CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Luke 2:37 and then was a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/luke/2-37.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/42_Luk_02_37.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Luke 2:37 - The Prophecy of Anna" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="and then was a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/luke/2-37.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/luke/2-37.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/luke/">Luke</a> > <a href="/luke/2.htm">Chapter 2</a> > Verse 37</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad17.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/luke/2-36.htm" title="Luke 2:36">◄</a> Luke 2:37 <a href="/luke/2-38.htm" title="Luke 2:38">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/luke/2.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/luke/2.htm">New International Version</a> and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. <a href="/nlt/luke/2.htm">New Living Translation</a> Then she lived as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the Temple but stayed there day and night, worshiping God with fasting and prayer. <a href="/esv/luke/2.htm">English Standard Version</a> and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. <a href="/bsb/luke/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> and then was a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. <a href="/blb/luke/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> and she was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart the temple, serving with fastings and prayers night and day. <a href="/kjv/luke/2.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/luke/2.htm">New King James Version</a> and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. <a href="/nasb_/luke/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> and then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She did not leave the temple grounds, serving night and day with fasts and prayers. <a href="/nasb/luke/2.htm">NASB 1995</a> and then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, serving night and day with fastings and prayers. <a href="/nasb77/luke/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a> and then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. And she never left the temple, serving night and day with fastings and prayers. <a href="/lsb/luke/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> and then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, serving night and day with fastings and prayers. <a href="/amp/luke/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a> and then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She did not leave the [area of the] temple, but was serving and worshiping night and day with fastings and prayers. <a href="/csb/luke/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> and was a widow for eighty-four years. She did not leave the temple, serving God night and day with fasting and prayers. <a href="/hcsb/luke/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> and was a widow for 84 years. She did not leave the temple complex, serving God night and day with fasting and prayers. <a href="/asv/luke/2.htm">American Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/cev/luke/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> And now she was 84 years old. Night and day she served God in the temple by praying and often going without eating. <a href="/erv/luke/2.htm">English Revised Version</a> and she had been a widow even for fourscore and four years), which departed not from the temple, worshipping with fastings and supplications night and day. <a href="/gwt/luke/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> and she had been a widow for 84 years. Anna never left the temple courtyard but worshiped day and night by fasting and praying. <a href="/isv/luke/2.htm">International Standard Version</a> and then as a widow for 84 years. She never left the Temple, but continued to worship there night and day with times of fasting and prayer. <a href="/msb/luke/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> and then was a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. <a href="/net/luke/2.htm">NET Bible</a> She had lived as a widow since then for eighty-four years. She never left the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. <a href="/nheb/luke/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> and she had been a widow for about eighty-four years), who did not depart from the temple, worshipping with fastings and petitions night and day. <a href="/wbt/luke/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And she was a widow of about eighty four years, who departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. <a href="/wey/luke/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> and then being a widow of eighty-four years. She was never absent from the Temple, but worshipped, by day and by night, with fasting and prayer. <a href="/web/luke/2.htm">World English Bible</a> and she had been a widow for about eighty-four years), who didn’t depart from the temple, worshiping with fastings and petitions night and day. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/luke/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and she [is] a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, serving with fasts and supplications, night and day, <a href="/blb/luke/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> and she was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart the temple, serving with fastings and prayers night and day. <a href="/ylt/luke/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and she is a widow of about eighty-four years, who did depart not from the temple, with fasts and supplications serving, night and day, <a href="/slt/luke/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And she a widow of about eighty-four years, who departed not from the temple, with fastings and supplications serving night and day.