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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} she {G3778} was a widow {G5503} of about {G5613} fourscore {G3589} and four {G5064} years {G2094}, which {G3739} departed {G868} not {G3756} from {G575} the temple {G2411}, but served {G3000} God with fastings {G3521} and {G2532} prayers {G1162} night {G3571} and {G2532} day {G2250}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and had remained a widow ever since; now she was eighty-four. She never left the Temple grounds but worshipped there night and day, fasting and praying.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

and she had been a widow even unto fourscore and four years), who departed not from the temple, worshipping with fastings and supplications night and day.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 2:37 introduces Anna, a venerable prophetess whose life exemplified profound, lifelong devotion to God. After living as a widow for many decades, she continually ministered within the temple precincts through regular fasting and fervent prayer, day and night. Her unwavering spiritual discipline and constant presence in the temple highlight her deep anticipation of the Messiah, culminating in her recognition of the infant Jesus as the promised Redeemer.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 2:37 is an integral part of Luke's infancy narrative, specifically following the presentation of Jesus in the temple. It immediately succeeds the introduction of Anna in [Luke 2:36](/luke/2-36 "Luke 2:36 - Anna the Prophetess Introduced"), which identifies her as a prophetess from the tribe of Asher and details her marital history. This verse serves to elaborate on her character and spiritual practices, building the reader's understanding of her profound piety before her prophetic declaration about Jesus in [Luke 2:38](/luke/2-38 "Luke 2:38 - Anna's Prophecy"). Anna's testimony, alongside Simeon's in [Luke 2:25-35](/luke/2-25-35 "Luke 2:25-35 - Simeon's Prophecy"), provides dual prophetic confirmation of Jesus's identity as the Messiah, emphasizing the divine recognition of His arrival.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Jerusalem was the spiritual heartland of Judaism, with the Temple serving as the center of religious life and worship. For devout Jews, regular attendance at the Temple was a cornerstone of their faith. Widows in this society often faced significant social and economic vulnerability, making Anna's sustained dedication to temple service all the more remarkable. Her practice of "fastings and prayers night and day" was a common expression of intense piety among those who earnestly sought God and awaited the Messiah, echoing practices seen in figures like Daniel ([Daniel 9:3](/daniel/9-3 "Daniel's Prayer and Fasting")) or the Essenes. Her advanced age of 84 years underscores a lifetime of consistent devotion, a testament to enduring faith in a time when many yearned for the "consolation of Israel" ([Luke 2:25](/luke/2-25 "Simeon Awaits the Consolation of Israel")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Anna's lifelong commitment exemplifies **lifelong devotion and perseverance** in faith, demonstrating that age is no barrier to spiritual service. Her consistent "fastings and prayers" highlight the importance of **spiritual discipline** as a means of cultivating a deep relationship with God and maintaining spiritual vigilance. Crucially, her presence and practices in the temple underscore the theme of **anticipation of the Messiah**, as she, like Simeon, was prepared by her piety to recognize the infant Jesus as the long-awaited Redeemer. Finally, Anna's story illustrates **God's recognition of faithfulness**, as her steadfast worship was honored with a personal encounter with the Son of God, affirming that those who diligently seek Him will find Him ([Hebrews 11:6](/hebrews/11-6 "Seeking God's Reward")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **widow (Greek, _chḗra'_):** From a root implying deficiency, this term (G5503) denotes a woman who has lost her husband. In ancient society, widows often faced social and economic hardship, making Anna's sustained, independent devotion within the temple precincts particularly noteworthy. Her status as a widow underscores her singular focus on God, unburdened by marital or familial obligations in her later years.
* **served (Greek, _latreúō'_):** This verb (G3000) signifies to minister to God, to render religious homage, or to perform sacred service. It implies a deep, reverent worship, often with cultic or priestly connotations. Anna's "serving" was not merely passive attendance but an active, dedicated ministry within the temple, reflecting a life consecrated to God through spiritual disciplines.
* **prayers (Greek, _déēsis'_):** Derived from a verb meaning "to beg" or "to entreat," this noun (G1162) refers to a specific petition, request, or supplication. Coupled with "fastings," it indicates a fervent, earnest form of communication with God, often born out of a sense of need or deep spiritual yearning. Anna's life was characterized by persistent, heartfelt intercession.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years":** This clause provides a crucial detail about Anna's age, stating she was approximately 84 years old. Given that [Luke 2:36](/luke/2-36 "Anna's Marital History") mentions her marriage lasted seven years and she was then a widow for a long time, this age emphasizes her remarkable longevity and the decades of her life dedicated to God after her husband's death. It highlights her enduring commitment.
* **"which departed not from the temple":** This phrase describes Anna's constant presence and focus on the Jerusalem Temple (G2411). It does not imply she literally lived there, but rather that the Temple was the unwavering center of her life, worship, and spiritual activities. She was perpetually present for its services, prayers, and communal life, signifying her profound and unwavering dedication.
* **"but served God with fastings and prayers night and day":** This final clause details the specific nature of Anna's service and devotion. Her ministry (G3000, _latreúō_) to God was characterized by intense spiritual disciplines: regular "fastings" (G3521, _nēsteía_) and fervent "prayers" (G1162, _déēsis_). The phrase "night and day" (G3571, _nýx_ and G2250, _hēméra_) emphasizes the continuous, unceasing nature of her spiritual practice, underscoring her extraordinary piety and commitment.

