Luke 21 37

Luke 21:37 kjv

And in the day time he was teaching in the temple; and at night he went out, and abode in the mount that is called the mount of Olives.

Luke 21:37 nkjv

And in the daytime He was teaching in the temple, but at night He went out and stayed on the mountain called Olivet.

Luke 21:37 niv

Each day Jesus was teaching at the temple, and each evening he went out to spend the night on the hill called the Mount of Olives,

Luke 21:37 esv

And every day he was teaching in the temple, but at night he went out and lodged on the mount called Olivet.

Luke 21:37 nlt

Every day Jesus went to the Temple to teach, and each evening he returned to spend the night on the Mount of Olives.

Luke 21 verses

Luke 21 37 Meaning

Luke 21:37 succinctly describes the habitual routine of Jesus during His final days in Jerusalem. It reveals a striking duality in His ministry: dedicated, continuous public teaching within the bustling Temple complex by day, contrasted with a disciplined withdrawal to the solitude of the Mount of Olives by night for lodging, which implies rest, reflection, and prayer. This consistent pattern highlights Jesus' unwavering commitment to His mission and His necessary spiritual discipline amidst intense pressure and impending crucifixion.

Luke 21 37 Context

Luke 21:37 concludes Jesus' powerful eschatological discourse, often referred to as the Olivet Discourse (Luke 21:5-36). This discourse details the destruction of the Temple, the signs of the end of the age, and the coming of the Son of Man, immediately followed by the crucial exhortations to watchfulness and prayer (vv. 34-36). Verse 37 then transitions from the prophetic teaching to the practical reality of Jesus' own life and routine in the very last days leading up to His crucifixion. It sets the scene for His betrayal and arrest, emphasizing His final dedication to teaching and prayer. Historically, during the Passover season, Jerusalem would be overflowing with pilgrims, and accommodations were scarce or expensive, making lodging outside the city on the Mount of Olives a common practice for many, including Jesus and His disciples. This verse portrays the disciplined rhythm of Jesus' earthly ministry, characterized by public service and private spiritual retreat.

Luke 21 37 Word analysis

• And every day (καθ' ἑκάστην ἡμέραν, kath' hekastēn hēmeran): This phrase emphasizes the unbroken continuity and regularity of Jesus' actions. It points to a diligent, persistent commitment, signifying that His teaching in the Temple was not sporadic but a daily, consistent ministry. This underscores His unyielding dedication to proclaim God's truth, even as His enemies conspired against Him.

• he was teaching (ἦν διδάσκων, ēn didáskōn): The use of the imperfect tense in Greek, ēn didáskōn (literally "he was being teaching"), highlights an ongoing, continuous action. Jesus was constantly engaged in the act of teaching, reinforcing His primary role and mission as the great Teacher and revealer of divine truth. This wasn't a one-off event but an essential, habitual part of His final Jerusalem ministry.

• in the temple (ἐν τῷ ἱερῷ, en tō hierō): The Temple in Jerusalem was not merely a place of worship but a bustling center of Jewish religious, social, and often political life. It was a public forum, providing maximum visibility and audience for Jesus' teachings. Teaching here signifies Jesus' bold, open declaration of truth in the very heart of the established religious system, directly confronting or contrasting with the practices and teachings of the religious leaders.

• but at night (τὰς δὲ νύκτας, tas de nyktas): The conjunction de ("but" or "and") introduces a distinct contrast with the daytime activity. Night symbolized a period of withdrawal, quiet, and separation from the daily crowds and the intensity of public ministry and opposition. It speaks to Jesus' need for rest and spiritual replenishment.

• he went out (ἐξερχόμενος, exerchómenos): This participle signifies a deliberate action of departing, leaving the city, its tumult, and its dangers behind. It implies a strategic retreat, not only for physical rest but also for spiritual solace away from the scrutinizing eyes of the public and the plotting of His adversaries.

