Bible Figure
Anna
human biblical figure in Luke 2:36-38
Anna was an elderly prophetess who encountered the infant Jesus in the temple when Mary and Joseph brought Him to Jerusalem. Luke describes her as a woman devoted to worship, fasting, and prayer. Upon seeing Jesus, she gave thanks to God and spoke about Him to those who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.
Biography
Luke identifies Anna as a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, from the tribe of Asher. She had been married for seven years and then lived as a widow into advanced age. Her life was marked by continual devotion at the temple, where she worshiped with fasting and prayer. Anna appeared at the moment Simeon was blessing God for the child Jesus. Recognizing the significance of what God was doing, she gave thanks and began speaking about the child to those who were looking for Jerusalem's redemption. Scripture records no additional events from her life.
Biblical Significance
Anna represents faithful expectation and spiritual attentiveness. Along with Simeon, she stands as a witness that the infant Jesus was the fulfillment of Israel's long hope for redemption. Her years of prayer and worship also make her a biblical example of patient devotion and readiness to recognize God's saving work.