Luke 2:29

What does Luke 2:29 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 2:29 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 2:29 means

Simeon's prayer begins by acknowledging God's faithfulness, stating, "Now lettest thou thy servant depart, Lord, According to thy word, in peace." Having seen the Messiah, Simeon's life purpose was fulfilled, and he was ready to die in peace. This expresses the deep satisfaction and spiritual contentment that comes from witnessing God's promises come to fruition, showing ultimate trust in God's timing and His redemptive plan.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Now lettest thou thy servant depart, Lord, According to thy word, in peace;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Now lettest thou thy servant depart, Lord, According to thy word, in peace;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Now you are letting your servant go in peace, O Lord, as you have said;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`Now Thou dost send away Thy servant, Lord, according to Thy word, in peace,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Now thou dost dismiss thy servant, O Lord, according to thy word in peace:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Lord, now thou lettest thy bondman go, according to thy word, in peace;

Context

This verse opens Simeon's prophetic prayer, expressing his contentment and readiness to die. It stems directly from his act of holding Jesus and blessing God. This statement profoundly conveys the fulfillment of his personal revelation and sets the stage for the declaration of Jesus' salvific purpose for both Israel and the Gentiles.

v.28then he received him into his arms, and blessed God, and said,

v.29This passage

v.30For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Isaiah 57:1

    The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart; and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come.

  • Philippians 1:23

    But I am in a strait betwixt the two, having the desire to depart and be with Christ; for it is very far better:

  • Genesis 46:30

    And Israel said unto Joseph, Now let me die, since I have seen thy face, that thou art yet alive.

  • Genesis 15:15

    But thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age.

  • Luke 2:26

    And it had been revealed unto him by the Holy Spirit, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.

  • Psalms 37:37

    Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright; For there is ahappyend to the man of peace.

Related questions readers ask

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Luke 2:29.