Luke 2:38

Modern

Coming forward at that moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the Child to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.

Traditional

And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

Literal

And having come up at that hour, she was giving praise to God and was speaking concerning Him to all those waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.

Latin

Et hæc, ipsa hora superveniens, confitebatur Domino: et loquebatur de illo omnibus, qui exspectabant redemptionem Israël.

Greek

English

Coming forward at that moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the Child to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.

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).

Theme notes and profiles

Luke 2:25
Now there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
2 Corinthians 9:15
Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!
Luke 1:68
“Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, because He has visited and redeemed His people.
Luke 24:21
But we were hoping He was the One who would redeem Israel. And besides all this, it is the third day since these things took place.
Mark 15:43
Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent Council member who himself was waiting for the kingdom of God, boldly went to Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus.
Ephesians 1:3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms.
Luke 2:28–32
Simeon took Him in his arms and blessed God, saying:
Luke 23:51
…who had not consented to their decision or action. He was from the Judean town of Arimathea and was waiting for the kingdom of God.
Luke 1:46–56
Then Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord,
Luke 1:64–66
Immediately Zechariah’s mouth was opened and his tongue was released, and he began to speak, praising God.

Jerusalem: The capital of Israel, a holy city for three religions