Luke 2:37

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
αὐτὴ
G846
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#3
χήρα
G5503
was a widow
a widow (as lacking a husband), literally or figuratively
#4
ὡς
G5613
of about
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#5
ἐτῶν
G2094
years
a year
#6
ὀγδοήκοντα
G3589
fourscore
ten times eight
#7
τεσσάρων,
G5064
and four
four
#8
ἣ
G3739
which
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#9
οὐκ
G3756
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#10
ἀφίστατο
G868
departed
to remove, i.e., (actively) instigate to revolt; usually (reflexively) to desist, desert, etc
#11
ἀπὸ
G575
from
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
#12
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
ἱεροῦ
G2411
the temple
a sacred place, i.e., the entire precincts (whereas g3485 denotes the central sanctuary itself) of the temple (at jerusalem or elsewhere)
#14
νηστείαις
G3521
God with fastings
abstinence (from lack of food, or voluntary and religious); specially, the fast of the day of atonement
#15
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#16
δεήσεσιν
G1162
prayers
a petition
#17
λατρεύουσα
G3000
but served
to minister (to god), i.e., render religious homage
#18
νύκτα
G3571
night
"night" (literally or figuratively)
#19
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#20
ἡμέραν
G2250
day
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

Analysis

Within the broader context of Luke, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Luke.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Luke Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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