The Nunc Dimittis, also known as the Song of Simeon, is a canticle taken from the Gospel of Luke in the New Testament of the Bible. It is a hymn of praise spoken by Simeon upon seeing the infant Jesus Christ at the Temple in Jerusalem. The name comes from the Latin translation of the opening words “Now you dismiss” (Luke 2:29).
The passage is found in Luke 2:25-32:
25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, 28 he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,
29 “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace,
according to your word;
30 for my eyes have seen your salvation
31 that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and for glory to your people Israel.”
Simeon was described as a righteous and devout man who was waiting for the coming of the Messiah. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Christ (the Messiah). Led by the Spirit, Simeon went to the Temple courts, where the infant Jesus was being dedicated according to Jewish custom. Simeon took Jesus in his arms and praised God, speaking the words of the Nunc Dimittis.
The canticle contains two main parts:
- Simeon’s expression of his readiness to die in peace, now that God’s promise has been fulfilled (verses 29-32a)
- His declaration of the divine revelation of salvation that has come through Christ (verses 32b-35)
In the first part, Simeon acknowledges that he is now ready to “depart in peace” or die contentedly, because he has seen the long-awaited Messiah. His waiting is over. God has kept His promise to him – he has been allowed to see the One who would bring salvation to Israel and be “a light for revelation to the Gentiles.”
In the second part, Simeon prophesies about who Jesus is and the impact He will have. He declares Jesus as God’s instrument of salvation, through whom God’s redemptive plan is being fulfilled. Jesus will bring light, revelation, and glory to both Jews and Gentiles.
The Nunc Dimittis emphasizes several key theological themes:
- Fulfillment of prophecy – Simeon underscores that Jesus is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy about the coming Messiah who would redeem Israel.
- Salvation – Jesus brings the salvation Israel had long awaited. God is revealing His plan of salvation through Christ.
- Inclusion of the Gentiles – Jesus is not just for the Jews, but will also bring revelation to the Gentiles. God’s salvation extends beyond Israel.
- Peace in death – A righteous person can die in peace, knowing God’s redemptive work has been accomplished in Christ.
Background
The setting for the words of the Nunc Dimittis is the presentation of the infant Christ at the Temple in Jerusalem. According to the Law of Moses, a woman was considered ceremonially unclean after giving birth and had to undergo purification rites and offer sacrifice. For a firstborn son, additional requirements had to be met (Leviticus 12:1-8).
Luke 2:22-24 describes how Joseph and Mary came to the Temple when the time of Mary’s purification was complete. They brought the baby Jesus to dedicate Him to the Lord and offer the required sacrifice. It was at this occasion that Simeon utters his prophetic song of praise.
The background highlights several key points:
- Joseph and Mary were devout Jews, obedient to the Law of Moses
- Jesus was born into a Jewish context and His earthly parents faithfully followed Jewish customs
- Simeon encountered Christ at a significant religious ceremony in the Jewish Temple
- The revelation about Jesus came to Simeon at the Temple, underscoring its spiritual significance
At this pivotal early moment in Jesus’ life, the setting of the Jewish Temple ties His story to the history and faith of Israel. The revelation about who He is comes in the context of Jewish worship.
Simeon’s Identity
Simeon is described as a righteous and devout man who was waiting for the consolation of Israel (Luke 2:25). He lived in Jerusalem and had received a direct revelation from the Holy Spirit that he would see the Messiah before he died. This indicates he was a spiritually sensitive man, in tune with God’s Spirit and purpose.
Though Simeon is not mentioned elsewhere in the Bible, tradition holds that he was an elderly priest or elder. His righteous character suggests he walked closely with God and had a heart open to divine truth. As a priest, he would have been well-versed in the Old Testament prophecies about the coming Messiah.
Key points about Simeon:
- He was righteous and spiritually devout
- He expected the Messiah to bring consolation (comfort, deliverance) to Israel
- He had received a personal revelation from the Holy Spirit
- He was led by the Spirit to come to the Temple courts
- He may have been an aged priest steeped in knowledge of Messianic prophecies
Simeon represents spiritually vibrant Israelites who looked expectantly for God’s promised redemption in the Messiah. His life and testimony showcase virtues like patience, hope, and obedience. He models waiting faithfully on God even into old age.
The Holy Spirit’s Role
The Holy Spirit plays a key role in the Nunc Dimittis story:
- The Spirit revealed to Simeon he would see the Messiah (v. 26).
- The Spirit led him to the Temple courts to encounter Jesus (v. 27).
- The Spirit may have enabled him to recognize Jesus as the Messiah.
- The Spirit inspired prophetic insight about Christ’s identity and mission.
This underscores the Holy Spirit’s vital part in revealing the truth about Jesus. The Spirit grants spiritual insight to recognize and understand God’s salvation through Christ. Simeon’s entire encounter with the Messiah was initiated and guided by the Holy Spirit.
Key truths illustrated about the Spirit’s work:
- The Spirit grants revelation and spiritual understanding.
- The Spirit directs and leads believers where God intends.
- The Spirit enables people to identify Jesus as Savior.
- The Spirit inspires prophetic declaration of who Christ is.
The Holy Spirit is repeatedly shown in Scripture as the Divine Enabler of ministry, prophecy, spiritual growth, and discernment. This is evident in Simeon’s miraculous meeting with the infant Messiah.
Seeing God’s Salvation
A key phrase in the Nunc Dimittis is Simeon’s declaration, “My eyes have seen your salvation” (Luke 2:30). Salvation is a major biblical theme referring to God’s divine work of rescuing people from sin and death.
What did Simeon “see” that constituted God’s salvation?
