Topical Encyclopedia
Anna, a prophetess mentioned in the New Testament, is a notable figure for her devout faith and dedication to God. Her account is briefly recounted in the Gospel of Luke, where she is presented as a model of piety and devotion. Anna's life and actions provide insight into the role of women in the early Jewish religious context and highlight the virtues of faithfulness and perseverance.
Biblical AccountAnna's account is found in
Luke 2:36-38. She is introduced as the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. The text notes that she was "very old" and had lived with her husband for seven years before becoming a widow. After her husband's death, Anna dedicated her life to serving God, spending her days and nights in the temple, fasting and praying.
Luke 2:37 states, "She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying."
Anna's devotion is further emphasized by her presence at the temple during the presentation of Jesus. When Mary and Joseph brought the infant Jesus to the temple, Anna recognized Him as the promised Messiah.
Luke 2:38 records, "Coming forward at that moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem."
Historical and Cultural ContextAnna's presence in the temple and her role as a prophetess reflect the significant, though often understated, roles women played in the religious life of Israel. As a member of the tribe of Asher, one of the ten northern tribes of Israel, Anna's lineage connects her to the broader history of Israel, despite the dispersion of these tribes centuries earlier.
Her life as a widow who chose to remain in the temple underscores the importance of the temple as a center of worship and community life. In Jewish tradition, widows were often vulnerable, yet Anna's account illustrates how she found purpose and identity in her service to God.
Theological SignificanceAnna's recognition of Jesus as the Messiah is significant in the narrative of the Gospel of Luke. Her testimony, alongside that of Simeon, who also recognized Jesus as the Messiah, serves as a divine confirmation of Jesus' identity and mission. Anna's proclamation to those "waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem" aligns with the messianic expectations of the time and highlights the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel.
Her life of prayer and fasting exemplifies the virtues of patience and faithfulness. Anna's account encourages believers to remain steadfast in their devotion to God, regardless of life's circumstances. Her example demonstrates that true worship involves both personal piety and a willingness to share the good news of God's salvation with others.
LegacyAnna's brief but powerful appearance in the Gospel narrative has left a lasting impact on Christian thought and tradition. She is often remembered as a symbol of hope and faithfulness, embodying the virtues of a life wholly dedicated to God. Her account continues to inspire believers to seek a deeper relationship with God through prayer, worship, and the proclamation of His promises.
Nave's Topical Index
Luke 2:36,37And 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;
Nave's Topical Index
Library
The Presentation of Jesus, and the "Nunc Dimittis. " Ch. 2:21-40
... virginity, 37 and she had been awidow even unto... in the prophetic utterances of the
saintly Simeon andAnna.... To thisdevout soul it had been revealed that he...
On the Clause, and in one Lord Jesus Christ, with a Reading from...
... all people [1216] .Anna also, the prophetess, a mostdevout widow, of
austere life, bears witness of Him. John the Baptist bears...
The Purification of Mary
... I never sawdevout Israelites and their priests praying with... There are several women
there, Mary Heli,Anna's eldest daughter... From here thiswidow came toAnna....
Circumcision, Temple Service, and Naming of Jesus.
... was righteous anddevout [Right in outward anddevout in his... 10:26.] 36 And there
was oneAnna [the same... her virginity, 37 and she had been awidow even unto...
The Presentation in the Temple.
... Simeon: and this man was righteous anddevout, looking for... And there was oneAnna,
a prophetess, the daughter of... virginity, and she had been awidow even unto...
Letter cxxiii. To Ageruchia.
... awidow for forty years, reminds us ofAnna the daughter... I beseech you therefore,
mydevout daughter in Christ, not... that you now live in continence as awidow....
Letter Lxxix. To Salvina.
... So "devout" was this latter and so enamoured of chastity... whole matter is that, if
a youngwidow cannot or... Judith renowned in Hebrew story andAnna the daughter...
Christ's Birth
... I also saw severaldevout women with the Blessed Virgin, assisting her in various
ways.... An elderly man andAnna's maidservant, awidow who was...
Letter cxxx. (AD 412. )
... however, what is written concerning the otherAnna, thewidow... Pray, therefore, as
awidow of Christ, not yet... will be followed by your mostdevout daughter-in-law...
Ancestors of the Blessed virgin
... When Matthan died, hiswidow married as her second... to myself, they are just like
Anna and Joachim.... They were very pious,devout, charitable, simple, and upright...
Resources
Do the narratives of Jesus' birth contradict each other? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Christian view of retirement? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Candlemas? | GotQuestions.orgAnna: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
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