Nunc Dimittis

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The start of the Nunc dimittis in the Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry

The Nunc dimittis is a passage in the second chapter of Luke (Luke 2:29–32) named after its first words in Latin. It 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.

Versions of the Nunc dimittis

Latin (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.

English (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.

English (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.

English (Common Worship):

Now, Lord, you let your servant go in peace:

your word has been fulfilled.

My own eyes have seen the salvation

which you have prepared in the sight of every people;

A light to reveal you to the nations

and the glory of your people Israel.

English (New Revised Standard Version of the Bible):

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 (or said) during the Anglican service of Evening Prayer according to the Book of Common Prayer. The Nunc dimittis is sung or said during the Roman Catholic Compline service and the Anglican Night Prayer service (in Common Worship) as well. One of the most well known settings in England is a plainchant theme of Thomas Tallis.

Literary Settings

In conclusion to section two (The Queen of Air and Darkness), chapter six of T.H. White's The Once and Future King, the wise necromancer Merlyn recites the first few passages of the Nunc Dimittis in response to King Arthur's declaration of chivalry. Establishing a code in which those who enter his league of chivalry must swear an oath to use their might only for the purpose of good, Arthur has exceeded Merlyn's expectations as a pupil and thus Merlyn is released from voluntary servitude as Arthur's mentor and tutor. Reciting the nunc dimittis determines the fact that Merlyn has instructed his pupil successfully and could be no more proud of his judgment and character in relation to his establishment of the code of chivalry.

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