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Selected Verse: Luke 2:38 - King James

Verse	Translation	Text
Lu 2:38	King James	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.

Summary Of Commentaries Associated With The Selected Verse

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A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882]
coming in--"presenting herself." She had been there already but now is found "standing by," as Simeon's testimony to the blessed Babe died away, ready to take it up "in turn" (as the word rendered "likewise" here means). to all them, &c.--the sense is, "to all them in Jerusalem that were looking for redemption"--saying in effect, In that Babe are wrapt up all your expectations. If this was at the hour of prayer, when numbers flocked to the temple, it would account for her having such an audience as the words imply [ALFORD].

A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882]

coming in--"presenting herself." She had been there already but now is found "standing by," as Simeon's testimony to the blessed Babe died away, ready to take it up "in turn" (as the word rendered "likewise" here means).

to all them, &c.--the sense is, "to all them in Jerusalem that were looking for redemption"--saying in effect, In that Babe are wrapt up all your expectations. If this was at the hour of prayer, when numbers flocked to the temple, it would account for her having such an audience as the words imply [ALFORD].

The Scofield Bible Commentary, by Cyrus Ingerson Scofield, [1917]
redemption (See Scofield) - (Rom 3:24).

The Scofield Bible Commentary, by Cyrus Ingerson Scofield, [1917]

redemption

(See Scofield) - (Rom 3:24).

Vincent's Word Studies, by Marvin R. Vincent [1886]
Coming up (ἐπιστᾶσα) See on Luk 2:9. Gave thanks (ἀνθωμολογεῖτο) The verb originally means to make a mutual agreement; and the idea of reciprocity is retained in the expression "to return thanks" for something received. Compare Sept., Psalms 79:13. Spake Not a public utterance, for which the words, those that waited, etc., would be inappropriate. It was to the pious ones who were with her in the temple, waiting for the Messiah. In Jerusalem (ἐν Ἰερουσαλήμ) All the best texts omit ἐν, in. Render, as Rev., the redemption of Jerusalem. Nearly equivalent to the consolation of Israel, Luk 2:25. Compare Luk 1:68, and see Isa 40:2.

Vincent's Word Studies, by Marvin R. Vincent [1886]

Coming up (ἐπιστᾶσα)

See on Luk 2:9.

Gave thanks (ἀνθωμολογεῖτο)

The verb originally means to make a mutual agreement; and the idea of reciprocity is retained in the expression "to return thanks" for something received. Compare Sept., Psalms 79:13.

Spake

Not a public utterance, for which the words, those that waited, etc., would be inappropriate. It was to the pious ones who were with her in the temple, waiting for the Messiah.

In Jerusalem (ἐν Ἰερουσαλήμ)

All the best texts omit ἐν, in. Render, as Rev., the redemption of Jerusalem. Nearly equivalent to the consolation of Israel, Luk 2:25. Compare Luk 1:68, and see Isa 40:2.

Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley [1754-65]
To all that were waiting for redemption - The sceptre flow appeared to he departing from Judah, though it was not actually gone: Daniel's weeks were plainly near their period. And the revival of the spirit of prophecy, together with the memorable occurrences relating to the birth of John the Baptist, and of Jesus, could not but encourage and quicken the expectation of pious persons at this time. Let the example of these aged saints animate those, whose hoary heads, like theirs, are a crown of glory, being found in the way of righteousness. Let those venerable lips, so soon to be silent in the grave, be now employed in the praises of their Redeemer. Let them labour to leave those behind, to whom Christ will be as precious as he has been to them; and who will be waiting for God's salvation, when they are gone to enjoy it.

Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley [1754-65]

To all that were waiting for redemption - The sceptre flow appeared to he departing from Judah, though it was not actually gone: Daniel's weeks were plainly near their period. And the revival of the spirit of prophecy, together with the memorable occurrences relating to the birth of John the Baptist, and of Jesus, could not but encourage and quicken the expectation of pious persons at this time. Let the example of these aged saints animate those, whose hoary heads, like theirs, are a crown of glory, being found in the way of righteousness. Let those venerable lips, so soon to be silent in the grave, be now employed in the praises of their Redeemer. Let them labour to leave those behind, to whom Christ will be as precious as he has been to them; and who will be waiting for God's salvation, when they are gone to enjoy it.

Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826
Coming in that instant - Αυτῃ τῃ ὡρᾳ, at that very time - while Simeon held the blessed Redeemer in his arms, and was singing his departing and triumphal song. Gave thanks likewise - She, as well as Simeon, returned God public thanks, for having sent this Savior to Israel. Spake of him - Of the nature and design of his mission; and the glory that should take place in the land. To all them that looked for redemption - As Daniel's seventy weeks were known to be now completed, the more pious Jews were in constant expectation of the promised Messiah. They were expecting redemption, λυτρωσιν; such a redemption as was to be brought about by an atonement, or expiatory victim, or ransom price. See on Luk 1:68 (note). In Jerusalem - It is probable she went about from house to house, testifying the grace of God. In the margin of our common version, Israel is put instead of Jerusalem, which the translators thought was nearly as eligible as the word they received into the text. This marginal reading is supported by several MSS., all the Arabic and Persic versions, the Vulgate, and most copies of the Itala. Were this reading to be received, it would make a very essential alteration in the meaning of the text, as it would intimate that this excellent woman traveled over the land of Israel, proclaiming the advent of Christ. At all events, it appears that this widow was one of the first publishers of the Gospel of Christ, and it is likely that she traveled with it from house to house through the city of Jerusalem, where she knew they dwelt who were expecting the salvation of God.

Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826

Coming in that instant - Αυτῃ τῃ ὡρᾳ, at that very time - while Simeon held the blessed Redeemer in his arms, and was singing his departing and triumphal song.

Gave thanks likewise - She, as well as Simeon, returned God public thanks, for having sent this Savior to Israel.

Spake of him - Of the nature and design of his mission; and the glory that should take place in the land.

To all them that looked for redemption - As Daniel's seventy weeks were known to be now completed, the more pious Jews were in constant expectation of the promised Messiah. They were expecting redemption, λυτρωσιν; such a redemption as was to be brought about by an atonement, or expiatory victim, or ransom price. See on Luk 1:68 (note).

In Jerusalem - It is probable she went about from house to house, testifying the grace of God. In the margin of our common version, Israel is put instead of Jerusalem, which the translators thought was nearly as eligible as the word they received into the text. This marginal reading is supported by several MSS., all the Arabic and Persic versions, the Vulgate, and most copies of the Itala. Were this reading to be received, it would make a very essential alteration in the meaning of the text, as it would intimate that this excellent woman traveled over the land of Israel, proclaiming the advent of Christ. At all events, it appears that this widow was one of the first publishers of the Gospel of Christ, and it is likely that she traveled with it from house to house through the city of Jerusalem, where she knew they dwelt who were expecting the salvation of God.

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