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; 37 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. 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. (Luke 2:36-38 KJV)
Anna and Baby Jesus
Anna, a prophetess, also recognized Jesus, so that both a man and a woman could bear witness to Him—offering assurance that salvation through Christ is for all, both men and women (Luke 2:36). She was called a prophetess, not necessarily because she received direct revelation, but likely because she had deep understanding of Scripture and used it to instruct others, especially younger women. Even though it was a spiritually dark time, God had not left Himself without a witness.
She was the daughter of Phanuel, and her name, Anna, means “gracious.” Her father’s name may remind us of the place where Jacob said he saw God face to face (Genesis 32:30), pointing to the fulfillment of that experience in Christ. Anna was from the tribe of Asher, which was based in Galilee—a detail that quietly refutes the idea that no prophet could come from Galilee (John 7:52).
She was very old. She had lived with her husband for only seven years and was now a widow of about eighty-four years. Some think she had been a widow for eighty-four years, making her well over a hundred years old, while others believe she was simply eighty-four. Either way, she had chosen not to remarry and remained devoted to God, which speaks to her faithfulness.
She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day (Luke 2:37). Whether she lived within the temple complex or simply attended worship regularly, she was known for her constant devotion. Since she had no worldly business to occupy her, or was too old for it, she gave herself entirely to spiritual service. Her life was marked by self-denial and continuous prayer. She lived in a spirit of prayer, offering spontaneous prayers, scheduled prayers, and intercessions for others. This is what gave her worship value: she served God in her devotion. Unlike the Pharisees, who fasted and prayed to promote their own pride and gain, Anna’s devotion was genuine and aimed at honoring God.
This reminds us that we should always remain constant in prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17). It’s a beautiful thing to see elderly believers still strong in their faith and active in devotion. Anna’s years of faithful temple service were rewarded with the privilege of seeing the Christ child.
When she came into the temple just as Simeon was speaking about Jesus, she immediately gave thanks to God (Luke 2:38). Like Simeon, she may have felt ready to die in peace, having seen the promised Messiah. Her response shows us that those to whom Christ is revealed should be filled with gratitude, and the praises of others should stir us to join in thanksgiving.
Anna then shared the good news with others. She spoke about the child to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem. There were some in Jerusalem who truly expected the Messiah, and Anna knew them. She made it her mission to tell them that the Redeemer had come. This shows that when we have come to know Christ ourselves, we should do what we can to help others know Him too.