- He saw the long-promised Messiah arrive in the infant Jesus.
- He likely perceived Jesus’ identity through spiritual insight from God.
- He understood Jesus as the instrument of redemption for Israel and all people.
- He recognized God’s hand at work in Christ to accomplish salvation.
For Simeon, laying eyes on this unremarkable Jewish baby was a transcendent spiritual experience. Simeon looked beyond outward appearances. Through eyes of faith he “saw” that wrapped in this infant’s frail body was humanity’s Savior – the One who would bring liberation from darkness, despair, and death.
Key understandings about “God’s salvation”:
- It comes through Jesus Christ.
- It involves both revelation and spiritual sight.
- It liberates people from the power of sin.
- It rescues people from condemnation and death.
- It offers hope, security, and life.
The Nunc Dimittis emphasizes that God’s promised salvation arrives in Jesus. A key revelation is recognizing exactly who this baby is – the long-awaited Savior.
Departing in Peace
Simeon declares he is now ready to “depart in peace” according to God’s word (Luke 2:29). This indicates:
- Simeon was prepared to die, having accomplished his divinely appointed task.
- He could die contented, having seen the Messiah.
- He had the assurance of entering God’s presence in peace.
- Fulfillment of prophecy gave confidence for facing death.
For Simeon, glimpsing the arrival of Israel’s redemption meant his waiting was done. He had seen what God promised. So he was able to face death calmly, with faith in God’s faithfulness.
Key insights on departing in peace:
- Death loses its sting when we trust God’s promises.
- Contentment comes from knowing God’s purposes are unfolding.
- Completing our mission grants peace in departure.
- Salvation in Christ grants assurance of entering God’s presence.
The peace Simeon describes is contentment and security founded on the assurance of salvation. Seeing God’s hand at work breeds confidence for whatever comes next – even crossing death’s threshold.
Jesus Brings Light
A major theme woven through the Nunc Dimittis is Jesus coming as a light to bring revelation, especially to the Gentiles (Luke 2:32). Simeon prophesies that Christ will be:
- A light for revelation to the Gentiles
- The glory of God’s people Israel
This points to Jesus ushering in a new era of redemptive revelation. The Messiah’s coming shines light where once there was darkness and ignorance of God’s truth. Through Christ, even Gentiles will gain understanding of God’s salvation.
Simeon also suggests Jesus will bring great honor and splendor to the nation of Israel as the fulfillment of so many Jewish hopes. The long-awaited Messiah offers glory, significance, and vindication to God’s people.
Key themes about Jesus as light:
- He reveals truth and illuminates God’s plan of redemption.
- He offers spiritual insight to both Jews and Gentiles.
- He ends the darkness of being lost and separated from God.
- He grants understanding of salvation to all nations.
The coming of Christ shines brilliant, revealing light to displace ignorance. Jesus offers radical inclusion of the Gentiles within God’s redemptive plan. All who follow Him gain wisdom, hope, and perspective.
Using the Nunc Dimittis
The Nunc Dimittis has been used in Christian liturgy and worship for centuries. It is included in various Vespers services and Night Prayer liturgies. Some key examples:
- Anglican Evensong – It is traditionally used as the closing canticle at Evening Prayer services.
- Eastern Orthodox – The Divine Liturgy includes it following Communion.
- Roman Catholic – Part of the Compline (Night Prayer) liturgy and Vespers.
- Lutheran – Often used in Evening Services or Vespers.
This extensive use demonstrates the canticle’s timeless beauty and spiritual poignancy. Its venerable words and elegant imagery still deeply resonate today.
The Nunc Dimittis offers rich theological depth in profound poetic expression. Key reasons it powerfully endures in worship:
- Captures a climatic moment of Messianic arrival.
- Conveys timeless truths of Christ’s identity and mission.
- Beautifully expresses the believer’s hopes and spiritual longings.
- Poignantly affirms trust and peace in departing this life.
This ancient canticle continues to inspire worship and praise. Simeon’s faithful vigil yielding to rapturous awe remains the timeless posture of those longing for redemption.
Themes and Applications
Key themes and applications from the Nunc Dimittis include:
- Waiting on God’s promises – Simeon models patient, faithful expectancy until God acts.
- Role of the Spirit – We need the Spirit’s prompting and wisdom to perceive God’s truth and purpose.
- New life in Christ – Jesus amazingly transforms those who were once lost in darkness and futility.
- Dying with faith – Our sure hope grants peace in death, absent for those without Christ.
- Inclusive salvation – No one is beyond the reach of God’s mercy and redemptive plan in Jesus.
- Responding in worship – When we glimpse God’s glory and grace at work, praise is the only fitting response.
For the believer, the Nunc Dimittis resonates in affirming the life-transformative peace, assurance, and destiny which faith in Christ provides, both in life and death.
It captures our deep longing for God’s light to illuminate all nations. It expresses our wonder at how Jesus recurrently turns expectations upside down through scandalously inclusive mercy.
Above all, it models appropriate awestruck praise when confronted unexpectedly by God’s salvation in our midst. Like Simeon, we too can only respond by blessing God.
Summary
The Nunc Dimittis offers a profound moment of Messianic revelation and prophetic declaration about Christ’s identity and mission. Spoken by Simeon upon seeing the infant Jesus at the Temple, this brief but theologically rich canticle has been treasured for centuries in Christian worship.
Its timeless words and elegant imagery beautifully capture the arrival of long-awaited salvation. It continues to inspire those longing for the illumination Christ’s presence brings. At its heart, the Nunc Dimittis calls us, with Simeon, to bless the God whose promises are unveiling before our eyes.