What does Luke 2:38 mean?

And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem. Luke 2:38

Explanation

Luke 2:38 paints a vivid picture of an elderly woman named Anna, a prophetess, who enters the scene just as Jesus is being presented at the temple by Mary and Joseph. This verse captures the moment Anna encounters the baby Jesus. Overcome with gratitude, she gives thanks to God and speaks about the child to everyone around who has been waiting for the “redemption in Jerusalem.” Redemption here is often interpreted as the deliverance of Israel from sin and the fulfillment of God’s promise of a Messiah. Anna’s immediate recognition of Jesus as the long-awaited redeemer highlights her spiritual insight and the significance of Jesus’ arrival.

Historical Context

The verse is part of the narrative surrounding the birth and early life of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke, written around 80-110 AD. Anna’s appearance in the temple reflects the practice of first-century Jews, particularly the devout, to frequent the temple in Jerusalem. The presentation of Jesus at the temple follows Jewish law, as stated in Leviticus 12, where a woman would go to the temple to offer a sacrifice forty days after the birth of a son.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, this verse highlights the prophecy and confirmation of Jesus as the Messiah. Anna’s prophetical insight and the subsequent sharing of this revelation with the community align with the idea of fulfillment of prophecy found in the Old Testament. Her recognition of Jesus and thanksgiving signify divine guidance and the working of the Holy Spirit.

Practical Applications

This verse can inspire individuals to give thanks to God for the blessings they recognize in their daily lives and to share their understanding of spiritual truth with others. It teaches the importance of being vigilant in waiting for and recognizing divine intervention and sharing these experiences to encourage and inspire others in their own faith journeys.

Cross-References

• Isaiah 52:9: “Break forth into joy, sing together, ye waste places of Jerusalem: for the LORD hath comforted his people, he hath redeemed Jerusalem.”
• Luke 1:68: “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people,”
• Luke 24:21: “But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.”

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek text of this verse are:

• “εὐχαριστία” (eucharistia) meaning “thankfulness” or “gratitude.”
• “λυτρώσεως” (lytroseos) meaning “redemption” or “deliverance.”
• “Ἱερουσαλήμ” (Ierousalem) referring to “Jerusalem,” both the geographical location and the heart of Jewish worship.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of a figure bringing redemption or salvation is present in various religious narratives. For example, in Judaism, the hope for a Messiah to deliver Israel is a central theme. In other cultures, there are myths like the dying-and-rising god motif found in various mythologies such as in the stories of Osiris in Egyptian mythology or Dionysus in Greek mythology, which predate Christianity.

Scientific Perspectives

There is no direct scientific discussion related to this verse. However, the practice of sharing insights and news, as Anna did, can be examined through the lens of psychology, particularly in understanding how beliefs and convictions can impact human behavior and community dynamics.

Commentaries

Commentaries provide various interpretations of this passage:

• Matthew Henry’s Commentary emphasizes Anna’s devoutness and her willingness to praise God, showing her as a model for Christian behavior.
• The IVP New Testament Commentary Series suggests that Anna’s actions indicate that the restoration of Israel is beginning with Jesus’ birth.
• The Expositor’s Bible Commentary remarks on the importance of Jerusalem as the site of redemption and the consistent theme of joy and thanksgiving in Luke’s account of Jesus’ birth.