Luke 2:37 (BSB)
and then was a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.
Commentary on Luke 2:37
- John Calvin (Reformed), Calvin's Commentaries on Luke 2:37: 37. She departed not from the temple This is a hyperbolical expression; but the meaning is plain, that Anna was almost constantly in the temple. Luke adds, that she worshipped God with fastings and prayers day and night Hence we infer, that she did not visit the temple for the mere purpose of performing the outward service, but that she added to it the other exercises of piety.
- Matthew Henry (Presbyterian), Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on Luke 2:25-40: Even when he humbles himself, still Christ has honour done him to balance the offence of it. That we might not be stumbled at the meanness of his birth, angels then did him honour; and now, that we may not be offended at his being presented in the temple, like other children born in sin, and without any manner of solemnity peculiar to him, but...
- John Gill (Reformed Baptist), Exposition of the Old and New Testaments on Luke 2:37: And she coming in that instant,.... That the parents of Christ brought him into the temple; just as Simeon was embracing him in his arms, and blessing God for him, and saying the things concerning him he had done; and who also came at that juncture, as he did, under the impulse, and by the direction of the Spirit of God, gave thanks likewise unto...
- Albert Barnes (Presbyterian), Barnes' New Testament Notes on Luke 2:37: Verse 37. And she was a widow of about four-score and four years. That is, she was about eighty-four years of age. It does not mean that she had been a widow for that long time. Fastings and prayers (u) Constant religious service. Spending her time in prayer, and in all the ordinances of religion. Night and day. Continually--that is, at the usual times of public worship and in private.