Luke 2:36 (BSB)
There was also a prophetess named Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher, who was well along in years. She had been married for seven years,
Commentary on Luke 2:36
- John Calvin (Reformed), Calvin's Commentaries on Luke 2:36: 36. And there was Anna, a prophetess Luke mentions not more than two persons who received Christ; and this is intended to teach us, that whatever belongs to God, however small it may be, ought to be preferred by us to the whole world.
- Matthew Henry (Presbyterian), Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on Luke 2:25-40: Even when he humbles himself, still Christ has honour done him to balance the offence of it. That we might not be stumbled at the meanness of his birth, angels then did him honour; and now, that we may not be offended at his being presented in the temple, like other children born in sin, and without any manner of solemnity peculiar to him, but...
- John Gill (Reformed Baptist), Exposition of the Old and New Testaments on Luke 2:36: And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years,.... Which is not the date of her whole age, as some have thought, but of her widowhood state, as distinct from her marriage state, and the time of her virginity.
- Albert Barnes (Presbyterian), Barnes' New Testament Notes on Luke 2:36: Verse 36. Of the tribe of Aser. The tribe of Aser, or Asher, dwelt in the northern part of the land of Canaan. Why Anna was called a prophetess is not known. It might be because she had been the wife of a prophet, or because she was employed in celebrating the praises of God (comp. ), or because she herself foretold future events, being inspired.