Anna

Luke 2:36-38

Anna (from Hebrew Hannah meaning "favour" or "grace") is mentioned only in the Gospel of Luke. According to Luke, she was an old Jewish prophetess who prophesied about Jesus at the Temple of Jerusalem. Anna's life and background are to us today obscure. From the three verses in Luke, the following is known of Anna:

• She was a prophetess.
• She was a daughter of Phanuel.
• She was a member of the tribe of Asher.
• She was widowed after seven years of marriage (her husband is not named).
• She prayed and fasted, day and night

"The Prophetess Anna" by Rembrandt van Rijn

Why Anna is called a prophetess is not exactly known. It might be because she had been the wife of a prophet, or because she was employed in celebrating the praises of God (see 1 Chronicles 25:1-2, 1 Samuel 10:5. However in these verses only men are referred to as having such a position), or because she herself had foretold future events, therefore being inspired by God. It could also be that Anna was not a prophetess in the strict sense of the word, i.e. one who could foretell future events; but rather a holy woman; who, from her extensive knowledge and deep experience in Divine things, was capable of instructing others according to 1 Corinthians 14:3 : He that prophesieth, speaketh unto men to edification, and to exhortation, and to comfort. Whatever prophetess may mean, one thing is to us clear. She was a holy woman who proclaimed Jesus to all who looked for redemption in Jerusalem. Her steadfast prayer and fasting is a direct clue to her devout desire to serve God. At such an old age and being widowed for so long, it is a beautiful wonder to see that her spirit still continued to burn with a steady and undiminished flame. She had commited her life to God by worshipping day and night. A great and holy act that we can all take onboard.

In these three little verses we are able to find not only the devout life of an old widow but the resolute knowledge and obedient faith of redemption in a strong woman whose life was poured out as a living sacrifice.