New Testament
Luke 21:37
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, we see Jesus actively teaching in the temple during the day, sharing wisdom and guidance with the people.
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
During the day, Jesus taught in the temple. Each evening, he left the city and spent the night on the Mount of Olives.
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.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see Jesus actively teaching in the temple during the day, sharing wisdom and guidance with the people. His teachings were crucial as they prepared the hearts of the listeners for the coming events. Each evening, after a long day of ministry, he would retreat to the Mount of Olives, a place of solitude and prayer. This pattern highlights the importance of both public ministry and private reflection. The Mount of Olives was significant in Jewish tradition and provided Jesus with a quiet space to connect with God away from the crowds. This verse emphasizes the balance between serving others and taking time for oneself, illustrating Jesus' commitment to his mission while also recognizing the need for rest and spiritual renewal.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Luke 21:37 to your life
We can learn from Jesus' example of balancing work and rest. It's important to dedicate time to serve others through teaching and sharing, but equally vital to find moments of solitude for reflection and prayer. This balance helps maintain our spiritual health and effectiveness in ministry.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 21:37 mean?
Luke 21:37 describes Jesus teaching in the temple during the day and retreating to the Mount of Olives at night. This highlights his commitment to ministry while also emphasizing the importance of solitude and prayer.
What is the significance of the Mount of Olives in Luke 21:37?
The Mount of Olives is significant as a place of solitude and prayer for Jesus. It provided him with a quiet space away from the crowds, allowing for reflection and connection with God.
What does Jesus teach in the temple according to Luke 21:37?
While Luke 21:37 does not specify the content of Jesus' teachings, it indicates that he was actively sharing wisdom and guidance with the people, preparing them for upcoming events.
How does Luke 21:37 illustrate the balance between work and rest?
This verse shows Jesus balancing his public ministry in the temple with private time on the Mount of Olives. It emphasizes the need for both serving others and taking time for personal reflection and renewal.

The Book of Luke
Luke 1: The Births of John the Baptist and Jesus Foretold
In the days of Herod, king of Judaea, a priest named Zacharias serves in the temple. He and his wife Elisabeth are both righteous but have no children because Elisabeth is barren, and they are both old. While Zacharias burns incense, the angel Gabriel appears to him and says Elisabeth will bear a son who is to be named John. The child will be great before the Lord, will drink no wine or strong drink, and will be filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb. He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. Zacharias asks how he can know this, since he and his wife are old. Gabriel says Zacharias will be unable to speak until these things come to pass because he did not believe.
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