New Testament
Luke 2:36
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, we learn about Anna, a prophetess who is recognized for her spiritual insight and dedication to God.
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
There was also a prophetess named Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, from the tribe of Asher. She was very old and had lived with her husband for seven years from her virginity;
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;
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we learn about Anna, a prophetess who is recognized for her spiritual insight and dedication to God. She is described as very old and has experienced significant life events, including being married for seven years before becoming a widow. Her lineage is noted, as she is the daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher, which connects her to the history of Israel. Anna's role as a prophetess indicates that she was a woman of faith who likely provided guidance and encouragement to others. Her age and life experiences suggest that she had a deep understanding of God's promises and the hope of redemption. This verse highlights the importance of women in the biblical narrative and their contributions to the faith community, especially in times of waiting and expectation for God's fulfillment of His promises. Explore related faithfulness.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Luke 2:36 to your life
Anna's story encourages us to remain faithful and devoted to God, regardless of our circumstances. It reminds us that age and life experiences can deepen our understanding of faith. We can seek to be like Anna, sharing hope and encouragement with others in our community.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
Who was Anna in Luke 2:36?
Anna was a prophetess mentioned in Luke 2:36. She was the daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher and is noted for her deep faith and spiritual insight. Anna had lived a long life, having been married for seven years before becoming a widow, and she dedicated her life to worship and prayer in the temple, awaiting the coming of the Messiah.
What can we learn from Anna's story?
Anna's story teaches us about faithfulness and devotion to God, regardless of life's challenges. Her long wait and dedication in the temple exemplify patience and hope. We can learn to remain steadfast in our faith, share encouragement with others, and recognize the value of spiritual insight gained through life experiences, especially as we navigate our own journeys.
Why is Anna's lineage important in the Bible?
Anna's lineage is significant because it connects her to the tribe of Asher, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. This connection emphasizes her heritage and the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel. It also highlights the continuity of faith throughout generations, showing that God's work is often carried out through individuals from various backgrounds and histories.
How does Anna's age impact her role in the Bible?
Anna's age signifies wisdom and experience, which likely contributed to her deep understanding of God's promises. In the Bible, older individuals are often portrayed as sources of wisdom and guidance. Anna's advanced age also underscores the theme that faith can flourish at any stage of life, and that those who have lived through many experiences can offer valuable insights and encouragement to others.

The Book of Luke
Luke 1: The Births of John the Baptist and Jesus Foretold
In the days of Herod, king of Judaea, a priest named Zacharias serves in the temple. He and his wife Elisabeth are both righteous but have no children because Elisabeth is barren, and they are both old. While Zacharias burns incense, the angel Gabriel appears to him and says Elisabeth will bear a son who is to be named John. The child will be great before the Lord, will drink no wine or strong drink, and will be filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb. He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. Zacharias asks how he can know this, since he and his wife are old. Gabriel says Zacharias will be unable to speak until these things come to pass because he did not believe.
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