Luke 2:37

35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed— and a sword will pierce your soul as well.”

36 There was also a prophetess named Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher, who was well along in years. She had been married for seven years,

and then was a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.

38 Coming forward at that moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the Child to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.

39 When Jesus’ parents had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth.

Here the Bible tells a story about someone else. Ask yourself what it can say to us today. Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

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.
KJV
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.
WEB
and she had been a widow for about eighty-four years), who didn’t depart from the temple, worshiping with fastings and petitions night and day.
ASV
and she had been a widow even unto fourscore and four years), who departed not from the temple, worshipping with fastings and supplications night and day.
DARBY
and herself a widow up to eighty-four years; who did not depart from the temple, serving night and day with fastings and prayers;
BLB
and she [was] a widow until eighty-four years, who did not depart the temple, serving with fastings and petitions night and day.
ÅB
og nå for seg selv som enke inntil en alder av fire og åtti år; hun vek aldri fra templet, men tjente Gud med faste og bønn natt og dag.
OTB
og hadde siden levd som enke til hun var åttifire år. Hun forlot aldri tempelet, men tjente Gud med faste og bønn natt og dag.
B1930
og nu for sig selv som enke inntil en alder av fire og åtti år; hun vek aldri fra templet, men tjente Gud med faste og bønn natt og dag.

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • 1 Timothy 5:5

    The widow who is truly in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day in her petitions and prayers.

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  • Psalms 23:6

    Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

    Read in context
  • Acts 14:23

    Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church, praying and fasting as they entrusted them to the Lord, in whom they had believed.

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  • Psalms 27:4

    One thing I have asked of the LORD; this is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and seek Him in His temple.

    Read in context
  • Acts 13:3

    And after they had fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on them and sent them off.

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  • Acts 26:7

    the promise our twelve tribes are hoping to realize as they earnestly serve God day and night. It is because of this hope, O king, that I am accused by the Jews.

    Read in context
  • Psalms 135:1–2

    Hallelujah! Praise the name of the LORD. Give praise, O servants of the LORD,

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  • Exodus 38:8

    Next he made the bronze basin and its stand from the mirrors of the women who served at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.

    Read in context