extended to the world.
Theological Themes in the Nunc Dimittis
Fulfillment
Simeon testifies that God’s promises have been kept. The Nunc Dimittis is a song of fulfillment and closure, yet it signals the beginning of a new story—one in which salvation becomes visible.
Peace and Death
The phrase "now you are dismissing your servant in peace" has made this passage a staple at funerals and evening services. It provides a vision of death not as terror but as completion.
Universal Salvation
Simeon anticipates the expanding mission of the church. Salvation through Jesus is offered to all, not just Israel. The Gospel of Luke, more than any other, elevates this theme.
Light and Glory
The metaphors of light (to the Gentiles) and glory (for Israel) point to the dual role Jesus plays in divine revelation. Light dispels ignorance; glory confirms presence. Together, they encompass the full reach of God’s redemptive work.
Read more with The Themes in the Gospel of Luke
How the Church Has Used the Nunc Dimittis
Liturgy
The Nunc Dimittis is used regularly in:
Compline (Night Prayer) in the Anglican, Catholic, and Orthodox traditions
Evensong in the Book of Common Prayer
Funeral services, symbolizing a peaceful death
The repetition of this song in worship reminds believers that God's promises are trustworthy and that, like Simeon, we can trust in God’s timing.
Music and Art
Composers such as Johann Sebastian Bach, Arvo Pärt, and Herbert Howells have set the Nunc Dimittis to music. It has inspired countless choral settings and is often paired with the Magnificat in Vespers services.
In art, Simeon is frequently depicted as an elderly man holding the Christ child in the temple, often alongside the prophetess Anna. These scenes affirm that the arrival of Jesus completes the longings of the righteous.
Historical and Scriptural Parallels
Simeon and the Prophetic Tradition
Simeon functions like the Old Testament prophets. Like Isaiah and Jeremiah, he speaks of light, salvation, and fulfillment. His declaration forms a hinge between the hopes of Israel and the mission of Christ.
Parallels with the Song of Hannah and the Magnificat
While the Magnificat and Hannah's Song are songs of praise and reversal, the Nunc Dimittis is a song of peaceful completion. Together, they form a trio of biblical songs that surround Jesus’ birth with rich theological reflection.
Citations and Recommended Resources
N.T. Wright, Luke for Everyone, Westminster John Knox Press, 2004, pp. 27–28.
Joel B. Green, The Gospel of Luke (NICNT), Eerdmans, 1997, pp. 140–145.
Raymond E. Brown, The Birth of the Messiah, Doubleday, 1993.
Book of Common Prayer (1979), Compline Service.
Meaning for Today
In a world marked by uncertainty and anxiety, the Nunc Dimittis offers a deep breath. It assures believers that God is still keeping promises. When our lives feel incomplete or our stories unresolved, this short song reminds us that seeing Christ—even briefly—can be enough.
Like Simeon, we are invited to receive Christ, to trust in God’s timing, and to live in peace. And when the end comes—whether of a day, a season, or a life—we can say with him: "Lord, now you are dismissing your servant in peace."
