Luke 2:38
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.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτῇ
she
G3778
αὐτῇ
she
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
2 of 19
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 19
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπιστᾶσα
coming in
G2186
ἐπιστᾶσα
coming in
Strong's:
G2186
Word #:
6 of 19
to stand upon, i.e., be present (in various applications, friendly or otherwise, usually literal)
ἀνθωμολογεῖτο
gave thanks likewise
G437
ἀνθωμολογεῖτο
gave thanks likewise
Strong's:
G437
Word #:
7 of 19
to confess in turn, i.e., respond in praise
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Κυρίῳ,
unto the Lord
G2962
Κυρίῳ,
unto the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
9 of 19
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
περὶ
of
G4012
περὶ
of
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
12 of 19
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
13 of 19
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
προσδεχομένοις
them that looked
G4327
προσδεχομένοις
them that looked
Strong's:
G4327
Word #:
16 of 19
to admit (to intercourse, hospitality, credence, or (figuratively) endurance); by implication, to await (with confidence or patience)
Cross References
Luke 2:25And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.2 Corinthians 9:15Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.Luke 1:68Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people,Luke 24:21But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.
Historical Context
The 'looking for redemption' community in Jerusalem represented faithful Jews who maintained hope during Roman occupation and spiritual deadness. Anna's testimony to this group prepared a receptive audience for Jesus's later ministry. Her recognition and proclamation demonstrate that God ensures witnesses to His truth.
Questions for Reflection
- How does encountering Christ naturally produce testimony to others?
- What does it mean to 'look for redemption' in times of spiritual darkness?
- How can we discern who is spiritually prepared to receive testimony about Christ?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Anna 'gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.' Her response mirrors Simeon's—recognizing Jesus as the promised Redeemer and immediately testifying to others. The phrase 'looked for redemption' identifies the faithful remnant who maintained messianic hope. Anna's speaking 'of him' indicates specific testimony about this child, not generic religious talk. As a prophetess, she interpreted current events in light of prophetic expectation, confirming Jesus's identity. That she spoke to all waiting for redemption shows discernment—she addressed those spiritually prepared to receive the message. Her immediate testimony models that encountering Christ produces witness.