Anna
femaleNew TestamentMeaning: “Grace (Greek form of Hannah)”
An aged prophetess who served God night and day in the temple and, on seeing the infant Jesus, gave thanks and proclaimed Him to all awaiting redemption.
Biography
Anna was an elderly prophetess of the tribe of Asher who, with Simeon, recognized the infant Jesus as the promised Redeemer when He was presented in the temple. She represents the faithful remnant who waited and watched for God's salvation.
A life of worship
Widowed after seven years of marriage, Anna lived to a great age — about eighty-four — and "departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day" (Luke 2:37). Her long devotion is a portrait of persevering, expectant faith.
Proclaiming the Redeemer
When Mary and Joseph brought the baby Jesus to the temple, Anna "coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem" (Luke 2:38). She became one of the first to proclaim the newborn Christ.
Life Timeline
Recognizes the infant Jesus in the temple and gives thanks
On the Bible timeline
Anna belongs to the The Intertestamental Period era (c. 430 – 6 BC).
Themes & lessons from Anna
Biblical themes that run through the passages where Anna appears.
Scripture Appearances
1 verses in 1 bookLuke1 verse
Luke 2:36
And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;
Frequently asked about Anna
Who was Anna in the Bible?
An aged prophetess who served God night and day in the temple and, on seeing the infant Jesus, gave thanks and proclaimed Him to all awaiting redemption.
What does the name Anna mean?
The name Anna means “Grace (Greek form of Hannah)”.
What did Anna do in the Bible?
Anna served as prophetess, of the tribe of Asher.
Where does Anna appear in the Bible?
Anna is mentioned 1 time across 1 book: Luke.
What can we learn from Anna?
The story of Anna touches on themes of longevity, prophetesses, prophets — explore each to study the lessons drawn from Anna's life.
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