Chapter

Luke 2:37

ESV 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.
NIV and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.
NASB 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.
CSB and was a widow for eighty-four years. She did not leave the temple, serving God night and day with fasting and prayers.
NLT 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.
KJV 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.

What does Luke 2:37 mean?

Anna, described as a "prophetess" (Luke 2:36; Exodus 15:20; Judges 4:4), is an elderly woman long since widowed. She seems to have spent most of her life praying, fasting, and worshipping. According to this passage, she will notice the arrival of Jesus in the temple (Luke 2:22–24). Shortly after Simeon (Luke 2:25–32) praises God for sending the Messiah, Anna will echo those ideas as she tells everyone the good news (Luke 2:38).

Widows, in ancient culture, were especially vulnerable. It was more difficult for women to earn money independently, so most depended on their children for support. Anna's marriage was in the typical time of youth (Luke 2:36), meaning she has lived most of her life as a widow. To what extent she has been supported by others, Scripture does not say.
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