Nunc dimittis

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"Nunc dimittis" is the Latin name of the passage in the second chapter of Luke (Luke 2:29–32) that is also commonly called the Canticle of Simeon. Simeon was a devout Jew who had been promised by the Holy Ghost that he would not die until he had seen the Saviour. When Mary and Joseph brought the baby Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem for his circumcision, Simeon was there, and he took Jesus into his arms and uttered words rendered variously as follows:

Contents 1 According to the Book of Common Prayer 2 According to The Divine Office 3 According to the Vulgate 4 According to the Douay-Rheims Translation 5 According to the New Revised Standard Version 6 Musical settings

According to the Book of Common Prayer

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

For mine eyes have seen : thy salvation,

Which thou hast prepared : before the face of all people;

To be a light to lighten the Gentiles : and to be the glory of thy people Israel.

According to The Divine Office

At last, all-powerful Master,

You give leave to your servant

to go in peace, according to your promise.

For my eyes have seen your salvation,

Which you have prepared for all nations,

The light to enlighten the Gentiles,

And give glory to Israel, your people.

According to the Vulgate

Nunc dimittis servum tuum, Domine, secundum verbum tuum in pace:

Quia viderunt oculi mei salutare tuum

Quod parasti ante faciem omnium populorum:

Lumen ad revelationem gentium, et gloriam plebis tuae Israel.

According to the Douay-Rheims Translation

(A literal translation of the Vulgate)

Now Thou dost dismiss Thy servant, O Lord, according to Thy word in peace.

Because my eyes have seen Thy salvation

Which thou has prepared before the face of all peoples:

A light to the revelation of the Gentiles and the glory of Thy people Israel.

According to the New Revised Standard Version

Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace,

according to your word;

for my eyes have seen your salvation,

which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,

a light for revelation to the Gentiles

and for glory to your people Israel.

Musical settings

Many composers have set the text to music, usually coupled with the Magnificat, as both the Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis are sung during the Anglican/Episcopal Evensong service (see: Book of Common Prayer). The Nunc Dimittis is sung or said during the Roman Catholic Compline service as well. One of the most well known settings in England is a plainchant theme of Thomas Tallis.de:Nunc dimittis it:Nunc dimittis la:Nunc dimittis hu:Nunc dimittis fi:Simeonin kiitosvirsi sv:Nunc dimittis