Bible Figure
Anna
Anna was an elderly prophetess who worshiped continually at the Temple with fasting and prayer. When Mary and Joseph brought the infant Jesus to Jerusalem, Anna gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to those awaiting Jerusalem's redemption.
Biography
Luke 2 identifies Anna as a prophetess, daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She had lived with her husband seven years after marriage and then remained a widow to an advanced age. Luke portrays her as devoted to Temple worship, fasting, and prayer night and day. At the very time Simeon was blessing God over the infant Jesus, Anna came up, gave thanks to God, and spoke about Jesus to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem. Scripture records no further events from her life.
Biblical Significance
Anna joins Simeon as a faithful Israelite who recognizes God's saving work in the infant Jesus. Her prophetic witness emphasizes patient hope, worship, and the continuity between Israel's expectation of redemption and the arrival of Christ.