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.

LUKE 21:37KJV
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Luke 21:37 (KJV)

What does Luke 21:37 mean?

Luke 21:37 describes how Jesus spent His days teaching in the temple in Jerusalem and His nights staying on the Mount of Olives. This verse shows Jesus’ daily routine during His final days before His arrest.

In this setting, Jesus is in Jerusalem, speaking to crowds and His disciples. The verse highlights that Jesus was openly teaching in the temple during the day, a public and central place for Jewish worship and learning. At night, He would leave the city to stay on the Mount of Olives, a hill just outside Jerusalem, which provided a quieter and more private place for rest and prayer.

The Greek behind Luke 21:37

  • The word for "teaching" is διδάσκων (didaskōn), which means instructing or giving lessons. This emphasizes that Jesus was actively engaging with people, not just making speeches but truly teaching.
  • The word for "temple" is ἱερῷ (hierō), referring specifically to the central place of worship in Jerusalem, underlining the importance and visibility of Jesus’ actions.
  • The word for "abode" is ηὐλίζετο (ēulizeto), which means to spend the night or lodge. This suggests that Jesus did not stay in the city overnight, possibly for safety or solitude.
  • The phrase "Mount of Olives" (ὄρος τοῦ καλουμένου Ἐλαιῶν, oros tou kaloumenou Elaiōn) identifies a specific and significant location just east of Jerusalem, often associated with prayer and key moments in Jesus’ life.

Why Luke 21:37 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Jesus was not hiding during these days; He was publicly present and accessible in the temple, which counters any idea that He was avoiding confrontation or acting in secret.
  • The mention of the Mount of Olives connects to later events, such as Jesus’ prayer and arrest, showing that this location was significant in the final days of His ministry.
  • By describing Jesus’ routine, the verse sets the stage for the events of His arrest and crucifixion, helping readers understand the flow of the narrative and the tension building in Jerusalem.

Where else these words appear

“abode” Greek G835 · used in 2 verses

  • Matthew 21:17 And he left them, and went out of the city into Bethany; and he lodged there.

“Olives” Greek G1636 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 21:1 And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples,
  • Mark 13:3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately,
  • John 8:1 Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.

“night” Greek G3571 · used in 62 verses

  • Matthew 2:14 When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:
  • John 3:2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
  • Acts 27:23 For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,

“mount” Greek G3735 · used in 65 verses

  • Matthew 4:8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
  • Mark 9:9 And as they came down from the mountain, he charged them that they should tell no man what things they had seen, till the Son of man were risen from the dead.
  • John 6:15 When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.