Luke 2:38

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.

And {G2532} she {G3778}{G846} coming in {G2186} that {G846} instant {G5610} gave thanks likewise {G437} unto the Lord {G2962}, and {G2532} spake {G2980} of {G4012} him {G846} to all {G3956} them that looked {G4327} for redemption {G3085} in {G1722} Jerusalem {G2419}.

She came by at that moment and began thanking God and speaking about the child to everyone who was waiting for Yerushalayim to be liberated.

Coming forward at that moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the Child to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.

And coming up at that very hour she gave thanks unto God, and spake of him to all them that were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.

Commentary

Commentary on Luke 2:38 (KJV)

Luke 2:38 concludes the powerful narrative of Anna the prophetess, revealing her immediate, Spirit-led recognition of the infant Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah. This verse highlights her profound worship and her subsequent mission to share this incredible truth with others who shared her deep spiritual longing.

Context

This verse is part of the broader account of Jesus' presentation at the Temple in Jerusalem, a significant event that also features the prophecies of Simeon, who likewise recognized the infant Jesus as the Savior. Anna is introduced in Luke 2:36-37 as an elderly, devout widow who served God constantly in the Temple through fasting and prayer. Her arrival "in that instant" underscores divine timing, as she was present at the precise moment Mary and Joseph brought Jesus for purification and dedication, confirming His identity to those who were spiritually prepared.

Key Themes

  • Prophetic Recognition and Divine Timing: Anna, like Simeon, was a Spirit-filled individual whose lifelong devotion positioned her to recognize the Messiah. Her immediate thanksgiving upon seeing Jesus demonstrates a profound spiritual discernment and confirms Jesus' identity as the Christ.
  • Thanksgiving and Worship: Anna's first response was to "gave thanks likewise unto the Lord," echoing Simeon's praise. This highlights that an appropriate response to encountering God's salvation is heartfelt gratitude and worship.
  • The Hope of Redemption: The phrase "all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem" points to a faithful remnant within Israel. These individuals, through generations of waiting and studying the prophecies, earnestly anticipated the fulfillment of God's promises and the coming of the Messiah to deliver them from spiritual and political bondage. This longing for deliverance is a central theme throughout the Old Testament, pointing towards the promised King who would bring salvation.
  • Proclaiming the Good News: Anna did not keep this revelation to herself. She became one of the earliest evangelists, sharing the news of the Messiah's arrival with others who shared her spiritual anticipation. This foreshadows the broader mission of the church to proclaim Christ to the world.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "redemption" in this verse is lytrลsis, which signifies a "liberation effected by payment of a ransom." While the Jewish people might have primarily understood this in terms of national deliverance from oppression, in the context of Jesus, it points to a spiritual deliverance from sin and its consequences, ultimately leading to eternal life. It speaks to the comprehensive salvation and freedom Jesus would provide through His life, death, and resurrection.

Practical Application

  • Cultivating a Spirit of Expectation: Anna's life of prayer and fasting illustrates the importance of living with a hopeful anticipation of God's work, whether it's recognizing His presence in our daily lives or awaiting the second coming of Christ.
  • Recognizing God's Presence: This verse encourages believers to be spiritually attentive and discerning, so we might recognize how God is working in our midst, even in seemingly ordinary circumstances or through unexpected revelations.
  • Sharing Our Faith: Anna's immediate action to "spake of him" reminds us that once we have personally encountered Christ, we are compelled to share that transformative news with others. Our personal testimony can deeply resonate with those who are also "looking for redemption" in their own lives.
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Cross-References

  • Luke 2:25 (6 votes)

    ยถ And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name [was] Simeon; and the same man [was] just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.

  • 2 Corinthians 9:15 (4 votes)

    Thanks [be] unto God for his unspeakable gift.

  • Luke 1:68 (3 votes)

    Blessed [be] the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people,

  • Luke 24:21 (3 votes)

    But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.

  • Luke 1:46 (3 votes)

    And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,

  • Luke 1:56 (3 votes)

    And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house.

  • Luke 23:51 (2 votes)

    (The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) [he was] of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the kingdom of God.