Nunc dimittis - Definition

"Nunc Dimittis" is the Latin name of the passage in the second chapter of Luke that is 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, Simeon was there, and he took Jesus into his arms and said:

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. (Vulgate)

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;

A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. (KJV)

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).