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/luke/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And she was a widow until fourscore and four years; who departed not from the temple, by fastings and prayers serving night and day. <a href="/cpdv/luke/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And then she was a widow, even to her eighty-fourth year. And without departing from the temple, she was a servant to fasting and prayer, night and day. <a href="/nabre/luke/2.htm">New American Bible</a> and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. <a href="/nrsvce/luke/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/luke/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Then she became a widow for about eighty-four years, and she never left the temple, and with fasting and prayer she worshipped day and night. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/luke/2.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And she had been a widow about 84 years, and she had not departed from The Temple, and with fastings and with prayers she was serving by day and night.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/luke/2.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> and she was a widow of about eighty-four years, and she departed not from the temple, but served, day and night, with fastings and prayers. <a href="/godbey/luke/2.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> and she a widow of about fourscore years, who did not depart from the temple, worshiping night and day with fastings and prayers. <a href="/haweis/luke/2.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> though she was now a widow, of about eighty-four years, who departed not from the temple, attending the divine service, with fastings and prayers night and day: <a href="/mace/luke/2.htm">Mace New Testament</a> being then a widow of about fourscore and four years old: she was assiduously in the temple, night and day religiously employ'd in fastings and prayers: <a href="/wey/luke/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> and then being a widow of eighty-four years. She was never absent from the Temple, but worshipped, by day and by night, with fasting and prayer. <a href="/worrell/luke/2.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> and she had been a widow as much as eighty-four years), who departed not from the temple, serving with fastings and supplications night and day. <a href="/worsley/luke/2.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> and had been a widow about eighty four years; who departed not from the temple; serving God with fastings and prayers night and day. <a href="/parallel/luke/2-37.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3-5_0Jtd9Lc?start=880" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/luke/2.htm">The Prophecy of Anna</a> 36There was also a prophetess named Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher, who was well along in years. She had been married for seven years, 37<a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and then</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autē (PPro-NF3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons."></a> <a href="/greek/5503.htm" title="5503: chēra (N-NFS) -- Feminine of a presumed derivative apparently from the base of chasma through the idea of deficiency; a widow, literally or figuratively.">was a widow</a> <a href="/greek/2193.htm" title="2193: heōs (Prep) -- A conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until.">to the age of</a> <a href="/greek/3589.htm" title="3589: ogdoēkonta (Adj-GNP) -- Eighty. From ogdoos; ten times eight.">eighty-four.</a> <a href="/greek/5064.htm" title="5064: tessarōn (Adj-GNP) -- Four. Or neuter tessara a plural number; four."></a> <a href="/greek/2094.htm" title="2094: etōn (N-GNP) -- A year. Apparently a primary word; a year."></a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: hē (RelPro-NFS) -- Who, which, what, that. ">She</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/868.htm" title="868: aphistato (V-IIM/P-3S) -- From apo and histemi; to remove, i.e. instigate to revolt; usually to desist, desert, etc.">never left</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/2411.htm" title="2411: hierou (N-GNS) -- Neuter of hieros; a sacred place, i.e. The entire precincts of the Temple.">temple,</a> <a href="/greek/3000.htm" title="3000: latreuousa (V-PPA-NFS) -- To serve, especially God, perhaps simply: I worship. From latris; to minister, i.e. Render religious homage.">but worshiped</a> <a href="/greek/3571.htm" title="3571: nykta (N-AFS) -- The night, night-time. A primary word; night.">night</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/2250.htm" title="2250: hēmeran (N-AFS) -- A day, the period from sunrise to sunset. ">day,</a> <a href="/greek/3521.htm" title="3521: nēsteiais (N-DFP) -- Fasting, the day of atonement. From nesteuo; abstinence; specially, the fast of the Day of Atonement.">fasting</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/1162.htm" title="1162: deēsesin (N-DFP) -- Supplication, prayer, entreaty. From deomai; a petition.">praying.</a> 38Coming forward at that moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the Child to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/1_timothy/5-5.htm">1 Timothy 5:5</a> 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. <a href="/acts/2-46.htm">Acts 2:46</a> With one accord they continued to meet daily in the temple courts and to break bread from house to house, sharing their meals with gladness and sincerity of heart, <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-17.