New International VersionComing up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
New Living TranslationShe came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she began praising God. She talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem.
English Standard VersionAnd coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.
Berean Standard BibleComing forward at that moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the Child to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.
Berean Literal BibleAnd having come up at that hour, she was giving praise to the Lord and was speaking concerning Him to all those waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.
King James BibleAnd she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
New King James VersionAnd coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
New American Standard BibleAnd at that very moment she came up and began giving thanks to God, and continued to speak about Him to all those who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
NASB 1995At that very moment she came up and began giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
NASB 1977And at that very moment she came up and began giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
Legacy Standard BibleAnd at that very moment she came up and began giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all those who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.
Amplified BibleShe, too, came up at that very moment and began praising and giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all who were looking for the redemption and deliverance of Jerusalem.
Christian Standard BibleAt that very moment, she came up and began to thank God and to speak about him to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
Holman Christian Standard BibleAt that very moment, she came up and began to thank God and to speak about Him to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
American Standard VersionAnd coming up at that very hour she gave thanks unto God, and spake of him to all them that were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
Contemporary English VersionAt this time Anna came in and praised God. She spoke about the child Jesus to everyone who hoped for Jerusalem to be set free.
English Revised VersionAnd coming up at that very hour she gave thanks unto God, and spake of him to all them that were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationAt that moment she came up to Mary and Joseph and began to thank God. She spoke about Jesus to all who were waiting for Jerusalem to be set free.
Good News TranslationThat very same hour she arrived and gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were waiting for God to set Jerusalem free.
International Standard VersionJust then she came forward and began to thank God and to speak about Jesus to everyone who was waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.
NET BibleAt that moment, she came up to them and began to give thanks to God and to speak about the child to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.
New Heart English BibleComing up at that very hour, she gave thanks to God, and spoke of him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd she coming in that instant, gave thanks likewise to the Lord, and spoke of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
Weymouth New TestamentAnd coming up just at that moment, she gave thanks to God, and spoke about the child to all who were expecting the deliverance of Jerusalem. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleComing forward at that moment, she gave thanks to the Lord and spoke about the Child to all who were waiting for redemption in Jerusalem.
World English BibleComing up at that very hour, she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of him to all those who were looking for redemption in Jerusalem. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand she, at that hour, having come in, was confessing, likewise, to the LORD, and was speaking concerning Him to all those looking for redemption in Jerusalem.
Berean Literal BibleAnd having come up at that hour, she was giving praise to the Lord and was speaking concerning Him to all those waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.
Young's Literal Translation and she, at that hour, having come in, was confessing, likewise, to the Lord, and was speaking concerning him, to all those looking for redemption in Jerusalem.
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd she having stood at that hour, confessed to the Lord, and spake concerning him to all awaiting redemption in Jerusalem. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleNow she, at the same hour, coming in, confessed to the Lord; and spoke of him to all that looked for the redemption of Israel.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd entering at the same hour, she confessed to the Lord. And she spoke about him to all who were awaiting the redemption of Israel.
New American BibleAnd coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.
New Revised Standard VersionAt that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleShe also stood up at that hour, and gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke concerning him to every man who was looking forward to the salvation of Jerusalem.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishShe was also standing in it at that hour and she gave thanks to THE LORD JEHOVAH and was speaking about him with everyone who was waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd she came in at that hour, and gave thanks to Lord, and spoke of him to all that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
Godbey New Testament
And she, at the same hour, standing up continued to praise the Lord, and speak concerning Him to all those awaiting the redemption in Jerusalem.
Haweis New Testament
and at the very same moment coming up, she also in turn confessed the Lord, and spake of him to all who were expecting redemption in Jerusalem.
Mace New Testament
and happening to come in just at the same time, she likewise express'd her thanks to the lord, and spoke of Jesus to all those, who expected deliverance in Jerusalem.
Weymouth New Testament
And coming up just at that moment, she gave thanks to God, and spoke about the child to all who were expecting the deliverance of Jerusalem.
Worrell New Testament
And, coming up at that very hour, she was making confession to God, and was speaking concerning Him to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
Worsley New Testament
And coming in at the very same time, gave thanks unto the Lord, and spake of Him to all that were looking for redemption in Jerusalem.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Prophecy of Anna… 37and then was a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38Coming forwardat thatmoment,shegave thanksto Godandspokeaboutthe Childto allwhowere waiting forthe redemptionof Jerusalem.39When Jesus’ parents had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth.…
Cross References Isaiah 52:9Break forth in joy, sing together, O ruins of Jerusalem, for the LORD has comforted His people; He has redeemed Jerusalem.
Isaiah 40:9Go up on a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good news. Raise your voice loudly, O Jerusalem, herald of good news. Lift it up, do not be afraid! Say to the cities of Judah, “Here is your God!”
Malachi 3:1“Behold, I will send My messenger, who will prepare the way before Me. Then the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to His temple—the Messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight—see, He is coming,” says the LORD of Hosts.
Isaiah 25:9And in that day it will be said, “Surely this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He has saved us. This is the LORD for whom we have waited. Let us rejoice and be glad in His salvation.”
