New Testament
Luke 2:36
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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;
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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;
What Luke 2:36 means
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.
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.
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Jesus Presented at the Temple (Luke 2:21–38)
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Keep studying Luke 2:36
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
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.
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