At www.biblegateway are many translations of Luke 2: 29 to 32. Here is the Tree of Life Version.

29 “Now let your servant go in peace , O Sovereign Master, according to Your word.

30 For my eyes have seen your salvation.

31 which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples:

32 A light for revelation to the nations and the glory of your people Israel.”

 

   When we look to the theme of departure, of departing, in verse 29 we see the following phrases.

In the Scriptures the number 29 is symbolic of departure, of HARPAZO. A coincidence with this verse 29? Perhaps not.

 

“Thy servant depart in peace.”

“releasing Your bond-servant to leave [this world] in peace.”

“releasing your servant to depart (leave this world) in peace.”

”dismiss your servant in peace.”

“dismiss your servant in peace.”

“let your servant go in peace.”

“now I can die in peace.”

“allowing your servant to leave in peace.”

”you can now release your servant.”

“you may now release you servant in peace.”

“let your servant depart in peace.”

 

   These are 12 translations of Luke 2:29, a sampling of dozens. Notice the key words: Depart, releasing, dismiss, let go, allow to leave, can now release, may release and peace or shalom. Most translations do not state Simeon’s willingness to literally die! More than a motif of imminent death, there is the emphatic concept of RELEASING IN ORDER TO DEPART! WE can assure verse 29 is about an old man, far above 65 plus, who is ready to die. But much more! The Blessed Hope will be very much about Departure, the Departing, and Harpazo. Is Luke 2: 29 a  subtle and veiled verse to ponder The Departure of a Servant eager and willing to leave one’s body, this life and this world? It is wise to study Luke 2:29-32 before 2-2-2023 and The Feast of The Presentation!

 

With Love and Shalom,

Jean