Luke 2:36
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 2:36
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;
Chapter Context
Luke 2 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, obedience, worship. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-52: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 2:36
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;
Analysis
Anna, a prophetess (Ἄννα προφῆτις, Anna prophētis)—The feminine form prophētis appears only here and Revelation 2:20 in the NT, indicating a woman who spoke God's words. Her Hebrew name Hannah means 'grace,' fitting for one who announced Messiah.
The daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher—Luke's genealogical precision establishes authenticity. Asher, one of the northern tribes largely lost after Assyrian exile (722 BC), demonstrates God's preservation of remnant from all twelve tribes, contradicting the 'ten lost tribes' myth. She was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity—Brief marriage, likely in her teens, followed by decades-long widowhood, positions Anna as model of covenant faithfulness through life's sorrows.
Historical Context
Female prophets in Israel included Miriam (Exodus 15:20), Deborah (Judges 4:4), and Huldah (2 Kings 22:14). Anna's continuous temple presence was possible for widows with no family obligations. The Court of Women in Herod's temple provided space where devout women could pray and worship without entering restricted male courts.
Reflection
- How does Anna's decades-long faithfulness as a widow model perseverance in serving God through difficult life circumstances?
- What does God's inclusion of both a male prophet (Simeon) and female prophet (Anna) reveal about His valuing of women's testimony?
Cross-References
- Prophecy: Exodus 15:20, Judges 4:4, 2 Kings 22:14, Acts 2:18, 21:9
- Parallel theme: Genesis 30:13, Job 5:26, Psalms 92:14, 1 Corinthians 12:1, Revelation 7:6