Luke 21:37

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.

And {G1161} in the day time {G2250} he was {G2258} teaching {G1321} in {G1722} the temple {G2411}; and {G1161} at night {G3571} he went out {G1831}, and abode {G835} in {G1519} the mount {G3735} that is called {G2564} the mount of Olives {G1636}.

Yeshua spent his days at the Temple, teaching; while at night he went out and stayed on the hill called the Mount of Olives.

Every day Jesus taught at the temple, but every evening He went out to spend the night on the Mount of Olives.

And every day he was teaching in the temple; and every night he went out, and lodged in the mount that is called Olivet.

Luke 21:37 offers a glimpse into the daily rhythm of Jesus' life during His final week in Jerusalem, leading up to His crucifixion. It highlights His dedication to public ministry and His simultaneous need for private retreat and communion with God.

Context

This verse immediately follows Jesus' extensive discourse on the signs of the end times and His second coming, often referred to as the Olivet Discourse (Luke 21:5-36). The passage paints a picture of Jesus' intense schedule: His days were spent teaching in the Jerusalem Temple, the spiritual and communal hub of Jewish life, where He engaged with crowds, disciples, and religious leaders. By night, He withdrew to the Mount of Olives, a hill just east of Jerusalem, known for its olive groves and offering a quiet respite from the city's bustle. This routine underscores the immense pressure and profound spiritual preparation Jesus was undergoing during this crucial Passion Week.

Key Themes

  • Dedicated Ministry: Jesus' consistent presence in the Temple demonstrates His unwavering commitment to His mission of teaching and proclaiming the Kingdom of God, even in the face of growing opposition. His daily teaching was a hallmark of His ministry, as seen in Luke 19:47.
  • Spiritual Discipline and Retreat: The contrasting action of withdrawing to the Mount of Olives at night reveals Jesus' crucial practice of spiritual discipline. After exhausting days of public engagement, He sought solitude, likely for prayer, reflection, and rest. This highlights the vital need for private communion with God to sustain public ministry, a pattern evident throughout His life (Mark 1:35).
  • Preparation for Suffering: This period was Jesus' final week before His arrest and crucifixion. His routine of teaching by day and retreating by night suggests a period of intense spiritual preparation and reliance on the Father for the immense suffering and sacrifice that lay ahead.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "mount that is called [the mount] of Olives" directly translates the Greek oros Elaion (ὄρος Ἐλαιῶν), literally "Mount of Olives." There are no complex linguistic nuances in this verse that drastically alter its straightforward meaning for a general audience; its power lies in the actions and locations described, emphasizing Jesus' consistent routine.

Practical Application

Luke 21:37 provides a powerful model for believers today. It teaches the importance of balancing active engagement in our callings and responsibilities with intentional periods of withdrawal for spiritual renewal. Just as Jesus needed to recharge and commune with His Father, we too must prioritize personal time with God, prayer, and reflection to sustain our service and navigate life's challenges. This balance prevents burnout and keeps our focus aligned with God's will, ensuring our public lives are fueled by private devotion.

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.

  • Luke 22:39

    ¶ And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.

  • Matthew 21:1

    ¶ And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples,

  • Matthew 26:55

    In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me.

  • Matthew 21:17

    And he left them, and went out of the city into Bethany; and he lodged there.

  • Mark 11:19

    And when even was come, he went out of the city.

  • Acts 1:12

    ¶ Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey.

  • Matthew 26:30

    And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.

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