Devine Scripture

Luke 2:36

What does Luke 2:36 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 2:36 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 2:36 means

Luke introduces Anna, another faithful figure within the Temple. She was a prophetess, from the tribe of Asher, of remarkable old age, having been widowed for many years after only seven years of marriage. Her long life and the precise detail of her lineage and widowhood highlight her venerable status and the reliability of her testimony. She represents the devout remnant of Israel, faithfully serving God.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher (she was of a great age, having lived with a husband seven years from her virginity,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher (she was of a great age, having lived with a husband seven years from her virginity,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And there was one, Anna, a woman prophet, the daughter of Phanuel, of the family of Asher (she was very old, and after seven years of married life

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And there was Anna, a prophetess, daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher, she was much advanced in days, having lived with an husband seven years from her virginity,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser. She was far advanced in years and had lived with her husband seven years from her virginity.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And there was a prophetess, Anna, daughter of Phanuel, of [the] tribe of Asher, who was far advanced in years, having lived with [her] husband seven years from her virginity,

Context

This verse introduces Anna, another spiritually significant individual, mirroring Simeon's role. It transitions from Simeon's prophecies to a new but related encounter within the Temple. The detailed description of her age, lineage, and marital status establishes her credibility as a prophetess, preparing the reader for her subsequent testimony.

v.35yea and a sword shall pierce through thine own soul; that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed.

v.36This passage

v.37and she had been a widow even unto fourscore and four years), who departed not from the temple, worshipping with fastings and supplications night and day.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Psalms 92:14

    They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; They shall be full of sap and green:

  • Acts 21:9

    Now this man had four virgin daughters, who prophesied.

  • Job 5:26

    Thou shalt come to thy grave in a full age, Like as a shock of grain cometh in in its season.

  • Judges 4:4

    Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, she judged Israel at that time.

  • 2 Kings 22:14

    So Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam, and Achbor, and Shaphan, and Asaiah, went unto Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe (now she dwelt in Jerusalem in the second quarter); and they communed with her.

  • Genesis 30:13

    And Leah said, Happy am I! for the daughters will call me happy: and she called his name Asher.

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