Keraia
Luke 2

Luke 2:37

The Prophecy of Anna · Luke 2:36–38
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Translations

Modern
…and then was a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.
Traditional
And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
Literal
…and she was a widow until eighty-four years, who did not depart the temple, serving with fastings and petitions night and day.
Latin
Et hæc vidua usque ad annos octoginta quatuor: quæ non discedebat de templo, jejuniis et obsecrationibus serviens nocte ac die.

Original

Greek
English
…and then was a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.

Notes

Luke 2:37

  • was a widow to the age of eighty-four: In the ancient world, people associated old age with wisdom and honor.

  • She never left the temple: This is likely an intentional extreme statement (an exaggeration). It is the same as saying something like, “She was there all the time.” This statement shows her total commitment to God.

Luke 2:36–38

  • Anna is the Greek version of the Hebrew name Hannah, Samuel’s mother (1 Samuel 1–2). Jewish tradition recognizes seven Old Testament women as prophets:

    • Sarah,

    • Miriam,

    • Deborah,

    • Hannah,

    • Abigail,

    • Huldah, and

    • Esther.

    In this story, Anna was also a prophetic witness to the identity of Jesus as the Christ.

  • the tribe of Asher: This was one of the 10 northern tribes of Israel. Asher was the eighth son of the patriarch Jacob (Genesis 30:12–13). Most of the Israelites who returned from exile in Babylon were from the tribe of Judah. Other Israelites also knew the family line of their tribe during the time of Jesus. For example, the apostle Paul was "of the tribe of Benjamin" (Philippians 3:5).

Events

Glossary

Anna Asher (Tribe) Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Book of the Acts of the Apostles Luke, Gospel of Virgin Birth of Jesus

Topics

Anna: A Devout Widow Fasting of Saints Exemplified: Anna Fasting: Habitual by Anna Jesus, the Christ: Is Presented in the Temple (In Jerusalem) Joseph: Husband of Mary: Presents Jesus in the Temple Longevity: Anna, Older than Eighty-Four Years Old Age: General Scriptures Concerning Prayer: Anna Prayerfulness: General Scriptures Concerning Private Prayer: Anna Prophetesses: Anna Religion: Outstanding Religious Persons: Anna, the Prophetess Temple: Herod the Great's Temple: Anna, the Prophetess, Lives In Temple: Herod the Great's Temple: Jesus Brought To, According to the Law and Custom Temple: Solomon's for Prayer and Worship The Daniel Fast Watchfulness: Anna Widow: Anna Widows: Character of True Widows: Often Devoted Themselves Entirely to God's Service Women: Anna Women: As Prophets: Anna