36And there was Anna, a prophetess, daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. This one, having advanced in many days, having lived with a husband seven years from her virginity, [2:37] and she was a widow until eighty-four years — who was not departing from the temple, with fastings and prayers serving night and day. [2:38] And at that very hour, having come upon them, she was giving praise to God and was speaking concerning him to all those waiting for the redemption in Jerusalem.
LUK 2:36-38
The Prophecy of Anna
In the world it was spoken into
In the Second Temple period, widows like Anna occupied a precarious social position. Without a husband or male protector, they often relied on family or communal support. Anna’s identity as a prophetess would have been significant in a Jewish context, where prophetic roles were rare and often associated with divine favor. Her lineage from the tribe of Asher, one of the northern tribes, might have been noted by Jewish listeners as a connection to Israel’s broader heritage. Anna’s lifelong devotion to the temple, marked by fasting and prayer, aligns with Jewish piety, particularly among women who found spiritual purpose in communal worship. Her age (84 years) would have been seen as a sign of wisdom and divine blessing. Her proclamation about Jesus to those 'waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem' reflects messianic expectations common among Jews of the time, particularly those longing for liberation from Roman oppression and the restoration of Israel’s glory.
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How other translations render this
LUK 2:36
- KJV
- 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;
- BSB
- There was also a prophetess named Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher, who was well along in years. She had been married for seven years,
- Koinōnos
- And there was Anna, a prophetess, daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. This one, having advanced in many days, having lived with a husband seven years from her virginity,
LUK 2:37
- KJV
- And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
- BSB
- and then was a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.
- Koinōnos
- and she was a widow until eighty-four years — who was not departing from the temple, with fastings and prayers serving night and day.
LUK 2:38
- KJV
- And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
- BSB
- Coming forward at that moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the Child to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.
- Koinōnos
- And at that very hour, having come upon them, she was giving praise to God and was speaking concerning him to all those waiting for the redemption in Jerusalem.
Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.
Translator's notes
LUK 2:36
- having advanced:The word translated 'having advanced' implies a progression in age, specifically referring to someone who is well into their years, not just generally older.
- marriage:The term used here for 'marriage' specifically refers to the state of virginity before marriage, highlighting Anna's purity and youth at the time of her first and only marriage.
LUK 2:37
- was departing:The word translated 'was departing' suggests a continuous, habitual action of not leaving the temple, emphasizing Anna's constant presence and devotion there.
- prayers:The word translated 'prayers' here carries the sense of religious service or worship, indicating that her fasting and prayers were acts of devotion and service to God.