Luke 2:29 (KJV)

What does Luke 2:29 mean?

Luke 2:29 shows Simeon, a devout man in Jerusalem, speaking to God and saying he is now ready to die peacefully because God has kept His promise to him. Simeon sees the arrival of Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s word, allowing him to “depart in peace.”

Simeon is holding the infant Jesus in the temple after being led there by the Holy Spirit. God had promised Simeon he would not die before seeing the Messiah, and this moment fulfills that promise. Simeon’s words express deep contentment and trust, recognizing that God’s plan has come to pass just as God had said.

The Greek behind Luke 2:29

• “Lord” (δεσπότης, despótēs): This word means “master” or “sovereign,” showing Simeon’s deep respect and recognition of God’s authority.
• “Depart” (ἀπολύω, apolyō): This verb often means “release” or “let go,” suggesting that Simeon sees his life as something God holds and can now release, like a servant being set free.
• “Servant” (δοῦλος, doulos): This word means “slave” or “bondservant,” highlighting Simeon’s humility and his role as someone who serves under God’s command.
• “Peace” (εἰρήνη, eirēnē): This Greek word means more than just the absence of conflict; it carries the sense of wholeness, rest, and fulfillment, showing that Simeon feels completely at ease because God’s promise has been kept.

Why Luke 2:29 matters

• Luke 2:29 clarifies that Simeon’s peace comes not from his own circumstances, but from seeing God’s promise fulfilled in Jesus.
• The verse emphasizes the idea of God as a trustworthy master who keeps His word, which is a key theme in Luke’s account of Jesus’ early life.
• Simeon’s response connects the birth of Jesus to the hopes and expectations of faithful people in Israel, showing Jesus as the answer to long-awaited promises.