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:17</a> Pray without ceasing. <a href="/1_corinthians/7-32.htm">1 Corinthians 7:32-34</a> I want you to be free from concern. The unmarried man is concerned about the work of the Lord, how he can please the Lord. / But the married man is concerned about the affairs of this world, how he can please his wife, / and his interests are divided. The unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the work of the Lord, how she can be holy in both body and spirit. But the married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world, how she can please her husband. <a href="/matthew/6-33.htm">Matthew 6:33</a> But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you. <a href="/philippians/4-6.htm">Philippians 4:6</a> Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. <a href="/1_peter/4-7.htm">1 Peter 4:7</a> The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear-minded and sober, so that you can pray. <a href="/romans/12-12.htm">Romans 12:12</a> Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, persistent in prayer. <a href="/colossians/4-2.htm">Colossians 4:2</a> Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful, <a href="/1_timothy/2-1.htm">1 Timothy 2:1</a> First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone— <a href="/psalms/92-13.htm">Psalm 92:13-14</a> Planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. / In old age they will still bear fruit; healthy and green they will remain, <a href="/isaiah/56-7.htm">Isaiah 56:7</a> I will bring them to My holy mountain and make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on My altar, for My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations.” <a href="/psalms/84-4.htm">Psalm 84:4</a> How blessed are those who dwell in Your house! They are ever praising You. Selah <a href="/psalms/27-4.htm">Psalm 27:4</a> 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. <a href="/exodus/38-8.htm">Exodus 38:8</a> Next he made the bronze basin and its stand from the mirrors of the women who served at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>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.which.<a href="/exodus/38-8.htm">Exodus 38:8</a> And he made the laver of brass, and the foot of it of brass, of the lookingglasses of the women assembling, which assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.<a href="/1_samuel/2-2.htm">1 Samuel 2:2</a> There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God.<a href="/psalms/23-6.htm">Psalm 23:6</a> 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.but.<a href="/psalms/22-2.htm">Psalm 22:2</a> O my God, I cry in the daytime, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent.<a href="/acts/26-7.htm">Acts 26:7</a> 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.<a href="/1_timothy/5-5.htm">1 Timothy 5:5</a> Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/luke/2-36.htm">Age</a> <a href="/luke/2-36.htm">Anna</a> <a href="/luke/2-36.htm">Asher</a> <a href="/luke/1-5.htm">Belonging</a> <a href="/luke/2-36.htm">Daughter</a> <a href="/luke/2-29.htm">Depart</a> <a href="/luke/2-15.htm">Departed</a> <a href="/jeremiah/41-5.htm">Eighty</a> <a href="/nehemiah/11-18.htm">Eighty-Four</a> <a href="/mark/9-29.htm">Fasting</a> <a href="/psalms/35-13.htm">Fastings</a> <a href="/zechariah/8-19.htm">Fasts</a> <a href="/luke/2-16.htm">Food</a> <a href="/mark/13-27.htm">Four</a> <a href="/jeremiah/41-5.htm">Fourscore</a> <a href="/luke/2-36.htm">Great</a> <a href="/luke/1-29.htm">Herself</a> <a href="/luke/2-36.htm">Life</a> <a href="/luke/2-36.htm">Married</a> <a href="/luke/2-8.htm">Night</a> <a href="/daniel/9-23.htm">Petitions</a> <a href="/luke/2-36.htm">Phanuel</a> <a href="/luke/1-13.htm">Prayer</a> <a href="/luke/1-10.htm">Prayers</a> <a href="/luke/1-10.htm">Praying</a> <a href="/luke/2-36.htm">Prophetess</a> <a href="/mark/15-41.htm">Served</a> <a href="/luke/2-28.htm">Temple</a> <a href="/luke/1-70.htm">Times</a> <a href="/luke/2-36.htm">Tribe</a> <a href="/mark/12-43.htm">Widow</a> <a href="/mark/15-19.htm">Worshiped</a> <a href="/matthew/20-20.htm">Worshiping</a> <a href="/matthew/20-20.htm">Worshipping</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/luke/3-23.htm">Age</a> <a href="/luke/2-36.htm">Anna</a> <a href="/revelation/7-6.htm">Asher</a> <a href="/luke/5-3.htm">Belonging</a> <a href="/luke/8-42.htm">Daughter</a> <a href="/luke/4-42.htm">Depart</a> <a href="/luke/4-13.htm">Departed</a> <a href="/luke/16-7.htm">Eighty</a> <a href="/luke/2-38.htm">Eighty-Four</a> <a href="/acts/10-30.htm">Fasting</a> <a href="/acts/14-23.htm">Fastings</a> <a href="/esther/9-31.htm">Fasts</a> <a href="/luke/3-11.htm">Food</a> <a href="/luke/16-6.htm">Four</a> <a href="/luke/16-7.htm">Fourscore</a> <a href="/luke/4-25.htm">Great</a> <a href="/luke/8-47.htm">Herself</a> <a href="/luke/6-10.htm">Life</a> <a href="/luke/14-20.htm">Married</a> <a href="/luke/2-38.htm">Night</a> <a href="/1_timothy/2-1.htm">Petitions</a> <a href="/luke/2-36.htm">Phanuel</a> <a href="/luke/3-21.htm">Prayer</a> <a href="/luke/4-38.htm">Prayers</a> <a href="/luke/3-21.htm">Praying</a> <a href="/revelation/2-20.htm">Prophetess</a> <a href="/luke/4-39.htm">Served</a> <a href="/luke/2-38.htm">Temple</a> <a href="/luke/8-8.htm">Times</a> <a href="/acts/13-21.htm">Tribe</a> <a href="/luke/2-38.htm">Widow</a> <a href="/luke/24-52.htm">Worshiped</a> <a href="/luke/24-52.htm">Worshiping</a> <a href="/john/4-22.htm">Worshipping</a><div class="vheading2">Luke 2</div>1. <a href="/luke/2-1.htm">Augustus taxes all the Roman empire.</a> 6. <a href="/luke/2-6.htm">The nativity of Jesus.</a> 8. <a href="/luke/2-8.htm">An angel relates it to the shepherds, and many sing praises to God for it.</a> 15. <a href="/luke/2-15.htm">The shepherds glorify God.</a> 21. <a href="/luke/2-21.htm">Jesus is circumcised.</a> 22. <a href="/luke/2-22.htm">Mary purified.