Bible Strands
Luke 2:38
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.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The unnamed prophetess, identified in the preceding verse as an eighty-four-year-old widow who never left the temple, steps forward at that precise moment to address a group in Jerusalem. She directs her words to all who are actively waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.
The words — The text highlights ἀνθωμολογεῖτο (anthōmologeito), literally "she was giving praise" or "she was thanking God," which records her immediate response upon seeing the Child. The participle ἐπιστᾶσα (epistasa) means "having come up" or "coming forward," marking her physical approach to the scene.
The thread — The theme of waiting for divine deliverance runs parallel to Simeon’s expectation of the consolation of Israel in Luke 2:25 and Joseph of Arimathea’s waiting for the kingdom of God in Mark 15:43. The act of thanksgiving also aligns with the apostolic gratitude for God’s gift in 2 Corinthians 9:15.
Why it lands — The text requires the reader to observe that public testimony and thanksgiving follow the arrival of the promised deliverer. It demands a posture of immediate gratitude and active proclamation directed toward those anticipating God’s intervention.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
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.
Cross-references
- Luke 2:25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
- 2 Corinthians 9:15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!
- Mark 15:43 Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent Council member who himself was waiting for the kingdom of God, boldly went to Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus.
- Luke 1:68 “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, because He has visited and redeemed His people.
- Luke 24:21 But we were hoping He was the One who would redeem Israel. And besides all this, it is the third day since these things took place.
- Luke 1:46 Then Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord,
- Luke 2:28 Simeon took Him in his arms and blessed God, saying:
- Luke 23:51 who had not consented to their decision or action. He was from the Judean town of Arimathea and was waiting for the kingdom of God.
- Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms.
- Luke 1:64 Immediately Zechariah’s mouth was opened and his tongue was released, and he began to speak, praising God.