Luke 2 36

Luke 2:36 kjv

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;

Luke 2:36 nkjv

Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity;

Luke 2:36 niv

There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage,

Luke 2:36 esv

And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin,

Luke 2:36 nlt

Anna, a prophet, was also there in the Temple. She was the daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher, and she was very old. Her husband died when they had been married only seven years.

Luke 2 verses

Luke 2 36 Meaning

Luke 2:36 introduces Anna, a devout prophetess from the tribe of Asher. She is depicted as a very old woman whose life has been primarily dedicated to God following a short marriage and a long period of widowhood. Her role here signifies the continuation of prophetic revelation, especially through a woman, affirming that divine wisdom and discernment were still present in Israel among those faithfully awaiting the Messiah. Her description sets the stage for her immediate recognition of the infant Jesus as the Lord's Anointed.

Luke 2 36 Context

Luke chapter 2 describes the events surrounding Jesus' birth, including the census, His birth in Bethlehem, the angelic announcement to the shepherds, His circumcision, and His presentation at the Temple. The immediate context for verse 36 is Jesus' presentation, where His parents fulfill the Mosaic law. This event draws two devout, elderly individuals – Simeon and Anna – who are uniquely blessed by God to recognize and prophesy over the infant Messiah. Anna's appearance directly follows Simeon's prophetic blessing and prayer, adding another divine affirmation to Jesus' identity and destiny. She represents the devout remnant of Israel, faithfully waiting for God's promised redemption in an era of Roman occupation and spiritual yearning.

Luke 2 36 Word analysis

• And there was: Connects the preceding account of Simeon with the introduction of Anna, signaling a continuation of the divine manifestations concerning Jesus at the Temple.
• a prophetess: Greek: prophētis (προφῆτις). Denotes a woman divinely inspired to reveal God's will, interpret events, or foretell the future. Its use here indicates that the prophetic gift, active in Old Testament times (e.g., Miriam, Deborah, Huldah), was still present in Israel and not exclusive to men or certain offices. This highlights God's continued communication with His people.
• Anna: Greek: Hanna (Ἄννα). This is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew name "Hannah," meaning "favor" or "grace." The name itself hints at her blessed status and the favor she received from God. It echoes the Old Testament Hannah, a woman of deep prayer and devotion (1 Sam 1), establishing a spiritual lineage.
• the daughter of Phanuel: Greek: Phanouēl (Φανουήλ). This patronymic is uncommon. "Phanuel" means "face of God" or "face of El." This adds a layer of divine connection to her identity, suggesting someone who has genuinely seen or experienced God's presence.
• of the tribe of Asher: Greek: Asēr (Ἀσὴρ). Asher was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, primarily residing in the north (Galilee region). This detail is significant as many Jewish people believed the ten northern tribes (including Asher) had been lost after the Assyrian exile. Anna's presence confirms the continuity and partial return of all twelve tribes in the expectation of the Messiah, showing God's inclusion of the whole scattered Israel. Asher means "happy" or "blessed," again aligning with Anna's favored status.
• She was of great age: Greek: probebekuia en hēmerais pollakis (προβεβηκυῖα ἐν ἡμέραις πολλαῖς). Literally "advanced in many days." This phrasing emphasizes not just her chronological age but a life rich with experiences, trials, and enduring faith. It points to a lifetime of steadfast devotion to God. Her age contributes to her gravitas and authenticity as a spiritual figure.
• and had lived with her husband seven years from her virginity: Greek: etē hepta apo tēs parthenias autēs (ἔτη ἑπτὰ ἀπὸ τῆς παρθενίας αὐτῆς). This specifies her marital life lasted only seven years, starting from her maidenhood. The number "seven" often carries symbolic significance in scripture, indicating completeness or perfection, perhaps suggesting a divinely ordained, albeit brief, marital period before her dedicated widowhood began. It highlights that her vast age and long widowhood, not her marriage, defined her life's trajectory and spiritual devotion. This brief mention prepares the reader for her subsequent status as a devout, lifelong widow, emphasizing her total dedication to the Lord's service without family obligations.

Luke 2 36 Bonus section

• Polemics against contemporary beliefs: In a time when Judaism was diverse and certain groups might have restricted spiritual roles to male, educated priests or scribes, Luke’s portrayal of Anna, an elderly prophetess from a lesser-known tribe, challenges such exclusivity. It affirms that divine revelation can come through any vessel, emphasizing God's universal accessibility and power. It also refutes the idea that prophecy had completely ceased.
• Significance of widowhood: In ancient society, widows were often vulnerable and reliant on others. However, Anna’s long widowhood (estimated around 84 years total, combining 7 years marriage + 84 years widowhood) suggests a woman who found her refuge and purpose entirely in God. Her devotion, described in the subsequent verse, shows her identity was forged not by earthly attachments, but by constant prayer and fasting in the Temple. This sets her apart as a unique example of self-less devotion.

Luke 2 36 Commentary

Luke 2:36 serves as the pivotal introduction to Anna, completing the pair of devout individuals (Simeon being the first) who providentially encounter the infant Jesus at the Temple. As a prophetess, she is portrayed as a woman deeply connected to God's revelation, serving as a vital link in the unbroken chain of divine communication. Her description highlights several key aspects: her long life of unwavering devotion, signified by her "great age" and immense period of widowhood; her deep-rooted Israelite identity through her lineage and tribe; and most importantly, her spiritual gift. Her character embodies the faithful remnant of Israel, yearning for centuries for the fulfillment of God's promises. Anna's presence underscores that God’s saving work encompasses all strata of society and both genders, confirming Jesus as the one anticipated by all who lived a life of godly expectation.