Luke 2:36
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,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This passage doesn't just tell us Anna was old; it highlights the incredibly brief seven years she was married. This emphasizes that her decades of widowhood were not a period of passive waiting but an active, devoted life of prayer and service until her final, powerful moment of witnessing.
After Simeon has just recognized Jesus as the promised Messiah in the Temple, the narrative introduces Anna, an elderly prophetess from the tribe of Asher. Like Simeon, she has been faithfully waiting for redemption in Jerusalem and immediately testifies about Jesus. Her story highlights the deep, lifelong faith of individuals anticipating God's intervention, even among those from the "lost" northern tribes.
What does it mean to be a prophetess? In Anna's case, it wasn't just about predicting the future, but about deeply understanding and proclaiming God's truth.
The term 'prophetess' for Anna (and other women like Miriam, Deborah, and Huldah) doesn't always mean someone who foretells future events. Instead, it signifies a woman gifted and called to speak God's message for edification, exhortation, and comfort. Anna used her gift to proclaim Jesus to all who were 'looking for redemption in Jerusalem.' Her prophetic voice was one of testimony and encouragement in a time of anticipation.
Anna is identified by her tribe, Asher, a detail that might seem obscure. What does this tell us about identity and heritage, even after exile?
Anna belonged to the tribe of Asher, one of the ten northern tribes that had been exiled centuries before. Yet, her family had preserved their genealogy. This shows that even when people are scattered or seem 'lost' from a national perspective, God's people can maintain their identity and heritage. For Anna, being of Asher didn't disqualify her; her deep piety was what truly set her apart and earned her a place in sacred history.
Anna was 'advanced in years,' having lived a long life marked by early marriage and long widowhood. Yet, her devotion burned brightly.
Luke emphasizes Anna's advanced age and her brief marriage followed by a long widowhood (estimated at 84 years old). This highlights that her faith wasn't a youthful phase but a lifelong commitment. Even at an age when many might withdraw, Anna remained dedicated, constantly attending the temple, fasting, and praying. Her life is a powerful testament that devotion to God is not limited by age or life circumstances; faith can and should endure and flourish throughout our lives.
Understand the original words
prophētis · Greek Noun
A woman who speaks or interprets divine revelation, serving as a spokesperson for God to His people. In the New Testament, this role involves announcing the fulfillment of God's promises.
Anna, a descendant of the northern tribe of Asher, highlights how God's promises extend beyond Judah and Benjamin, reaching even those from the 'lost' tribes who remained faithful and awaited redemption.
c. 722 BC
Assyrian Exile of Northern Tribes
The Northern Kingdom of Israel, including the tribe of Asher, was conquered by the Assyrian Empire. Many of its inhabitants were exiled, leading to the 'lost' status of the ten northern tribes.
c. 700 BC
Hezekiah's Passover Revival
King Hezekiah of Judah invited all Israelites, including those from the former northern kingdom, to celebrate Passover in Jerusalem. This event encouraged some families from the 'lost' tribes to reconnect with Judah.
63 BC
Roman Control of Judea
Rome exerted increasing influence over Judea, culminating in the appointment of Roman-backed rulers. This marked a period of foreign domination and growing anticipation for a divinely appointed deliverer.
c. 2 BC - 1 BC
Birth of John the Baptist
The birth of John the Baptist, foretold by an angel, occurred shortly before Jesus' birth. This event, along with Anna's testimony, fueled the hope for redemption among the devout in Jerusalem.
Just as Anna is described as a prophetess serving God faithfully, the young Samuel also served the Lord in the tabernacle from a very early age, highlighting a pattern of devoted service to God from youth to old age.
Acts 21:9Anna is noted as a prophetess, and here we see Philip's daughters also exercising prophecy, showing that women were recognized as spiritual leaders and conveyors of God's message in the early church, mirroring Anna's role.
Ruth 1:16-17Anna's devotion to her husband and her faithfulness even in widowhood resonates with Ruth's profound commitment and declaration of loyalty to Naomi and Naomi's God, showcasing deep relational and spiritual steadfastness.
Jeremiah 29:13Anna was described as seeking God and serving Him, aligning with the promise that God will be found by those who seek Him with their whole heart, a principle that guided Anna's lifelong devotion.
pulpitLuke 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;"
Verses 36-38. - Greeting of Anna the prophetess. Verse 36. - There was one Anna, a prophetess. The name of this holy woman is the same as that of the mother of Samuel. It is not necessary to assume that this Anna had the gift of foretelling future events. She was, at all events, a preacher. These saintly, gifted w…
bengelLuke 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;"
Luke 2:36 . Φανουὴλ , Phanuel ) The father of Anna is named, rather than her husband. He was as yet known as one who looked for redemption : Luke 2:38 .— Ἀσὴρ , Aser ) See 2 Chronicles 30:11 .
This passage doesn't just tell us Anna was old; it highlights the incredibly brief seven years she was married. This emphasizes that her decades of widowhood were not a period of passive waiting but an active, devoted life of prayer and service until her final, powerful moment of witnessing.
After Simeon has just recognized Jesus as the promised Messiah in the Temple, the narrative introduces Anna, an elderly prophetess from the tribe of Asher. Like Simeon, she has been faithfully waiting for redemption in Jerusalem and immediately testifies about Jesus. Her story highlights the deep, lifelong faith of individuals anticipating God's intervention, even among those from the "lost" northern tribes.
After Simeon has just recognized Jesus as the promised Messiah in the Temple, the narrative introduces Anna, an elderly prophetess from the tribe of Asher. Like Simeon, she has been faithfully waiting for redemption in Jerusalem and immediately testifies about Jesus. Her story highlights the deep, lifelong faith of individuals anticipating God's intervention, even among those from the "lost" northern tribes.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Luke 2:36 is available in the Sola app.
c. 2 BC - 1 AD— this verse
Birth of Jesus Christ
Jesus is born in Bethlehem. This event is the central focus of the narrative in which Anna and Simeon recognize Him as the promised Messiah.
c. AD 30-33
Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus
Jesus' death and resurrection confirmed Him as the Messiah, validating the hopes and testimonies of figures like Anna and Simeon.
"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," — This passage doesn't just tell us Anna was old; it highlights the incredibly brief seven years she was married. This emphasizes that her decades of widowhood were not a period of passive waiting but…
