Nunc dimittis

The Nunc dimittis, also called canticle of Simeon or Canticle Simeonis, with the Magnificat and the Benedictus of the three canticles ( Canticles ) Gospel of Luke (Luke 2:29-32 EU).

Text

" Nunc dimittis " or "Now you can [ Lord, your servant ] " are the opening words of the Canticle of Simeon. He comes from the biblical account of the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple of Jerusalem ( Lk 2 EU), after an otherwise not mentioned in the New Testament of Simeon in Jesus child recognizes the expected Messiah, and thus the fulfillment of a promise that he personally by the Holy had received the Spirit. After this promise, he should not die before his eyes have seen the Messiah.

Text:

• Latin ( Vulgate ):

• Ancient Greek:

• German ( NASB):

• German ( Martin Luther's translation ):

For liturgical use, the small doxology closes honor be to the Father ... to

Liturgy and Sacred Music

Liturgy

The Nunc dimittis is sung in the Liturgy of the Hours daily. With its peaceful thanks and farewell mood it is part of Compline, the night prayer of the Church; in the Anglican Church, it is together with the Magnificat part of Evensong.

In some Lutheran churches such as the Independent Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod and the ELCA Nunc dimittis which is also used as a song of thanksgiving as part of Postcommunio in the Communion liturgy.

Musical versions

Martin Luther created starting from Nunc dimittis the chorale With peace and joy I depart. In the Protestant church music of this text often served as the basis for funeral compositions.

Examples of musical settings

• Heinrich Schütz: in the musical funeral
• Johann Sebastian Bach: Actus Tragicus, on Luther's chorale resorting
• Cantata With peace and joy I depart