• and lodged (ηὐλίζετο, ēulízeto): This verb means to "camp out," "bivouac," or "pass the night" often in the open air or a simple shelter. It paints a picture of humility and simplicity, showing that despite His immense spiritual authority, Jesus chose a very humble lodging rather than staying within the city, possibly due to lack of means or deliberate avoidance of staying in a house for extended period for the specific reason for continuous communion with the Father.

• on the mount called Olivet (εἰς τὸ ὄρος τὸ καλούμενον ἐλαιῶν, eis to óros to kaloúmenon Elaiōn): The Mount of Olives, just east of Jerusalem, was a deeply significant location. It was a place of strategic teaching (the Olivet Discourse occurred there), fervent prayer (Gethsemane, meaning "oil press," located on its slope), prophecy (Zech 14:4 states the Lord's feet will stand there upon His return), and ascension (Acts 1:12). For Jesus, it served as a spiritual sanctuary, a place of communion with His Father, and a quiet retreat from the spiritual warfare of the city.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "And every day he was teaching in the temple": This phrase encapsulates Jesus' tireless, consistent, and authoritative public ministry. His daily presence in the Temple underscore His role as a divine teacher and His challenge to the existing religious order, ensuring that His message reached a wide audience, leaving them "astounded at His teaching" (Lk 4:32). It highlights His obedience to the Father's will even in the face of rising hostility.

• "but at night he went out and lodged on the mount called Olivet": This contrasting phrase reveals the pattern of Jesus' profound personal discipline and dependence on His Father. The shift from the public Temple to the private Mount of Olives showcases His need for spiritual recharge through prayer and communion away from the world's demands. It portrays a Jesus who, despite being God, lived in humble reliance on the Father, withdrawing for deep communion to sustain Him for the intense daily work and the impending sacrifice. This routine set the stage for pivotal events like the Gethsemane prayer, underscoring the spiritual significance of the location for Him.

Luke 21 37 Bonus section

This verse offers more than a simple biographical detail; it provides a profound insight into Jesus' character and His approach to ministry.

• The Shepherd's Routine: Despite knowing the plots against Him and facing increasing hostility, Jesus maintained a steadfast and transparent routine of teaching openly. This demonstrates His courage, divine authority, and relentless pursuit of God's will to the very end.
• A Model of Balance: Jesus' life beautifully balanced outward service with inward spiritual sustenance. The busy, public temple teaching was balanced by the private, quiet withdrawal to the Mount of Olives. This highlights that effective ministry flows from deep intimacy with the Father, teaching us that ministry or service should not exhaust our spirit if we maintain regular, devoted communion with God.
• Mount of Olives Significance: This particular mountain is more than a geographical location; it's a symbolic anchor for major events in biblical history and prophecy. From this mount, Jesus taught about the end times, experienced deep agony in prayer, ascended to heaven, and prophecies declare He will return. Its mention grounds Jesus' final routine within the broader narrative of redemption and eschatological fulfillment.
• Preparation for Suffering: This disciplined pattern of teaching and prayer likely served as Jesus' continuous spiritual preparation for the immense suffering and sacrifice of the Passion Week. Each day was a step closer to Calvary, and His time on Olivet provided the necessary spiritual fortitude to endure the cross.

Luke 21 37 Commentary

Luke 21:37 is a brief yet profoundly illustrative summary of Jesus' daily rhythm in His final Jerusalem ministry. It portrays Jesus' deep dedication to His mission of public teaching in the Temple, where He continually proclaimed the truths of the Kingdom to all who would listen. This unwavering commitment was matched by an equally vital discipline of withdrawal. By night, He would seek the quiet solitude of the Mount of Olives, not merely for rest, but for deeper spiritual replenishment and intimate communion with His Father, foreshadowing the crucial prayers in Gethsemane located on this very mountain. This consistent pattern—alternating between fervent public ministry and humble, private spiritual retreat—demonstrates a perfectly balanced life of service and surrender. It exemplifies for believers the necessity of blending active engagement in the world with consistent personal time for prayer and drawing strength from God, especially when facing intense pressure and significant challenges. This deliberate retreat ensured His spiritual fortitude for the ultimate sacrifice that lay ahead.