What is the Nunc Dimittis?

Answer

The Nunc Dimittis is traditionally viewed as a hymn and gets its name from the opening words in Latin Vulgate of Simeon’s speech upon seeing Jesus. In English, the Latin expression translates to “now you dismiss,” sourced from Luke 2:29.

Simeon, a devout servant of God, eagerly awaited Israel’s deliverance “And there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.”, (Luke 2:25). Described as “righteous and devout,” Simeon had been informed by the Holy Spirit that he would live to see the Messiah (verses 25–26). Guided by the Holy Spirit, Simeon arrived at the temple when Mary and Joseph brought baby Jesus for the customary purification ritual for firstborn males, fulfilling the promise (verses 22–23, 27). Simeon beheld Jesus Christ, held the infant Messiah, and praised God (verse 28).

Simeon’s entire declaration of praise is recorded in Luke 2:29–32:

“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,

you may now dismiss your servant in peace.

For my eyes have seen your salvation,

which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:

a light for revelation to the Gentiles,

and the glory of your people Israel.”

Similar to Mary’s Magnificat, Simeon’s Nunc Dimittis is at times referred to as a hymn or canticle, even though there is no mention of Simeon singing as he offers his words of praise. Gratefully, he speaks of Jesus as the provider of salvation, a light for the Gentiles, and a source of glory for Israel (Luke 2:30-32). Following his praise to God, Simeon blessed Joseph and Mary, and he informed Mary that “this child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign thatWill be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too” (verses 34–35).

The Nunc Dimittis contains allusions to other passages of Scripture. Luke 2:30–31, which speaks of seeing God’s salvation, can be compared to Isaiah 52:10, which states, “The LORD has bared his holy arm before the eyes of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God” (ESV). Simeon’s praise of Jesus as a light to the Gentiles in Luke 2:32 seems to allude to a portion of Isaiah 49:6, which reads, “I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.” The prediction of Jesus being a light to the world is a major theme throughout Luke’s gospel, pointing to the fact that the salvation Jesus provides is for all people.

Many Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Anglican churches sing the Nunc Dimittis during Evening Prayer or Night Prayer services as part of their liturgy. Lutherans typically recite or sing the Nunc Dimittis after receiving the Lord’s Supper. Although there is nothing wrong with using Scripture in worship and song «speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; », (Ephesians 5:19), one must be careful of hearing, reading, and singing the words by rote or in mindless repetition. The person who hears, reads, and sings the Nunc Dimittis should be mindful of the words of Simeon’s poem of praise and meditate on their meaning.

Recognizing God’s faithfulness, the Messiah’s advent, and Jesus’ redemptive purpose for all people are important elements in the Nunc Dimittis. Offering up praise to the Lord for the salvation He has provided, just as Simeon did, is something all Christians can do wholeheartedly.