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)
What's often overlooked is how Luke highlights Anna's tribal lineage—Asher—one of the "lost" ten tribes. This detail subtly reminds us that God's redemptive plan, now revealed in Jesus, extends beyond the expected circles and includes those historically marginalized or seemingly forgotten.
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)
Just after Jesus is presented at the temple by Mary and Joseph, and Simeon has spoken those powerful words of prophecy, the scene shifts to another devout soul. This is Anna, an elderly woman, who is described as a prophetess, tracing her lineage back to the tribe of Asher, one of the formerly lost tribes of Israel. Her life story, marked by a brief marriage and long widowhood, has clearly been one of deep devotion and patient waiting for God's promises.
What does it mean to be a prophetess in the Old Testament tradition? Anna, a woman of advanced years, held this title. Discover what made her a prophetess and a vital witness to the Messiah.
More Than Fortune-Telling
While we often think of prophets as predicting the future, the Old Testament concept of prophecy was broader. It included speaking God's message for the present, offering instruction, encouragement, and comfort. Anna, like other notable women in Israel's history (Miriam, Deborah, Huldah), carried this title.
Waiting for Redemption
Anna's prophetic role is illuminated by her immediate recognition of Jesus as redemption for Israel. She wasn't just an elder; she was a spiritual leader deeply immersed in the prophetic hope for the Messiah. Her entire life, marked by prayer and fasting, was oriented toward God's promised deliverance.
Anna belonged to the tribe of Asher, one of the ten 'lost' tribes. How is this significant, and what does it reveal about God's faithfulness?
Roots in the Covenant
When the Northern Kingdom of Israel was exiled by the Assyrians, ten of its twelve tribes effectively disappeared from historical records. Yet, Luke carefully notes Anna's descent from Asher. This detail highlights that even among those considered 'lost,' God's covenant people remained, preserving their lineage and their hope.
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God's Unbroken Promise
Anna's ancestry from Asher demonstrates that God's promises and His people were not solely confined to Judah and Benjamin. Even after division and exile, individuals held onto their identity as part of God's chosen family. Her presence at the temple signifies a continuity of faith and heritage that spanned generations and historical upheaval.
Anna lived to be 'advanced in years' and had been widowed early in her marriage. How did this season of life shape her devotion and witness?
The Virtue of Early Widowhood
Luke specifies that Anna 'had lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin.' This detail, along with her advanced age (often understood to be around 84), emphasizes that she had experienced a very brief marriage before a long widowhood. In ancient cultures, widowhood could be precarious, but for devout women like Anna, it became a unique opportunity for unwavering devotion.
Consistent Service Through the Years
Far from being exempt from religious duty due to her age or status, Anna exemplifies consistent service. The text suggests she 'did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fastings and prayers night and day.' This wasn't a fleeting moment of piety but a lifelong commitment. Her long years of widowhood were not empty but filled with dedicated worship and expectation, preparing her to be a witness to the infant Savior.
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's identity as a prophetess from the tribe of Asher, long thought lost, highlights how God's promises and people transcend political and tribal divisions, preserving hope even in challenging times.
c. 722 BC
Assyrian Exile of Northern Kingdom
The Assyrian Empire conquers the northern Kingdom of Israel (the ten tribes, including Asher), deporting many of its inhabitants. This marks the beginning of the 'lost' tribes for many.
c. 701 BC
Hezekiah's Passover
King Hezekiah of Judah invites people from the northern tribes, including Asher, to celebrate Passover in Jerusalem. This suggests some families maintained their lineage and religious identity despite the exile.
c. 605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon deports Judeans to Babylon, including members of the royal family and skilled individuals. This begins a period of exile that impacts Jewish identity and hope.
c. 538 BC
Return from Babylonian Exile
Cyrus the Great allows Judeans to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. While many return, some remain in the diaspora, and the distinction between tribes becomes less clear.
Early 1st century AD
Roman Rule in Judea
Judea is under Roman occupation, with varying degrees of autonomy. This period is marked by political tension and a deep longing for God's promised intervention and the coming of the Messiah.
c. AD 27-30— this verse
Jesus Presented at the Temple
Mary and Joseph bring the infant Jesus to the Jerusalem Temple to fulfill Mosaic Law. Here, the devout prophetess Anna, a descendant of the tribe of Asher, recognizes Jesus as the promised redemption.
Just as Anna is introduced as a prophetess and devout worshipper, Samuel is described in similar terms, highlighting his service in the temple from a young age and his mother Hannah's dedication.
Acts 21:9This passage mentions Philip's four daughters who prophesied, showing that prophetic gifts were active among women in the New Testament era, just as Anna was a prophetess.
1 Corinthians 14:3Paul explains that prophecy is for building up, encouraging, and comforting believers, which aligns with the understanding of Anna's prophetic role as speaking about Jesus to those who looked for redemption.
Exodus 15:20Miriam is called a prophetess and leads the women in song and dance after the Red Sea crossing, demonstrating a precedent for women exercising spiritual leadership and prophetic expression in Israel.
2 Kings 22:14-20Huldah the prophetess is consulted by King Josiah about God's word, illustrating that women could hold significant prophetic authority and speak God's message to national leaders.
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 .
What's often overlooked is how Luke highlights Anna's tribal lineage—Asher—one of the "lost" ten tribes. This detail subtly reminds us that God's redemptive plan, now revealed in Jesus, extends beyond the expected circles and includes those historically marginalized or seemingly forgotten.
Just after Jesus is presented at the temple by Mary and Joseph, and Simeon has spoken those powerful words of prophecy, the scene shifts to another devout soul. This is Anna, an elderly woman, who is described as a prophetess, tracing her lineage back to the tribe of Asher, one of the formerly lost tribes of Israel. Her life story, marked by a brief marriage and long widowhood, has clearly been one of deep devotion and patient waiting for God's promises.
Just after Jesus is presented at the temple by Mary and Joseph, and Simeon has spoken those powerful words of prophecy, the scene shifts to another devout soul. This is Anna, an elderly woman, who is described as a prophetess, tracing her lineage back to the tribe of Asher, one of the formerly lost tribes of Israel. Her life story, marked by a brief marriage and long widowhood, has clearly been one of deep devotion and patient waiting for God's promises.
"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," — What's often overlooked is how Luke highlights Anna's tribal lineage—Asher—one of the "lost" ten tribes. This detail subtly reminds us that God's redemptive plan, now revealed in Jesus, extends beyon…
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Last reviewed October 2026