Luke 21:37
And in the day time he was teaching in the temple; and at night he went out, and abode in the mount that is called the mount of Olives.
Original Language Analysis
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἡμέρας
in the day time
G2250
ἡμέρας
in the day time
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
4 of 19
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
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἱερῷ
the temple
G2411
ἱερῷ
the temple
Strong's:
G2411
Word #:
7 of 19
a sacred place, i.e., the entire precincts (whereas g3485 denotes the central sanctuary itself) of the temple (at jerusalem or elsewhere)
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰς
in
G1519
εἰς
in
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
14 of 19
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Luke 22:39And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.Mark 11:19And when even was come, he went out of the city.Matthew 21:17And he left them, and went out of the city into Bethany; and he lodged there.Matthew 26:55In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me.Matthew 21:1And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples,Acts 1:12Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey.
Historical Context
During Passover, Jerusalem's population swelled from 40,000 to over 200,000, making lodging scarce. Many pilgrims camped on surrounding hillsides. Jesus's pattern of public teaching but private retreat demonstrates wisdom—maintaining accessibility while avoiding premature arrest. The Olivet location also has prophetic significance: Zechariah 14:4 prophesies Messiah's feet standing on the Mount of Olives at His return.
Questions for Reflection
- How did Jesus balance bold public ministry with strategic withdrawal for rest and prayer?
- What does Jesus's pattern of daytime engagement and nighttime retreat teach about sustainable ministry rhythms?
- How can we maintain both faithful presence in the world and necessary separation for spiritual renewal?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And in the day time he was teaching in the temple (Ἦν δὲ τὰς ἡμέρας ἐν τῷ ἱερῷ διδάσκων, Ēn de tas hēmeras en tō hierō didaskōn)—The imperfect periphrastic construction ēn didaskōn (he was teaching) emphasizes continuous action throughout Passion Week. Tas hēmeras (the days, during the daytime) contrasts with nighttime withdrawal. Jesus maximizes teaching opportunity in His final week, publicly proclaiming truth despite mounting opposition.
And at night he went out, and abode in the mount that is called the mount of Olives (τὰς δὲ νύκτας ἐξερχόμενος ηὐλίζετο εἰς τὸ ὄρος τὸ καλούμενον Ἐλαιῶν, tas de nyktas exerchomenos ēlizeto eis to oros to kaloumenon Elaiōn)—Exerchomai (to go out) suggests leaving the city; aulizomai (to lodge, spend the night) in imperfect tense shows habitual pattern. The Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem across the Kidron Valley, offered seclusion and safety from nighttime arrest—at least until Judas revealed the location (22:39-48).