Luke 2:29 - “Now you are releasing your servant, Master, according to your word, in peace;
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What does "Luke 2:29" mean?
Luke 2:29, "“Now you are releasing your servant, Master, according to your word, in peace;" is part of the Nunc Dimittis, a song or canticle sung by Simeon in the Temple in Jerusalem. To understand what it means, we need to consider the context:
Simeon's Background: The Bible tells us that Simeon was a righteous and devout man, waiting for the "consolation of Israel" (the Messiah). The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not die before seeing the Lord's Christ (Luke 2:25-26).
The Event: Mary and Joseph brought the infant Jesus to the Temple to fulfill the requirements of the Law of Moses (purification of the mother and dedication of the firstborn son). The Spirit led Simeon to the Temple where he recognized Jesus as the Messiah. He took Jesus in his arms and blessed God, saying these words.
Meaning of the Verse (Luke 2:29):
"Now you are releasing your servant, Master":
"Releasing": Simeon uses the Greek word apolus which has the sense of "to set free," "to dismiss," or "to let go." This means Simeon feels that his life's purpose has been fulfilled and he is ready to be released from this earthly existence. He sees death not as an end but as a liberation. He's been held to this earth with the promise of seeing the Messiah before his death. Now that he has seen Jesus, he is ready to be released.
"Servant": Simeon acknowledges his relationship to God as a servant or bondslave. He sees himself as one who has been waiting and serving God faithfully.
"Master": He addresses God as Despotes, a word implying absolute authority and control. This acknowledges God's sovereignty over his life and death.
"According to your word":
This is a crucial element. Simeon recognizes that his release is not arbitrary or random. It's happening because God had promised him that he would see the Messiah before he died. This demonstrates Simeon's faith in God's promises and the fulfillment of prophecy.
"In peace":
The word "peace" (Greek: eirene) isn't just about the absence of conflict. It's a profound sense of well-being, completeness, and tranquility. Having seen the Messiah, Simeon can now die in complete peace, knowing that God's plan of salvation is being set in motion. This peace comes from the realization that he has witnessed the fulfillment of God's promise and the hope of Israel. He is at peace knowing that the Messiah has come and will bring salvation to his people and light to the Gentiles.
In summary, Luke 2:29 means:
Simeon is telling God that because he has fulfilled his promise, by allowing Simeon to see the Messiah (Jesus), Simeon is now ready to die. He views death as being released by God, his master, from his earthly service and he welcomes it with profound peace and contentment, knowing that God's plan of salvation is underway.
Theological Implications:
Fulfillment of Prophecy: Simeon's words highlight the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah.
Salvation: This verse points to the arrival of salvation through Jesus Christ.
Peace in Death: It offers comfort to believers, suggesting that death can be faced with peace when one's faith is grounded in God's promises.
God's Sovereignty: It emphasizes God's complete control over life and death.
The Nunc Dimittis, of which this verse is a part, remains a powerful testament to faith, hope, and the peace that comes from knowing God. It is often recited or sung in Christian liturgical settings, particularly during Night Prayer (Compline).
Luke 2:29 - “Now you are releasing your servant, Master, according to your word, in peace;
What does "Luke 2:29" mean?
Luke 2:29, "“Now you are releasing your servant, Master, according to your word, in peace;" is part of the Nunc Dimittis, a song or canticle sung by Simeon in the Temple in Jerusalem. To understand what it means, we need to consider the context:
Simeon's Background: The Bible tells us that Simeon was a righteous and devout man, waiting for the "consolation of Israel" (the Messiah). The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not die before seeing the Lord's Christ (Luke 2:25-26).
The Event: Mary and Joseph brought the infant Jesus to the Temple to fulfill the requirements of the Law of Moses (purification of the mother and dedication of the firstborn son). The Spirit led Simeon to the Temple where he recognized Jesus as the Messiah. He took Jesus in his arms and blessed God, saying these words.
Meaning of the Verse (Luke 2:29):
"Now you are releasing your servant, Master":
"Releasing": Simeon uses the Greek word apolus which has the sense of "to set free," "to dismiss," or "to let go." This means Simeon feels that his life's purpose has been fulfilled and he is ready to be released from this earthly existence. He sees death not as an end but as a liberation. He's been held to this earth with the promise of seeing the Messiah before his death. Now that he has seen Jesus, he is ready to be released.
"Servant": Simeon acknowledges his relationship to God as a servant or bondslave. He sees himself as one who has been waiting and serving God faithfully.
"Master": He addresses God as Despotes, a word implying absolute authority and control. This acknowledges God's sovereignty over his life and death.
"According to your word":
This is a crucial element. Simeon recognizes that his release is not arbitrary or random. It's happening because God had promised him that he would see the Messiah before he died. This demonstrates Simeon's faith in God's promises and the fulfillment of prophecy.
"In peace":
The word "peace" (Greek: eirene) isn't just about the absence of conflict. It's a profound sense of well-being, completeness, and tranquility. Having seen the Messiah, Simeon can now die in complete peace, knowing that God's plan of salvation is being set in motion. This peace comes from the realization that he has witnessed the fulfillment of God's promise and the hope of Israel. He is at peace knowing that the Messiah has come and will bring salvation to his people and light to the Gentiles.
In summary, Luke 2:29 means:
Simeon is telling God that because he has fulfilled his promise, by allowing Simeon to see the Messiah (Jesus), Simeon is now ready to die. He views death as being released by God, his master, from his earthly service and he welcomes it with profound peace and contentment, knowing that God's plan of salvation is underway.
Theological Implications:
Fulfillment of Prophecy: Simeon's words highlight the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah.
Salvation: This verse points to the arrival of salvation through Jesus Christ.
Peace in Death: It offers comfort to believers, suggesting that death can be faced with peace when one's faith is grounded in God's promises.
God's Sovereignty: It emphasizes God's complete control over life and death.
The Nunc Dimittis, of which this verse is a part, remains a powerful testament to faith, hope, and the peace that comes from knowing God. It is often recited or sung in Christian liturgical settings, particularly during Night Prayer (Compline).