Luke 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 · King James Version
Meaning
Anna, a prophetess, is mentioned in the book of Luke in the New Testament. She is identified as the daughter of Phanuel, from the tribe of Aser. It is noted that she lived a long life and had been married for seven years before becoming a widow. The mention of Anna as a prophetess is significant because she is one of the few female prophets mentioned in the Bible. As a prophetess, she was believed to have a special connection with God and was able to deliver messages or insights from Him. Despite her old age and widowhood, Anna dedicated herself to serving God in the temple through fasting and prayer. Her story serves as an inspiration for believers, demonstrating that age, gender, or marital status are not limitations when it comes to serving God faithfully.
Theological Overview
Anna, a prophetess mentioned in Luke 2:36-37, is an intriguing figure in the Bible. The mention of her father, Phanuel, and her tribe, Aser, provides valuable historical and genealogical context. It is noteworthy that Anna is identified as a prophetess, indicating that she had a special gift of prophecy from God. The fact that she was of a great age and had lived with her husband for only seven years after her virginity highlights her dedication to God's work, even after experiencing loss. Through a theological interpretation of this verse, we can see Anna as a symbol of perseverance, faithfulness, and devotion to serving God. Her example serves as an inspiration for believers to continue in their faith regardless of life's challenges. Additionally, the mention of Anna as a prophetess underscores the important role of women in spreading God's message and serving in ministry.
Luke 2:36 in other translations
American Standard Version
And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher (she was of a great age, having lived with a husband seven years from her virginity,
World English Bible
There was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher (she was of a great age, having lived with a husband seven years from her virginity,
Douay-Rheims
And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser. She was far advanced in years and had lived with her husband seven years from her virginity.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And there was a Prophetesse, one Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser, which was of a great age, after she had liued with an husband seuen yeeres from her virginitie: