Luke 2:37
What does Luke 2:37 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 2:37 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 2:37 means
Anna's unwavering devotion was evident in her constant presence at the Temple, where she worshipped God with "fastings and supplications night and day." This consistent spiritual discipline characterized her life, demonstrating a deep hunger for God and a faithful expectation of the Messiah. She exemplified a life consecrated to prayer and service, making her a fitting vessel to recognize and speak of the newborn Savior.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000and 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901and 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949She had been a widow for eighty-four years); she was in the Temple at all times, worshipping with prayers and going without food, night and day.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and she <FI>is<Fi> a widow of about eighty-four years, who did depart not from the temple, with fasts and supplications serving, night and day,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And she was a widow until fourscore and four years: who departed not from the temple, by fastings and prayers serving night and day.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890and herself a widow up to eighty-four years; who did not depart from the temple, serving night and day with fastings and prayers;
Context
This verse elaborates on Anna's character, particularly her lifelong devotion and service within the Temple. It follows her introduction in verse 36, providing the context for her spiritual readiness. This spiritual discipline explains why she was present at that specific hour and why she would recognize and speak about Jesus, linking her to the prophetic expectation of Israel.
v.36And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher (she was of a great age, having lived with a husband seven years from her virginity,
v.37This passage
v.38And coming up at that very hour she gave thanks unto God, and spake of him to all them that were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 135:1
Praise ye Jehovah. Praise ye the name of Jehovah; Praisehim, O ye servants of Jehovah,
- Psalms 23:6
Surely goodness and lovingkindness shall follow me all the days of my life; And I shall dwell in the house of Jehovah for ever.
- Psalms 27:4
One thing have I asked of Jehovah, that will I seek after: That I may dwell in the house of Jehovah all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of Jehovah, And to inquire in his temple.
- Psalms 22:2
O my God, I cry in the daytime, but thou answerest not; And in the night season, and am not silent.
- Acts 26:7
unto which promise our twelve tribes, earnestly serving God night and day, hope to attain. And concerning this hope I am accused by the Jews, O king!
- 1 Timothy 5:5
Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, hath her hope set on God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.
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