Isaiah 49:13Shout for joy, O heavens; rejoice, O earth; break forth in song, O mountains! For the LORD has comforted His people, and He will have compassion on His afflicted ones.
Isaiah 61:1-2The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners, / to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of our God’s vengeance, to comfort all who mourn,
Psalm 98:3He has remembered His love and faithfulness to the house of Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
Psalm 130:7-8O Israel, put your hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is loving devotion, and with Him is redemption in abundance. / And He will redeem Israel from all iniquity.
Zechariah 9:9Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your King comes to you, righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
Micah 4:8And you, O watchtower of the flock, O stronghold of the Daughter of Zion—the former dominion will be restored to you; sovereignty will come to the Daughter of Jerusalem.”
Acts 2:38-39Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. / This promise belongs to you and your children and to all who are far off—to all whom the Lord our God will call to Himself.”
Acts 13:32-33And now we proclaim to you the good news: What God promised our fathers / He has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus. As it is written in the second Psalm: ‘You are My Son; today I have become Your Father.’
Acts 28:28Be advised, therefore, that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!”
Titus 2:13as we await the blessed hope and glorious appearance of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 1:10-12Concerning this salvation, the prophets who foretold the grace to come to you searched and investigated carefully, / trying to determine the time and setting to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. / It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, when they foretold the things now announced by those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.
Treasury of Scripture And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise to the Lord, and spoke of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem. coming. Luke 2:27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, gave. Luke 2:28-32 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, … Luke 1:46 And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, Luke 1:64 And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongueloosed, and he spake, and praised God. looked. Luke 2:25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose namewas Simeon; and the same manwas just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. 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. Luke 24:21 But 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. Jerusalem. Jump to Previous AbsentChildContinuedEighty-FourForwardHourInstantJerusalemLikewiseMomentNightPraiseRedemptionTempleThanksTimeWidowWorshippedJump to Next AbsentChildContinuedEighty-FourForwardHourInstantJerusalemLikewiseMomentNightPraiseRedemptionTempleThanksTimeWidowWorshippedLuke 2 1.Augustus taxes all the Roman empire.6.The nativity of Jesus.8.An angel relates it to the shepherds, and many sing praises to God for it.15.The shepherds glorify God.21.Jesus is circumcised.22.Mary purified.25.Simeon and Anna prophesy of Jesus,39.who increases in wisdom,41.questions in the temple with the teachers,51.and is obedient to his parents.Coming forward at that momentThis phrase refers to the prophetess Anna, who was present in the temple at the same time as Simeon, who had just blessed Jesus. The timing is significant, as it underscores divine orchestration. Anna's presence at this precise moment highlights her devotion and the fulfillment of her long years of waiting and worship. The temple, where this event occurs, was the center of Jewish religious life, symbolizing God's dwelling among His people. she gave thanks to God
Anna's immediate response to seeing Jesus is one of gratitude, reflecting her recognition of the fulfillment of God's promises. Her thanksgiving is an act of worship, acknowledging God's faithfulness. This mirrors the biblical theme of giving thanks in all circumstances, as seen in1 Thessalonians 5:18. Her gratitude also aligns with the Jewish tradition of offering thanks to God for His acts of deliverance and provision. and spoke about the Child
Anna's proclamation about Jesus indicates her role as a prophetess, one who declares God's truth. Her speaking about the Child suggests she recognized Jesus as the Messiah, the long-awaited Savior. This act of speaking is significant in the context of Jewish tradition, where women were not typically seen as public proclaimers of religious truth, highlighting the inclusive nature of the gospel message. to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem
This phrase refers to the Jewish expectation of a Messiah who would deliver Israel from oppression and restore its former glory. The "redemption of Jerusalem" is a messianic hope rooted in Old Testament prophecies, such asIsaiah 52:9 andZechariah 9:9. Anna's message would have resonated with those who were longing for political and spiritual liberation, pointing to Jesus as the fulfillment of these prophecies. The mention of "all" indicates that her message was inclusive, reaching out to a community of expectant believers. Persons / Places / Events 1. AnnaA prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was a devout woman who spent her days in the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer. 2. The TempleThe central place of worship for the Jewish people in Jerusalem, where Anna encountered Jesus. 3. The Child (Jesus)The infant Jesus, whom Anna recognized as the one who would bring redemption. 4. The Redemption of JerusalemRefers to the hope and expectation of the Jewish people for deliverance and salvation, which Anna proclaimed was fulfilled in Jesus. 5. Those Waiting for RedemptionThe faithful remnant of Israel who were eagerly anticipating the coming of the Messiah. Teaching Points Faithful WitnessAnna's life of devotion and her immediate response to Jesus' presence teach us the importance of being faithful witnesses to God's work in our lives. Recognizing God's TimingAnna's encounter with Jesus "at that very moment" highlights the importance of being spiritually attuned to recognize God's timing and presence. Proclaiming RedemptionLike Anna, we are called to speak about the redemption found in Jesus to those around us, sharing the hope of salvation. Living in ExpectationAnna's life exemplifies living in expectation of God's promises, encouraging us to remain hopeful and patient for God's fulfillment in our lives. Role of Women in MinistryAnna's role as a prophetess underscores the significant contributions women make in ministry and the proclamation of the Gospel. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Luke 2:38?
