There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, 37 and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. 38 And 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.
39 When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. 40 The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.
Luke places Anna beside Simeon as a second faithful witness in the temple. He calls her a “prophetess,” which places her in the biblical pattern of women through whom God gave light to his people, as with Miriam, Deborah, and Huldah (Ex. 15:20; Jgs. 4:4; 2 Kgs. 22:14). He also identifies her carefully as “the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher.” Israel’s hope is not a vague religious idea. It belongs to a real people with real history. By naming the northern tribe of Asher, Luke also hints that this hope reaches even to tribes long scattered and sometimes thought of as “lost,” in the way the prophets foretold when they spoke of God gathering his people again (cf. Isa. 11:11-12; Ezek. 37:15-28).
Luke tells us Anna was married only a short time and then lived as a widow into old age. He adds that she “never left the temple,” but worshiped “night and day with fasting and prayer.” These details show a life shaped by steady worship and long hope, lived close to the place where Israel’s prayers rose each day. When the child is brought in, she is ready to recognize that God’s promise is no longer only spoken—it is present.
Anna comes forward “at that very time.” Luke is showing providence at work. Simeon has already spoken over the child, and now Anna arrives as well, so that the child is received and proclaimed by faithful Israel within Israel’s own holy place. Heaven has announced the child’s identity, shepherds have received the news, and now two temple witnesses confirm it with thanksgiving and testimony. Later, Luke will again show women among the first witnesses when God’s saving work is made known in a new way (Lk. 24:1-10). John’s Gospel describes this same purpose of witness: testimony is given so that others might believe (Jn. 1:7-8).
Anna’s first response is worship: she “gave thanks to God.” Her second response is speech: she “spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.” “Redemption of Jerusalem” gathers up Israel’s longing for God to act decisively for his people and his holy city, Jerusalem (cf. Isa. 52:9). Anna does not treat that hope as a political program. She sees that God’s answer is this child. In this, she echoes Simeon’s hope and complements Simeon’s words. Simeon blesses and speaks; Anna gives thanks and speaks. Luke presents both as true witnesses to the same fulfillment.
Luke then states, very simply, that Mary and Joseph “fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord,” and returned to Nazareth. The Messiah’s early years unfold in ordinary hiddenness, in a real home and a real town. Nazareth is small and unremarkable. Luke wants the reader to understand that the Lord’s true humanity is lived quietly, within daily work, family life, and obedience.
He closes this scene with a summary that points forward: “The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.” Luke has already described John the Baptist’s growth (Lk. 1:80), but he sharpens the focus here by speaking of Jesus as “filled with wisdom.” He also echoes the pattern of Samuel, another child whose growth and divine favor signaled God’s unfolding plan (1 Sam. 2:21, 26). Luke is preparing the reader for the public unveiling of Jesus’ mission, including the moment when the Spirit will come upon him at his baptism (Lk. 3:22; cf. Mk. 1:11). For now, Luke keeps our attention on the quiet truth Anna recognized: the Redeemer has come, and the faithful can give thanks and speak of him.
Lord God, as you fulfilled your promises in the coming of your Son, grant us the steady faith you gave to Anna, so that we may recognize your saving work with gratitude and speak of Christ with truth. This we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen!
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Sources and References
- The Holy Bible, New American Bible, Revised Edition (2011).
- Scott Hahn and Curtis Mitch, The Ignatius Catholic Study Bible: New Testament (Ignatius Press), Lk. 2:36-40 (p. 111).
- Faculty of the University of Navarre, The Navarre Bible: Luke (Four Courts/Scepter), commentary on Lk. 2:36-40 (pp. 253-254).
- José Enrique Aguilar Chiu et al., eds., The Paulist Biblical Commentary (Paulist Press, 2018), commentary on Lk. 2:36-40 (p. 1044).
- Raymond E. Brown et al., The New Jerome Biblical Commentary (Prentice Hall, 1990), Luke infancy narrative notes, p. 684, para. 34.
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