</a> 25. <a href="/luke/2-25.htm">Simeon and Anna prophesy of Jesus,</a> 39. <a href="/luke/2-39.htm">who increases in wisdom,</a> 41. <a href="/luke/2-41.htm">questions in the temple with the teachers,</a> 51. <a href="/luke/2-51.htm">and is obedient to his parents.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/luke/2.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/luke/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/luke/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>and then was a widow to the age of eighty-four. Anna, the prophetess, is described as having been a widow for many years, highlighting her long period of devotion and service to God after her husband's death. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, widows often faced significant challenges, including financial hardship and social vulnerability. However, Anna's life demonstrates a deep commitment to God despite these potential difficulties. Her age, eighty-four, signifies a life of perseverance and faithfulness. The number eighty-four can also be seen as symbolic, representing a complete and fulfilled life dedicated to God's service. This dedication is reminiscent of other biblical figures who served God into their old age, such as Moses and Simeon.She never left the temple, Anna's constant presence in the temple underscores her devotion and the centrality of worship in her life. The temple in Jerusalem was the heart of Jewish religious life, serving as the place where God's presence dwelt among His people. Her continual presence there suggests a life wholly given to God, much like the Levites who served in the temple. This phrase also indicates her role as a spiritual intercessor and a witness to the coming of the Messiah. Her dedication is a model of unwavering faith and commitment to God's work.but worshiped night and day, Anna's worship "night and day" emphasizes her relentless devotion and the intensity of her spiritual life. This phrase echoes the biblical call to "pray without ceasing" (<a href="/1_thessalonians/5-17.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:17</a>) and reflects a life centered around communion with God. Her worship was not limited to specific times or rituals but was a continuous offering of her life to God. This dedication is reminiscent of the psalmists who speak of meditating on God's law day and night (<a href="/psalms/1-2.htm">Psalm 1:2</a>). Anna's life of worship serves as an example of total dedication to God, transcending the boundaries of time and circumstance.fasting and praying. Fasting and praying were common practices in Jewish religious life, often associated with seeking God's guidance, repentance, and intercession. Anna's commitment to these disciplines highlights her deep spiritual life and her role as a prophetess. Fasting, in particular, is a sign of humility and dependence on God, often accompanying prayer to intensify its earnestness. Her life of fasting and prayer aligns with other biblical figures who sought God's presence and intervention, such as Daniel (<a href="/daniel/9-3.htm">Daniel 9:3</a>) and Esther (<a href="/esther/4-16.htm">Esther 4:16</a>). Anna's spiritual practices underscore her role as a devout servant of God, preparing her to recognize and proclaim the arrival of Jesus, the Messiah.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/a/anna.htm">Anna</a> A prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, from the tribe of Asher. She is noted for her devout life and dedication to God, spending her days in the temple. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_temple.htm">The Temple</a> The central place of worship for the Jewish people in Jerusalem. It was a place of sacrifice, prayer, and teaching. 3. <a href="/topical/w/widowhood.htm">Widowhood</a> Anna was a widow, which in her cultural context often meant a life of hardship and dependence on others. Her dedication to God in her widowhood is significant. 4. <a href="/topical/f/fasting_and_praying.htm">Fasting and Praying</a> These are spiritual disciplines that Anna practiced regularly, indicating her deep devotion and commitment to God. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_age_of_eighty-four.htm">The Age of Eighty-Four</a> This detail highlights Anna's long life and enduring faithfulness, serving as an example of perseverance in faith.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/d/devotion_in_adversity.htm">Devotion in Adversity</a> Anna's life teaches us that even in difficult circumstances, such as widowhood, one can remain devoted to God. Her example encourages us to seek God earnestly regardless of our life situation. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_spiritual_disciplines.htm">The Power of Spiritual Disciplines</a> Anna's practice of fasting and praying highlights the importance of these disciplines in maintaining a close relationship with God. We are encouraged to incorporate these practices into our own lives. <a href="/topical/p/perseverance_in_faith.htm">Perseverance in Faith</a> Anna's long life of faithfulness serves as a reminder to persevere in our spiritual journey, trusting that God sees and honors our dedication. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_women_in_ministry.htm">The Role of Women in Ministry</a> Anna's role as a prophetess underscores the significant contributions women can make in spiritual leadership and ministry. <a href="/topical/l/living_a_life_of_worship.htm">Living a Life of Worship</a> Anna's constant worship in the temple challenges us to live lives centered around worship, making it a daily practice rather than a weekly event.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_luke_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Luke 2</a> <a href="/q/who_was_anna_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Anna the Prophetess in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/what_are_the_roles_and_duties_of_nuns.htm">What are the roles and duties of nuns?