King James Version

What Does Luke 21:37 Mean?

“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.”

Context

For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.

Watch ye therefore, and pray always , that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

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.

And all the people came early in the morning to him in the temple, for to hear him.

Read full chapter →

Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(37) **In the day time . . . at night.**—Literally, *in the days . . . the nights,* the words pointing to the mode in which the week was spent from the first day to the evening of the fifth. **Abode.**—The word is better translated *lodged* in Matthew 21:12. Strictly speaking, it meant to lodge, not in a room, but in the court-yard of a house; and so was used generally, in military language, for a “bivouac.” It would seem to have been chosen by both Evangelists (it does not occur elsewhere in the New Testament) to include the fact, implied in all four and definitely stated by St. John, that most of the nights were spent not in a house, but in the garden, or orchard, of Gethsemane (John 18:1-2). **That is called the mount of Olives.**—Better, perhaps, here, as in Luke 19:29 (where see Note), *that is called Olivet.*

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 21:37 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.