Luke 2:37

“And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, etc.] Which is not the date of her whole age, as some have thought, but of her widowhood state, as distinct from her marriage state, and the time of her virginity. And this sense all the versions favour. Which departed not from the temple that is, she was constant in her devotion there, at the time of divine service, whether by night or day; not that she was in it, for she had been out of it now; otherwise it could not with propriety be said of her, that she coming in that instant, as in the next verse; but that she always was there when there was any worship performed, in which women might be concerned, and which is pointed out in the…”

“departed not from the temple--was found there at all stated hours of the day, and even during the night services of the temple watchmen (Psa 134:1-2), "serving God with fastings and prayer." (See Ti1 5:5, suggested by this.)”

“And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years - That is, she was about 84 years of age. It does not mean that she had been a widow for that long time. Fastings and prayers - Constant religious service. pending her time in prayer, and in all the ordinances of religion. Night and day - Continually - that is, at the usual times of public worship and in private. When it is said that she departed not from the temple, it is meant that she was “constant” and “regular” in all the public services at the temple, or was never absent from those services. God blesses those who wait at his temple gates. return to 'Top of Page'”

“Fourscore and four years - These were the years of her life, not her widowhood only. Who departed not from the temple - Who attended there at all the stated hours of prayer. But served God with fastings and prayers - Even at that age. Night and day - That is, spending therein a considerable part of the night, as well as of the day. Luke 2:38”

“2:37 she lived as a widow to the age of eighty-four: In the ancient world, great age was associated with wisdom and honor. • She never left the Temple: This is probably hyperbole; we might say, “She was there all the time,” reflecting her total dedication to God.”

“which: Exo 38:8; Sa1 2:2; Psa 23:6, Psa 27:4, Psa 84:4, Psa 84:10, Psa 92:13, Psa 135:1, Psa 135:2; Rev 3:12 but: Psa 22:2; Act 26:7; Ti1 5:5; Rev 7:15 Luke 2:38”