2.How does Anna's praise in Luke 2:38 inspire your daily worship practices?
3.What role does gratitude play in your relationship with God, as seen here?
4.How can Anna's example encourage you to share Christ with others today?
5.Which Old Testament prophecies connect with Anna's recognition of Jesus in Luke 2:38?
6.How does Anna's devotion challenge your commitment to prayer and fasting?
7.How does Luke 2:38 demonstrate the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy?
8.What role does Anna play in the narrative of Luke 2:38?
9.How does Luke 2:38 emphasize the theme of redemption?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 2?
11.Who was Anna the Prophetess in the Bible?
12.What is the Nunc Dimittis?
13.How did Christianity evolve from its origins to today?
14.Who were the prophetesses mentioned in the Bible?What Does Luke 2:38 Mean Coming forward at that moment• Anna “came up to them at that very moment” (v. 38a). The Spirit who had guided Simeon in verse 27 now directs Anna with the same perfect timing. •Galatians 4:4 reminds us, “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent His Son.” The Lord orchestrates events so His servants arrive right on cue. •Psalm 37:23 declares, “The steps of a man are ordered by the LORD.” Anna’s steps were literally ordered to intersect with the infant Messiah. • God’s precise timing encourages us: no faithful act is random, no meeting accidental.
She gave thanks to God• Anna’s first impulse is worship. Years of fasting and prayer (v. 37) overflow in gratitude the instant she sees the Promised One. • “In everything give thanks” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Anna models that command by thanking God in the very place He answers her prayers. •Psalm 107:1 says, “Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good.” Anna recognizes God’s goodness embodied in the Child. • Like Mary’s song—“My soul magnifies the Lord” (Luke 1:46-47)—Anna’s thanksgiving magnifies Him before others.
And spoke about the Child• Worship moves seamlessly into witness. Anna cannot keep silent about what God has revealed. •Acts 4:20 echoes her spirit: “For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” •John 1:29 records John the Baptist announcing, “Behold the Lamb of God.” Anna shares the same message decades earlier, within the temple courts. •Luke 24:27 shows Jesus later explaining the Scriptures concerning Himself; Anna starts that testimony at His very dedication. • Key takeaway: gratitude fuels proclamation.
To all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem• Anna targets a specific audience—the faithful remnant longing for deliverance.Isaiah 52:9 had promised, “The LORD has comforted His people; He has redeemed Jerusalem.” • Joseph of Arimathea is later described as one “waiting for the kingdom of God” (Mark 15:43); Anna addresses people with that same expectancy. •Luke 24:21 captures the national hope: “We had hoped He was the One who was going to redeem Israel.” Anna announces that this hope is now cradled in Mary’s arms. •Malachi 3:1 foretold, “The Lord you seek will suddenly come to His temple.” Anna is eyewitness to that fulfillment and shares it with every seeker she can find.
summaryAnna’s Spirit-led arrival, heartfelt thanks, bold testimony, and focus on the expectant faithful paint a picture of mature devotion.Luke 2:38 shows that when God’s timing meets a grateful heart, witness naturally flows, offering hope to all who long for redemption—then and now. (38) Gave thanks.--The word so translated occurs here only in the New Testament, but it is found with this meaning in the LXX. version of Psalm 79:13. That looked for redemption in Jerusalem.--The better MSS. give, "the redemption of Jerusalem," the phrase being the counterpart of the "consolation of Israel" inLuke 2:25. Both the verbs "gave thanks" and "spake" imply continued, and not merely momentary action.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Coming forwardἐπιστᾶσα(epistasa)Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2186:To stand by, be urgent, befall one (as of evil), be at hand, impend. From epi and histemi; to stand upon, i.e. Be present.at thatτῇ(tē)Article - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.moment,ὥρᾳ(hōra)Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5610:Apparently a primary word; an 'hour'.sheαὐτῇ(autē)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Feminine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.gave thanksἀνθωμολογεῖτο(anthōmologeito)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 437:From anti and the middle voice of homologeo; to confess in turn, i.e. Respond in praise.to GodΘεῷ(Theō)Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316:A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.spokeἐλάλει(elalei)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2980:A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.aboutπερὶ(peri)Preposition
Strong's 4012:From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time.[the Child]αὐτοῦ(autou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.to allπᾶσιν(pasin)Adjective - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3956:All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.whoτοῖς(tois)Article - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.were waiting forπροσδεχομένοις(prosdechomenois)Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4327:From pros and dechomai; to admit (figuratively) endurance); by implication, to await.[the] redemptionλύτρωσιν(lytrōsin)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3085:From lutroo; a ransoming.of Jerusalem.Ἰερουσαλήμ(Ierousalēm)Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 2419:Of Hebrew origin; Hierusalem, the capitol of Palestine.
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NT Gospels: Luke 2:38 Coming up at that very hour she (Luke Lu Lk) |