#### Literary Devices
Luke's portrayal of Anna in this verse employs several literary devices to convey her character and significance. The description of her as "a widow of about fourscore and four years" who "departed not from the temple" uses **Hyperbole** to emphasize her extraordinary dedication. While she didn't literally live in the temple, the language conveys her constant presence and unwavering focus on God's house. Her practices of "fastings and prayers night and day" serve as potent **Symbolism** for a life utterly consecrated to God, representing the pinnacle of spiritual discipline and devotion in anticipation of the Messiah. Furthermore, Anna's character is developed through **Characterization** as a model of piety and perseverance. She embodies the faithful remnant of Israel, whose spiritual vigilance allows her to recognize the fulfillment of God's promises in the infant Jesus.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Anna's life, as described in Luke 2:37, stands as a powerful testament to the value of sustained spiritual discipline and faithful perseverance. Her decades of devotion, marked by continuous prayer and fasting within the temple, illustrate a profound yearning for God and His redemptive purposes. Theologically, her story affirms that God honors and reveals Himself to those who diligently seek Him, regardless of age or circumstance. Her example reminds believers that the pursuit of God through spiritual practices is not a fleeting endeavor but a lifelong journey, preparing the heart to discern and participate in His divine work. Her steadfastness serves as an encouragement for all who await the Lord's coming or the unfolding of His will in their lives.

* [1 Timothy 5:5](/1_timothy/5-5 "1 Timothy 5:5 - The True Widow's Hope")
* [Psalm 27:4](/psalms/27-4 "Psalm 27:4 - Dwelling in the House of the Lord")
* [Philippians 4:6](/philippians/4-6 "Philippians 4:6 - Prayer and Supplication with Thanksgiving")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Anna's life in Luke 2:37 offers a profound blueprint for contemporary believers, demonstrating that a life wholly dedicated to God is both possible and profoundly rewarding. Her advanced age and widowhood did not diminish her capacity for service or her spiritual vibrancy; rather, they seem to have intensified her focus on God. This challenges us to consider how we might cultivate a similar spirit of unwavering devotion, regardless of our life stage or circumstances. Her commitment to "fastings and prayers night and day" underscores the transformative power of consistent spiritual disciplines, inviting us to examine the depth and consistency of our own prayer lives and our willingness to sacrifice for spiritual growth. Anna's patient waiting for the Messiah, culminating in her recognition of Jesus, reminds us of the importance of spiritual vigilance and the ultimate joy of encountering God's presence and purpose. Her story encourages us to make God's house—whether a physical church or the spiritual reality of His presence—the true center of our lives, from which we draw strength, guidance, and purpose.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Anna's lifelong devotion challenge my own understanding of spiritual commitment and perseverance?**
* **What spiritual disciplines, like fasting and prayer, might God be calling me to integrate more consistently into my daily life?**
* **In what ways am I actively "waiting" for God's work in my life or in the world, and how can I cultivate a more watchful and prayerful posture?**
* **How can I make God's presence and His purposes more central to my daily existence, mirroring Anna's dedication to the temple?**

### FAQ
**Did Anna literally live in the temple?**

Answer: While the text states she "departed not from the temple," it is highly unlikely that Anna literally resided within the sacred precincts of the Temple itself, which was reserved for priests and Levites performing their duties. The phrase is a **hyperbole**, a common literary device used to emphasize her extraordinary and continuous presence there. It means that the Temple was the absolute center of her life, her constant focus, and the place where she spent the vast majority of her time in worship, prayer, and service. She was perpetually present for its services and communal life, signifying her unwavering dedication to God and her spiritual practices. This devotion is similar to how one might say a scholar "lives in the library" to convey their constant presence and dedication to study.

**What is the significance of Anna's age (84 years old)?**

Answer: Anna's age of "fourscore and four years" (84 years old) is highly significant for several reasons. Firstly, it emphasizes her **longevity and enduring faithfulness**. Her devotion was not a youthful phase but a lifelong commitment that spanned decades, particularly after her widowhood. This makes her a powerful example of perseverance in faith. Secondly, her advanced age highlights her status as part of the **faithful remnant** of Israel who had patiently awaited the Messiah for generations. Her long life allowed her to witness the fulfillment of ancient prophecies. Finally, it underscores that **age is no barrier to spiritual vitality or service**. Anna remained active in worship and prophecy even in her later years, demonstrating that God can use individuals at any stage of life for His purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Anna's unwavering devotion and constant presence in the temple, marked by fastings and prayers, beautifully foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment found in Christ. Her lifelong anticipation for the "consolation of Israel" ([Luke 2:25](/luke/2-25 "Simeon Awaits the Consolation of Israel")) was met in the infant Jesus, revealing that the very object of her piety had arrived. While Anna diligently served in the physical temple, a place of shadows and types, Jesus Himself is the true and greater Temple, the dwelling place of God among humanity ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "Jesus, the True Temple")). Her continuous worship prefigures the new covenant reality where believers, through Christ, have constant and direct access to God's presence, no longer needing a physical temple or specific rituals to draw near ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Access to God Through Christ")). Anna's life of prayer and fasting, a preparation for the Messiah's coming, now finds its ultimate purpose in Christ, who teaches His followers to pray and live lives of devotion, not for a future revelation, but in response to the already-revealed Son of God ([Matthew 6:5-18](/matthew/6-5-18 "Teaching on Prayer and Fasting")). Her story is a testament to the faithful waiting that was rewarded by the Incarnation, inviting all to enter into the fullness of worship and communion with God made possible through the Lamb of God ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Timothy 5:5

Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.

Acts 14:23

And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

Psalms 23:6

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Psalms 27:4

One [thing] have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.

Acts 13:3

And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid [their] hands on them, they sent [them] away.

Acts 26:7

Unto which [promise] our twelve tribes, instantly serving [God] day and night, hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews.

Psalms 22:2

O my God, I cry in the daytime, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent.