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.

LUKE 2:38KJV
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Luke 2:38 (KJV)

What does Luke 2:38 mean?

Luke 2:38 describes how Anna, a prophetess, entered the temple at that very moment, gave thanks to God, and spoke about Jesus to everyone in Jerusalem who was hoping for God to rescue them. The verse highlights Anna’s recognition of Jesus as the one connected to the long-awaited redemption.

Anna is an elderly woman who spent her days worshiping in the temple. When she sees the infant Jesus, she immediately responds with gratitude to God and begins telling others who were waiting for God’s deliverance about him. This moment shows Anna’s faith and her role in sharing the news that God’s promise of redemption was being fulfilled.

The Greek behind Luke 2:38

  • The word for "redemption" is λύτρωσις (lytrōsis), which means deliverance or being set free, often with the idea of being rescued from bondage. Here, it points to the hope many in Jerusalem had for God to free them, likely from oppression or spiritual need.
  • The phrase "looked for" comes from προσδέχομαι (prosdechomai), which means to wait for or expect something eagerly. This highlights that Anna spoke to people who were actively hoping and longing for God’s intervention.
  • The word "likewise" is ὁμοίως (homoiōs), showing that Anna’s giving thanks was similar to what Simeon had just done in the previous verses, connecting her response to his.

Why Luke 2:38 matters

  • Luke 2:38 shows that the recognition of Jesus as the redeemer was not limited to men like Simeon but included women like Anna, emphasizing the broad scope of God’s revelation.
  • The verse clarifies that the hope for redemption was a shared expectation among many in Jerusalem, not just a private longing, making Anna’s message significant for a wider audience.
  • This moment connects Anna’s witness to the larger theme in Luke of God fulfilling promises to Israel, showing that Jesus’ arrival was understood as the beginning of that fulfillment.

Where else these words appear

“redemption” Greek G3085 · used in 3 verses

  • Luke 1:68 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people,
  • Hebrews 9:12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.

“looked” Greek G4327 · used in 14 verses

  • Mark 15:43 Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.
  • Luke 23:51 (The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) he was of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the kingdom of God.
  • Philippians 2:29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:

“in” Greek G2186 · used in 21 verses

  • Luke 2:9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
  • Acts 4:1 And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them,
  • Acts 22:20 And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him.

“Jerusalem” Greek G2419 · used in 80 verses

  • Matthew 23:37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!
  • Luke 24:49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
  • Acts 16:4 And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem.