What does Luke 2:37 mean?

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. Luke 2:37

Explanation

Luke 2:37 presents a brief portrait of Anna, a prophetess and a widow, who spent her days and nights at the temple in Jerusalem. The verse tells us she was 84 years old and characterized her life as one of devout service to God, marked by continuous fasting and prayer. Anna’s devotion is a stark contrast to the more conventional roles women may have held in society at the time. This verse not only describes her pious lifestyle but also sets the scene for the following verses where Anna recognizes the infant Jesus as the Messiah, a declaration that is significant to Luke’s gospel and its portrayal of Jesus’s early acknowledgement by devout Jews.

Historical Context

Luke 2:37 occurs within the narrative of Jesus’ presentation at the temple in Jerusalem. The historical context is the Judean society under Roman occupation during the first century. Jewish women like Anna, who lived as widows, did not usually hold prominent public roles, but Anna’s description as a prophetess underscores her exceptionality. The temple was the center of Jewish religious life, and the Law of Moses required certain rituals for newborns, among them the presentation of the child and purification of the mother, which is what Mary and Joseph were fulfilling at the time of this encounter.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints highlight aspects of this verse:

• Protestant Perspective: Anna’s dedicated service may be seen as an example of a godly life irrespective of societal status. Her role as a prophetess and recognition of the Messiah underscores the idea that God reveals Himself to those who earnestly seek him.
• Catholic Perspective: Anna could be seen as embodying a life of consecration, with her widowhood and fasting akin to the contemplative life practiced by religious communities. Her devotion is reminiscent of future religious vocation.
• Orthodox Perspective: In the Orthodox tradition, Anna’s perpetual presence in the temple may be understood symbolically, reflecting the constant prayer and connection to God that is the ideal of the spiritual life.

Practical Applications

Anna’s dedication serves as an inspiration for personal devotion and the importance of perseverance in faith practices, such as fasting and prayer. It can encourage believers to consider how their environment, like Anna’s temple, can facilitate continuous spiritual growth. Additionally, Anna’s story prompts believers to stay attentive to signs of God’s work in the world around them.

Cross-References

• Luke 2:36: And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;
• 1 Timothy 5:5: Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.

Language Study

• Widow (χήρα/chēra in Greek): Refers to a woman who has lost her husband by death and is usually without substantial familial support.
• Fourscore and four years (ἐτῶν ὀγδοήκοντα τέσσαρα): Literally eighty-four years old. In this context, it is unclear if this refers to her age or the duration of her widowhood.
• Departed not from the temple (οὐκ ἀφίστατο ἀπὸ τοῦ ἱεροῦ): Indicates a continuous presence, which may be literal or indicative of regular, frequent attendance.
• Served (λατρεύω/latreuō in Greek): Implies religious service or worship, reflecting the intensity of her devotion to God.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the ancient Mediterranean world, widowhood could place a woman in a precarious social position. However, various cultures, including Jewish society, had provisions for the care and respect of widows. Religious dedication was one path a widow could follow that offered an alternative place in society. Anna’s story is unique in that she is specifically called a prophetess, a title shared with only a few women in the scriptures, which sets her apart and elevates her status in a religiously significant way.

Scientific Perspectives

The mention of Anna’s age might interest those who study longevity and gerontology. While an age of 84 would be quite old for that historical context, it was not impossible. Today, scientific research into aging considers a wide range of factors, including genetics, diet, and lifestyle, contributing to such longevity. Anna’s lifestyle of fasting and constant spiritual engagement might be seen through the lens of its potential impact on health and lifespan.

Commentaries

• Commentary from the Early Church Fathers: They often focused on Anna’s virtue, interpreting her life of fasting and prayer as exemplary. Her recognition of Christ was seen as a reward for her faithfulness.
• Modern Scholarly Commentary: Scholars might emphasize the role of women in Luke’s Gospel since Luke includes several important female figures. They might also discuss the significance of temple worship in first-century Judaism and the role of prophetesses in that society.
• Evangelical Commentary: Typically centers on the personal application of Anna’s example, emphasizing the importance of dedication to God and constant prayer in the life of a believer.