</a> <a href="/q/bible_advice_for_christian_moms.htm">What guidance does the Bible offer Christian mothers?</a> <a href="/q/christianity's_view_on_menopause.htm">How does Christianity view menopause spiritually and emotionally?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/luke/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(37) A widow of about fourscore and four years.--The better MSS. read, "up to the point of fourscore and four years," pointing to the fact that this was the duration of her widowhood. Assuming her to have been married at fifteen, this places her actual age at 106. She had lived through the whole century that preceded the birth of Christ, from the death of John Hyrcanus, and had witnessed, therefore, the conquest of Judaea by Pompeius, and the rise of the Herodian house.Which departed not from the temple.--Probably some chamber within the precincts was assigned to her, as a reputed prophetess, as seems to have been the case with Huldah (<a href="/2_chronicles/34-22.htm" title="And Hilkiah, and they that the king had appointed, went to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvath, the son of Hasrah, keeper of the wardrobe; (now she dwelled in Jerusalem in the college:) and they spoke to her to that effect.">2Chronicles 34:22</a>). Her form, bent and worn, we may believe, with age and fastings, had become familiar to all worshippers at the Temple. She, too, was one of the devout circle who cherished expectations of the coming of the Christ.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/luke/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 37. - Which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. Probably, in virtue of her reputation as a prophetess, some small chamber in the temple was assigned to her. This seems to have been the case with Huldah (<a href="/2_chronicles/34-22.htm">2 Chronicles 34:22</a>). It has also been suggested that she lovingly performed some work in or about the sacred building. Farrar suggests such as trimming the lamps (as is the rabbinic notion about Deborah), derived from the word lapidoth, splendor. Such sacred functions were regarded among all nations as a high honor. The great city of Ephesus boasted her name of νεωκόρος, temple-sweeper, as her proudest title to honor. <a href="/commentaries/luke/2-37.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>and then καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. [was] a widow χήρα (chēra) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5503.htm">Strong's 5503: </a> Feminine of a presumed derivative apparently from the base of chasma through the idea of deficiency; a widow, literally or figuratively. [to the age of] ἕως (heōs) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_2193.htm">Strong's 2193: </a> A conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until. eighty-four. ὀγδοήκοντα (ogdoēkonta) Adjective - Genitive Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3589.htm">Strong's 3589: </a> Eighty. From ogdoos; ten times eight. [She] ἣ (hē) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> Who, which, what, that. never left ἀφίστατο (aphistato) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_868.htm">Strong's 868: </a> From apo and histemi; to remove, i.e. instigate to revolt; usually to desist, desert, etc. the τοῦ (tou) Article - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. temple, ἱεροῦ (hierou) Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2411.htm">Strong's 2411: </a> Neuter of hieros; a sacred place, i.e. The entire precincts of the Temple. [but] worshiped λατρεύουσα (latreuousa) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3000.htm">Strong's 3000: </a> To serve, especially God, perhaps simply: I worship. From latris; to minister, i.e. Render religious homage. night νύκτα (nykta) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3571.htm">Strong's 3571: </a> The night, night-time. A primary word; 'night'. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. day, ἡμέραν (hēmeran) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2250.htm">Strong's 2250: </a> A day, the period from sunrise to sunset. fasting νηστείαις (nēsteiais) Noun - Dative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3521.htm">Strong's 3521: </a> Fasting, the day of atonement. From nesteuo; abstinence; specially, the fast of the Day of Atonement. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. praying. δεήσεσιν (deēsesin) Noun - Dative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1162.htm">Strong's 1162: </a> Supplication, prayer, entreaty. From deomai; a petition. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/luke/2-37.htm">Luke 2:37 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/luke/2-37.htm">Luke 2:37 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/luke/2-37.htm">Luke 2:37 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/luke/2-37.htm">Luke 2:37 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/luke/2-37.htm">Luke 2:37 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/luke/2-37.htm">Luke 2:37 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/luke/2-37.htm">Luke 2:37 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/luke/2-37.htm">Luke 2:37 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/luke/2-37.htm">Luke 2:37 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/luke/2-37.htm">Luke 2:37 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/luke/2-37.htm">NT Gospels: Luke 2:37 And she had been a widow (Luke Lu Lk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/luke/2-36.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Luke 2:36"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Luke 2:36" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/luke/2-38.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Luke 2:38"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Luke 2:38" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>