What does Luke 2:29 mean?
This begins a short passage spoken by Simeon: a devout man under the influence of the Holy Spirit (Luke 2:25–28). He is holding the infant Jesus Christ, after Mary and Joseph brought the baby to the temple for purification rites (Luke 2:22–24). Among the results of Simeon's interaction with the Spirit is a divine promise: that he will live to see the arrival of the Messiah. That prophecy has now been fulfilled.Simeon's praise begins by thanking God for completing His promise. He is at peace, knowing that the greatest desire of his life has been achieved. This sense of peace resembles that of Jacob, who was ready to die in happiness after being reunited with his long-lost son, Joseph (Genesis 46:30).
As the song of praise continues, Simeon will refer to Jesus using terms like "light," "salvation," and "revelation." He will note Jesus' role in saving the world, including both the people of Israel and the Gentile nations (Luke 2:30–32).