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Luke 2:37

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

Commentaries

Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brownv. 37

departed not from the temple--was found there at all stated hours of the day, and even during the night services of the temple watchmen (Psa 134:1-2), "serving God with fastings and prayer." (See Ti1 5:5, suggested by this.)

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Matthew Henry Bible Commentaryv. 37

In this chapter, we have an account of the birth and infancy of our Lord Jesus: having had notice of his conception, and of the birth and infancy of his forerunner, in the former chapter. The First-begotten is here brought into the world; let us go meet him with our hosannas, blessed is he that cometh. Here is, I. The place and other circumstances of his birth, which proved him to be the true Messiah, and such a one as we needed, but not such a one as the Jews expected (Luk 2:1-7). II. The notifying of his birth to the shepherds in that neighbourhood by an angel, the song of praise which the angels sung upon that occasion, and the spreading of the report of it by the shepherds (Luk 2:8-20). III. The circumcision of Christ, and the naming of him (Luk 2:21). IV. The presenting of him in the temple (Luk 2:22-24). V. The testimonies of Simeon, and Anna the prophetess, concerning him (Luk 2:25-39). VI. Christ's growth and capacity (Luk 2:40-52). VIII. His observing the passover at twelve years old, and his disputing with the doctors in the temple (Luk 2:41-51). And this, with what we have met with (Mt. 1 and 2), is all we have concerning our Lord Jesus, till he entered upon his public work in the thirtieth year of his age.

Open source ↗
Tyndale Open Study Notesv. 37

2:37 she lived as a widow to the age of eighty-four: In the ancient world, great age was associated with wisdom and honor. • She never left the Temple: This is probably hyperbole; we might say, “She was there all the time,” reflecting her total dedication to God.

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Cross-references

Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.

I Timothy 5:5rank 25

The widow who is truly in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day in her petitions and prayers.

Psalms 23:6rank 13

Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Acts 14:23rank 12

Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church, praying and fasting as they entrusted them to the Lord, in whom they had believed.

Psalms 27:4rank 7

One thing I have asked of the LORD; this is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and seek Him in His temple.

Acts 13:3rank 7

And after they had fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on them and sent them off.

Acts 26:7rank 5

the promise our twelve tribes are hoping to realize as they earnestly serve God day and night. It is because of this hope, O king, that I am accused by the Jews.

Psalms 22:2rank 2

I cry out by day, O my God, but You do not answer, and by night, but I have no rest.

Luke 5:33rank 2

Then they said to Him, “John’s disciples and those of the Pharisees frequently fast and pray, but Yours keep on eating and drinking.”

Psalms 84:4rank 2

How blessed are those who dwell in Your house! They are ever praising You. Selah

Revelation of John 3:12rank 2

The one who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will never again leave it. Upon him I will write the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God (the new Jerusalem that comes down out of heaven from My God), and My new name.

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