Luke 2 37

Luke 2:37 kjv

And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.

Luke 2:37 nkjv

and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.

Luke 2:37 niv

and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.

Luke 2:37 esv

and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day.

Luke 2:37 nlt

Then she lived as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the Temple but stayed there day and night, worshiping God with fasting and prayer.

Luke 2 verses

Luke 2 37 Meaning

This verse provides a vivid portrait of Anna, an extraordinarily old prophetess, who lived a life marked by profound and unwavering spiritual commitment. Having been a widow for an extended period, perhaps for many decades until she was eighty-four years old, her entire existence revolved around devotion to God. She perpetually remained in the temple premises, consistently engaged in dedicated worship through disciplined fasting and fervent prayer, enduring throughout both day and night. Her steadfastness encapsulates a lifetime of active anticipation and preparation for the arrival of the Messiah.

Luke 2 37 Context

Luke chapter 2 meticulously recounts the fulfillment of prophecy surrounding the birth and early life of Jesus Christ. Following His birth in Bethlehem and subsequent circumcision and naming (Lk 2:6-21), Jesus is presented in the Jerusalem temple by His parents, Mary and Joseph, according to Mosaic Law for purification rites and dedication (Lk 2:22-24). Within the temple, they encounter Simeon, a righteous and devout man who prophetically identifies Jesus as the Messiah (Lk 2:25-35). Immediately following Simeon's witness, the narrative introduces Anna, providing another crucial testimony from a deeply pious figure within Judaism. This context places Anna as an independent and elderly witness to the infancy of the Messiah, underscoring the spiritual significance of the moment and affirming Jesus' identity through the recognition of devoted individuals awaiting Israel's redemption. Historically, the temple was the center of Jewish religious life, symbolizing God's presence among His people, making Anna's continuous presence there highly symbolic of profound spiritual dedication.

Luke 2 37 Word analysis

• and was a widow: Greek: kai autē chēra (καὶ αὐτὴ χήρα). The conjunctive kai connects Anna's description to the preceding events, establishing her as another vital witness. Chēra specifically denotes a woman whose husband has died. In ancient society, widows were often economically vulnerable and relied on family or community. Anna's continued, long-term devotion directly to God suggests a deep reliance on divine provision or exceptional self-sufficiency in her piety.

• until she was eighty-four: Greek: heōs etōn ogdoēkonta tessarōn (ἕως ἐτῶν ὀγδοήκοντα τεσσάρων). This phrase most widely refers to Anna's age at the time of encountering Jesus. While some interpretations suggest she was a widow for 84 years, leading to a much older age, the more natural reading of the Greek, especially following the mention of her prior seven years of marriage, indicates her current age. Her advanced years signify a remarkable lifespan, indicative of enduring faith and commitment over decades.

• She never left the temple: Greek: ouk aphistato tou hierou (οὐκ ἀφίστατο τοῦ ἱεροῦ). The negative ouk with the imperfect verb aphistato (from aphistēmi, to withdraw or depart) describes a continuous action. This does not mean Anna literally resided within the temple buildings, but that she maintained a constant, almost unbroken, presence within the temple courts for worship, prayers, and services. It underscores an extraordinary, all-consuming dedication to God's dwelling place.

• but worshiped: Greek: latreuousa (λατρεύουσα). A present active participle of latreuō, which refers to rendering sacred service or worship to God. This term denotes more than mere passive attendance; it signifies an active, devoted, and perhaps even ministering form of worship. It implies that her entire being was directed towards reverent service of God.

• night and day: Greek: nyktos kai hēmeras (νυκτὸς καὶ ἡμέρας). This idiomatic expression denotes continuous, ceaseless activity without interruption. When applied to Anna's worship, it highlights the unwavering and unceasing nature of her spiritual practices, demonstrating an extraordinary level of commitment and vigilance in her devotion to God.

• fasting: Greek: nēsteíais (νηστείαις). The dative plural signifies "with fastings." This spiritual discipline involves voluntarily abstaining from food for a period, often undertaken to humble oneself, deepen prayer, seek divine guidance, or express sorrow and repentance. It points to a deep spiritual hunger and a means of intense supplication before God.

• and praying: Greek: kai deēsesin (καὶ δεήσεσιν). The dative plural means "and with supplications" or "petitions." Deēsis specifically denotes earnest and urgent requests to God, often arising from a sense of need or dependence. Paired with fasting, it portrays a powerful and sustained spiritual engagement, signifying her constant reliance on and intimate communication with the divine.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "and was a widow until she was eighty-four": This phrase paints a picture of longevity combined with a singular focus on spiritual devotion, untrammeled by marital responsibilities for a very long period. It implies a life marked by endurance and dedication to God beyond the usual societal norms for women in her time, suggesting her direct, sole commitment to the Lord.
  • "She never left the temple but worshiped night and day": This encapsulates the essence of Anna's extraordinary piety. Her virtual constant presence at the temple reflects her entire life being consecrated to divine service and communion. The "night and day" adverbial phrase powerfully emphasizes the perpetual, uninterrupted nature of her devotion, making her a supreme example of tireless spiritual dedication.
  • "fasting and praying": These twin disciplines identify the specific, active spiritual practices through which Anna expressed her continuous worship. They reveal her deep humility, reliance on God, and an intense desire for divine encounter. These practices were central to her life of faithful waiting and preparing for the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel.

Luke 2 37 Bonus section

• Anna's description, coupled with Simeon's, provides the "Old Israel" perspective on Jesus' arrival. They represent the faithful remnant who truly understood and waited for God's redemptive work.
• Her spiritual gift as a prophetess (Lk 2:36) implies that her fasting and prayer were not only personal devotion but also a means of receiving divine revelation and understanding, which culminated in her recognition and proclamation of Jesus.
• The fact that such an elderly widow could maintain such consistent and rigorous spiritual disciplines serves as a powerful encouragement that true spiritual vitality is not limited by physical age or societal role.
• Her persistent intercession and spiritual practices resonate with other biblical figures who engaged in deep and ongoing prayer, illustrating a core principle that seeking God's face relentlessly precedes experiencing His presence and power.

Luke 2 37 Commentary

Luke 2:37 profoundly describes Anna as a model of extraordinary, persistent spiritual devotion. Her remarkable age, especially her long widowhood, underscored her independence and a life entirely devoted to God rather than earthly attachments. Her continuous presence in the temple—a physical commitment to the sacred space—symbolized a complete spiritual orientation towards God's manifest presence. The detail of her "worshipping night and day" through "fasting and praying" portrays a profound and ceaseless spiritual discipline, going far beyond perfunctory religious observance. Anna's life was a testament to active, hopeful waiting for the Messiah, her practices allowing her to recognize Jesus when He was presented. She exemplifies that true piety involves not just passive belief but active, unwearied seeking of God's presence through disciplines that shape one's entire being into an offering of worship, regardless of age or circumstance. Her witness alongside Simeon's validates the humble arrival of the King, confirming He was the one eagerly anticipated by Israel's righteous remnant.