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 2:36KJV
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Luke 2:36 (KJV)

What does Luke 2:36 mean?

Luke 2:36 introduces Anna, a woman recognized as a prophetess, who was the daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher. She was elderly and had lived with her husband for seven years after her marriage, starting from her virginity.

This verse is part of the account where Luke describes people present at the temple during Jesus’ presentation as a baby. Luke highlights Anna’s background—her family, tribe, and her long widowhood—to show her respected status and spiritual significance in the community. Anna’s introduction sets the stage for her important role as a witness to Jesus’ arrival.

The Greek behind Luke 2:36

  • προφῆτις (prophētis): This word means "prophetess," indicating Anna was recognized for receiving and sharing messages from God. This title is rare in the New Testament and shows her unique spiritual role.
  • φυλῆς (phylēs): This means "tribe," pointing out Anna’s heritage from the tribe of Asher. Mentioning her tribe connects her to Israel’s history and roots.
  • ἐν πολλαῖς ἡμέραις (en pollais hēmerais): Translated as "of a great age," this phrase emphasizes Anna’s advanced years, underlining her long-standing faithfulness and experience.

Why Luke 2:36 matters

  • Luke’s mention of Anna as a prophetess highlights the presence of faithful women with spiritual authority in Israel’s story, which is notable in a culture where women’s roles were often limited.
  • By specifying Anna’s lineage and age, Luke underlines her credibility and the continuity of God’s promises to Israel through different generations and tribes.
  • This verse prepares readers for Anna’s testimony about Jesus, showing that both men (Simeon) and women (Anna) recognized Jesus’ significance from the very start.

Where else these words appear

“prophetess” Greek G4398 · used in 2 verses

  • Revelation 2:20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.

“Aser” Greek G768 · used in 2 verses

  • Revelation 7:6 Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nepthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand.

“age” Greek G4260 · used in 5 verses

  • Matthew 4:21 And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.
  • Mark 1:19 And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets.
  • Luke 1:7 And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.

“tribe” Greek G5443 · used in 23 verses

  • Matthew 19:28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
  • Hebrews 7:14 For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.
  • Revelation 7:6 Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nepthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand.