Because my eyes have seen thy salvation,
οτι ειδον οι οφθαλμοι μου το σωτηριον σου
10 Church Fathers comment on this verse
What is the significance of his statement? It signifies that previously, I acknowledged through contemplation and understood through reasoning; now, my eyes have beheld, and what I hoped for in my heart, behold, my eyes have witnessed its fulfillment.
“Prior to encountering the Lord,” he states, “I was restless in my mind, anxiously awaiting His arrival, always pondering when He would come. But upon witnessing Him, I have found peace and no longer dwell on the matter; my heart is steadfast. The incarnation of the Only Begotten, which God ordained before time began, is what ‘Salvation’ signifies. He revealed this salvation before all mankind.”
Alongside Christ, the just Simeon perceived Him with his spirit, for he discerned the Child, and he beheld Him with his physical eyes as he held the Child close. In recognizing Him as the Son of God and cradling Him who was born of the Virgin, he proclaimed, “Today you let your servant go in peace, O Lord, for my eyes have seen your salvation” (Lk 2:29-30). Notice what he expressed. He remained on earth until he witnessed, with his own eyes, the one he acknowledged in his heart. He accepted the body of the Child, embracing that form; in seeing the body—believing it to be the Lord incarnate—he declared, “My eyes have seen Thy salvation.” Now, consider this: will not all flesh witness the salvation of God?
Christ is often described in Scripture as the source of salvation from God, as highlighted by Simeon: "Now lettest thou thy servant go, O Lord, for my eyes have seen thy salvation" (Lk 2:30). Therefore, we should yield ourselves to God, for He is the fount of salvation. The psalmist further clarifies the essence of salvation, which is not merely a simple action that bestows grace to rescue us from afflictions or ensure our physical well-being. But what is the nature of salvation? As expressed, "For He is my God, and my Saviour, my Advocate, I will not be shaken any more" (Ps 61:3, LXX). Our God is the Son, who is also the Redeemer of humanity, fortifying our frailty and calming the turmoil within us caused by trials and temptations.
Simeon declares, "Now you release your servant." It is evident that the righteous individual, as though confined by the weight of earthly tribulations, yearns to be freed from these burdens and to be united with Christ, for to be liberated and to dwell with Christ is far superior (Phil. 1:23). Anyone seeking liberation should approach the temple, journey to Jerusalem, and await the arrival of Christ the Lord. They should take the Word of God in their arms and hold it tightly with the hands of faith; in doing so, they will find freedom and, having embraced life, will never encounter death (see Luke 2:27-30).
He implores, “Now permit me to depart, for I have witnessed your incarnation.” He refers to it as salvation, since it was enacted for the sake of salvation.
To fulfill both divine commands, the Lord was taken by His parents to the temple. At this moment, remarkable events occurred, through which God revealed to the humble parents the Savior, Christ the Lord. At that time, a devout and righteous man named Simeon lived in Jerusalem. The Holy Spirit had assured him that he would not pass away before seeing the Messiah, so the entirety of his inner being was focused on the hope of Israel, the arrival of the promised Redeemer. When the Child Jesus was brought by His parents to the temple for the prescribed rites, Simeon received a revelation from the Holy Spirit, who resided within him, confirming that his longing had been realized and that he would behold the Savior in the Child present in the temple.
Upon entering, Simeon found everything just as the Holy Spirit had disclosed to him. The inspired elder then took the Child in his arms and sang a hymn of praise to God, who had granted him the privilege of witnessing the Savior of the world with his own eyes. Experiencing the fulfillment of God's promise, he recognized that the end of his life was near and expressed his readiness to depart this life in peace. He elaborated on the reason for this tranquility—his own eyes had seen the salvation that God had long ago ordained. Simeon understood this salvation to be destined for all humanity, both Jews and Gentiles. To the latter, it would bring light for guidance. Moreover, since this salvation would emerge from God's chosen people, it would be a source of glory for Israel, reflecting its honor before all nations.
I have witnessed with my own eyes. He is not only favored butHis eyes seem distinctively blessed. You have made Your salvation ready in the presence of all people, ensuring that all corners of the earth may behold the deliverance of God (Psalms 97:3, in the presence - within sight). Furthermore, it is not only visible to all, but all are invited to share in it.
Once the ceremonial rite was fulfilled for the child, Simeon embraced him in his aged and frail arms, offering gratitude to God. He then delivered a profound declaration that has become a cherished hymn among Christians: ‘Now, said he, Thou dismissest Thy servant, O Lord, according to Thy word, in peace; for my eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all nations, a light for the enlightenment of the nations, and the glory of Thy people Israel’.
Now I can depart in tranquility, for 'my eyes have seen Thy salvation,' meaning the deliverance You have pledged to humanity, the redemption secured by the sacrificial offering of the Messiah, whom my eyes behold. The aged man reflects on the act of salvation realized in the presence of the Child, who possesses the authority to bring it to completion.
Passages read together with this verse.
Greek text, 8 words with lemma, transliteration and Strong’s number. Tap to expand.
THEOSIS