### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word G451 (Ἄννα, *Ánna*) is a proper noun, specifically a personal name. Its meaning is derived directly from its Hebrew origin, חַנָּה (Channah), Strong's `{{H2584}}`. The Hebrew root חנן (*ḥānan*) signifies "to be gracious," "to show favor," or "to have pity." Therefore, the name Anna inherently carries the meaning of "grace" or "favor." As a proper noun, its semantic range is limited to identifying a specific individual, yet the etymological significance of "grace" profoundly shapes the character and role of the person bearing this name in the biblical narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Anna appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of Luke: [[Luke 2:36-38]]. Here, Anna is introduced as a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, from the tribe of Asher. She is depicted as a woman of advanced age, having been a widow for many years after a brief marriage. Her life is characterized by profound devotion: she "never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying" [[Luke 2:37]].
Her encounter with the infant Jesus occurs shortly after Simeon's prophetic blessing. Anna arrives at the precise moment when Joseph and Mary bring Jesus to the temple for purification. Immediately recognizing the child's significance, she "gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem" [[Luke 2:38]]. Her role is thus twofold: she is a recipient of divine revelation, understanding Jesus' identity, and a proclaimer of this truth to others who shared the messianic hope. Her long life of piety culminates in this pivotal moment, serving as a witness to the fulfillment of God's promises in the person of Jesus.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct and significant related word is the Hebrew name חַנָּה (Channah), Strong's `{{H2584}}`, which is transliterated as Hannah in the Old Testament. The most prominent biblical figure bearing this name is the mother of the prophet Samuel, whose story of barrenness, fervent prayer, and the miraculous birth of her son is recounted in 1 Samuel 1-2. Both Hannah and Anna are devout women associated with the temple, prayer, and the miraculous intervention of God in bringing forth a pivotal figure in salvation history. This linguistic and thematic link underscores a continuity of faithful expectation and divine favor across the testaments.
Conceptually, Anna's character is linked to:
* **Prophecy:** Her designation as a "prophetess" signifies her role as one who speaks by divine inspiration, revealing God's truth.
* **Devotion and Piety:** Her continuous presence in the temple, marked by fasting and prayer, exemplifies unwavering dedication to God.
* **Messianic Expectation:** She represents the faithful remnant of Israel who eagerly awaited the Messiah, a theme prominent in Luke's Gospel.
* **Redemption (ἀπολύτρωσις, `{{G629}}`):** Her proclamation about Jesus to those "looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem" highlights the ultimate purpose of Christ's coming.
* **Grace (χάρις, `{{G5485}}`):** The very meaning of her name, "grace" or "favor," is embodied in her life and her unique privilege of recognizing the Messiah.
### Theological Significance
Anna's theological significance is multifaceted. First, she serves as a powerful symbol of the faithful remnant within Israel, those who, through generations of waiting, held onto the promises of God concerning the Messiah. Her long life of devotion in the temple underscores the depth of this expectation and the spiritual readiness of those who would receive Christ.
Second, her role as a prophetess, alongside Simeon, highlights the divine confirmation of Jesus' identity at the very beginning of His earthly life. The Holy Spirit enables her to recognize the infant Jesus as the long-awaited Redeemer, thus validating His messianic claims through prophetic witness. Her public proclamation to "all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem" demonstrates that the good news of the Messiah was not confined to a select few but was intended for those with open hearts.
Third, Anna's life of prayer and fasting in the temple offers a model of profound piety and unwavering commitment to God. As an elderly widow, she represents those often marginalized in society, yet God chooses to reveal His greatest truth through her, emphasizing His care for all, regardless of social standing or age. Her name, "Grace," is particularly fitting, as her life is a testament to God's unmerited favor in allowing her to witness the incarnation and to participate in the initial proclamation of the Gospel. She bridges the Old Covenant's longing with the New Covenant's fulfillment, embodying the very grace she was named for.
### Summary
The Greek word G451 (Ἄννα, *Ánna*) is a proper name meaning "grace" or "favor," directly rooted in the Hebrew `{{H2584}}` (Channah). In the New Testament, Anna is a prophetess encountered in [[Luke 2:36-38]]. An elderly widow of profound devotion, she served God day and night in the temple with fasting and prayer. Alongside Simeon, she was divinely inspired to recognize the infant Jesus as the Messiah, giving thanks to God and proclaiming Him to all who awaited Jerusalem's redemption. Her life embodies faithful expectation, prophetic insight, and deep piety, serving as a living bridge between the Old Covenant's promises and the New Covenant's fulfillment in Christ. Her very name, "Grace," aptly describes her privileged role in witnessing and announcing the arrival of God's ultimate favor to humanity.
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