Luke 2:36 (DRB)

Passage

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.

Nearby Context

Luke 2:34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother: Behold this child is set for the fall and for the resurrection of many in Israel and for a sign which shall be contradicted.

Luke 2:35 And thy own soul a sword shall pierce, that, out of many hearts thoughts may be revealed.

Luke 2:36 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.

Luke 2:37 And she was a widow until fourscore and four years: who departed not from the temple, by fastings and prayers serving night and day.

Luke 2:38 Now she, at the same hour, coming in, confessed to the Lord: and spoke of him to all that looked for the redemption of Israel.

Study Lenses

The verse centers on "anna", "prophetess", "daughter", "phanuel", "tribe", "aser", "advanced", and "years". It is saying that the verse draws attention to "anna" and "prophetess", so its meaning should be read from those terms before moving to application.

The nearby context moves from verse 35's "And thy own soul a sword shall..." into verse 37's "And she was a widow until fourscore...", so "anna" and "prophetess" belong inside that flow. In Luke context, the local focus is Christ, faith, and discipleship.

A plain takeaway is to answer the verse's own emphasis on "anna" and "prophetess" with trust shaped by these words, not by a vague optimism outside the passage.