Luke 2:37

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.

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}.

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.

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

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.

Luke 2:37 introduces Anna, a devout prophetess in Jerusalem, immediately after the presentation of the infant Jesus in the temple. This verse highlights her advanced age and profound spiritual commitment, serving as a powerful example of lifelong devotion to God.

Context

This verse is part of the infancy narrative of Jesus, specifically detailing events surrounding His presentation at the temple in Jerusalem, according to Mosaic Law. Following Simeon’s prophetic blessing over the child Jesus (see Luke 2:25-35), Anna is introduced. She is described in Luke 2:36 as a prophetess from the tribe of Asher, known for her deep faith. Verse 37 elaborates on her spiritual practices, setting the stage for her recognition of the Messiah in Luke 2:38.

Key Themes

  • Lifelong Devotion and Perseverance: Anna’s age of "fourscore and four years" (84 years old) underscores her incredible longevity and unwavering commitment to God, which spanned decades. Her continuous presence in the temple speaks volumes about her priorities.
  • Spiritual Discipline: Her service was characterized by "fastings and prayers night and day." This reveals a life dedicated to intense spiritual disciplines, a common practice for those deeply committed to God in ancient Israel (see Daniel 9:3 for another example of devotion through fasting and prayer).
  • Anticipation of the Messiah: Anna’s consistent worship and spiritual vigilance prepared her heart to recognize the infant Jesus as the long-awaited Redeemer, a theme central to the Gospel of Luke. Her faithful waiting mirrors the expectation of many devout Jews for the "consolation of Israel."
  • God's Recognition of Faithfulness: God honored Anna's steadfast devotion by allowing her to witness the fulfillment of prophecy and to recognize His Son, Jesus, in the temple.

Linguistic Insights

  • The phrase "fourscore and four years" means 84 years old. This detail emphasizes her advanced age and the enduring nature of her spiritual practice.
  • "Departed not from the temple" (οὐκ ἀφίστατο ἀπὸ τοῦ ἱεροῦ - *ouk aphistato apo tou hierou*): This does not mean she literally lived in the temple, but rather that the temple was the constant center of her life and worship. She was perpetually present there for worship, prayer, and service. It signifies her unwavering dedication and focus.
  • "Served God" (λατρεύουσα τῷ Θεῷ - *latreuousa tō Theō*): The Greek word *latreuousa* denotes a deep, reverent service or worship, often with a priestly or cultic connotation. It highlights her spiritual role and dedicated ministry within the temple precincts.

Practical Application

Anna's life in Luke 2:37 offers several timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Age is No Barrier to Service: Anna's example demonstrates that devotion and service to God are not limited by age or life circumstances, such as widowhood. One can serve God faithfully at any stage of life.
  • The Power of Spiritual Disciplines: Her commitment to "fastings and prayers night and day" emphasizes the importance of consistent spiritual disciplines in cultivating a deep relationship with God and preparing one's heart to perceive His work.
  • Perseverance in Waiting: Anna teaches us the value of patiently waiting on God's timing and remaining watchful for His divine interventions. Her lifelong devotion was ultimately rewarded with a personal encounter with the Messiah.
  • A Model of Faithfulness: She stands as a powerful model of sustained piety, reminding us that a life centered on God can be a source of profound spiritual insight and purpose.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.
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