Luke 2:36

And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;

And {G2532} there was {G2258} one Anna {G451}, a prophetess {G4398}, the daughter {G2364} of Phanuel {G5323}, of {G1537} the tribe {G5443} of Aser {G768}: she {G3778}{G846} was of a great {G4183}{G1722} age {G2250}{G4260}, and had lived {G2198} with {G3326} an husband {G435} seven {G2033} years {G2094} from {G575} her {G846} virginity {G3932};

There was also a prophet named Hannah Bat-P'nu'el, of the tribe of Asher. She was a very old woman -- she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage

There was also a prophetess named Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher, who was well along in years. She had been married for seven years,

And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher (she was of a great age, having lived with a husband seven years from her virginity,

Luke 2:36 introduces us to Anna, a remarkable woman who, alongside Simeon, plays a crucial role in recognizing the infant Jesus as the promised Messiah. Her brief but profound appearance highlights themes of devotion, spiritual insight, and faithful expectation.

Context

This verse is part of the narrative surrounding Jesus's presentation in the Temple according to Mosaic law. Just after the encounter with Simeon, who prophesied over the child, Anna steps into the scene. Both Simeon and Anna represent the devout remnant of Israel who were eagerly awaiting the Consolation of Israel.

Key Themes

  • A Prophetess of God: Anna is explicitly called a "prophetess" (Greek: prophētis), indicating she received divine revelations and communicated God's message. This is significant as female prophets are rare but present in biblical history, affirming God's use of both men and women in His service.
  • Lineage and Identity: Her father, Phanuel, and her tribe, Aser (Asher), are mentioned, grounding her in Israel's history. The tribe of Asher was one of the northern tribes, often associated with the lost tribes, yet here, a descendant is found faithfully serving in Jerusalem. This emphasizes God's remembrance of all Israel.
  • Life of Devotion and Waiting: The detail about her long widowhood ("of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity") underscores her many years of dedicated service to God in the Temple. Her life was characterized by a profound commitment to prayer and fasting, as mentioned in the subsequent verse (Luke 2:37).
  • Anticipation of the Messiah: Like Simeon, Anna represents the devout who were living in expectation of the Messiah. Her long life had been spent waiting for this moment, demonstrating the perseverance of faith.

Linguistic Insights

The term "prophetess" (Greek: prophētis, προφῆτις) directly translates to a female prophet, one who speaks forth divine revelation. Her tribal affiliation, "Aser" (from Asher), is noteworthy. While many tribes were dispersed, the presence of individuals from various tribes in Jerusalem highlights the continuity of Israel's identity and hope for the gathering of all Israel.

Practical Application

Anna's story offers powerful lessons for believers today:

  • Perseverance in Faith: Her long life of devotion, despite personal loss, encourages us to remain steadfast in our faith, especially during long periods of waiting or hardship.
  • The Power of Prayer and Fasting: Although mentioned in the next verse, her lifestyle of worship sets an example of how to cultivate a deep relationship with God.
  • Witnessing to Truth: Like Anna, who spoke of Jesus to "all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem" (Luke 2:38), we are called to share the good news of Christ with those around us.
  • God's Use of All People: Anna, an elderly widow, was used mightily by God, reminding us that age, gender, or social status do not limit God's ability to use willing hearts.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Acts 21:9

    And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.

  • Exodus 15:20

    And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances.

  • Job 5:26

    Thou shalt come to [thy] grave in a full age, like as a shock of corn cometh in in his season.

  • Acts 2:18

    And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:

  • Genesis 30:13

    And Leah said, Happy am I, for the daughters will call me blessed: and she called his name Asher.

  • 1 Corinthians 12:1

    ¶ Now concerning spiritual [gifts], brethren, I would not have you ignorant.

  • 2 Kings 22:14

    So Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam, and Achbor, and Shaphan, and Asahiah, went unto Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe; (now she dwelt in Jerusalem in the college;) and they communed with her.

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