451. Hanna

Lexical Summary

Hanna: Anna

Original Word: Ἅννα
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: Hanna
Pronunciation: HAN-nah
Phonetic Spelling: (an'-nah)
KJV: Anna
NASB: Anna
Word Origin: [of Hebrew origin (H2584 (חַנָּה - Hannah))]

1. Anna, an Israelitess

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

Anna.

Of Hebrew origin (Channah); Anna, an Israelitess -- Anna.

see HEBREW Channah

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
of Hebrew origin Channah
Definition
Anna, a prophetess
NASB Translation
Anna (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 451: Αννα

Αννα (WH Ἅννα, see their Introductory § 408), Αννας (on this genitive cf. Buttmann, 17 (15); Ph. Alexander Buttmann (1873) Ausf. Spr. i., p. 138), ἡ, Anna, (חַנָּה grace), the proper name of a woman (so in 1 Samuel 1:2ff; 2:1 Alex.; Tobit 1:9, 20, etc.), a prophetess, in other respects unknown: Luke 2:36.

Topical Lexicon

Name Significance

The Greek Ἅννα represents the Hebrew form “Hannah,” commonly rendered “Anna” in English. In Scripture the name consistently carries the idea of divine favor and graciousness, qualities reflected in the life of the New Testament prophetess.

Biblical Occurrence

Luke introduces Anna in a single, concentrated cameo at the dedication of the infant Jesus (Luke 2:36-38). Though brief, the account is rich in detail, highlighting her lineage, age, marital history, prophetic office, habitual worship, and evangelistic testimony.

Historical Background

• Lineage: Anna is “the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher” (Luke 2:36). Asher was one of the northern tribes exiled by Assyria centuries earlier. Her presence in Jerusalem evidences the persistence of Israel’s tribal identities and God’s faithful preservation of a remnant.
• Widowhood: Married seven years, then widowed “until she was eighty-four” (Luke 2:37), Anna mirrors the faithful widows celebrated in later apostolic instruction (1 Timothy 5:5).
• Prophetic Tradition: Luke places Anna alongside Simeon, forming a male-female prophetic pair reminiscent of earlier Scripture (Exodus 15:20; Judges 4:4). Her recognition of Messiah fulfills the expectation that “your sons and your daughters will prophesy” (Joel 2:28).

Ministry Profile

• Continuous Worship: “She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying” (Luke 2:37). Her life illustrates unbroken communion with God and models persevering intercession.
• Prophetic Insight: By divine revelation she identifies the child Jesus as the promised Redeemer. Luke notes that “she came forward at that moment and began to give thanks to God and to speak about the Child to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem” (Luke 2:38).
• Evangelistic Voice: Anna’s proclamation bridges Old Covenant promise and New Covenant fulfillment. She becomes, in effect, the first female evangelist of the Incarnation narrative.

Theological Themes

1. Faithful Remnant: Anna embodies Isaiah’s prophecy that God would keep for Himself those who “wait for the Lord” (Isaiah 8:17).
2. Reversal of Obscurity: A widow from a scattered tribe becomes a prominent witness, demonstrating that God “has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the strong” (1 Corinthians 1:27).
3. Continuity of Revelation: Her recognition of Jesus confirms the harmony between Law, Prophets, and Gospel; the same Spirit who inspired former prophets now testifies through Anna.
4. Sanctity of Singleness and Age: Scripture honors both youthful zeal and aged devotion. Anna’s advanced years show that fruitful ministry is not constrained by age or marital status.

Practical Implications for Believers

• A life devoted to prayer can position believers to discern God’s unfolding purposes.
• Fasting, when joined to worship, sharpens spiritual perception and readiness for divine appointments.
• Testimony about Christ is the natural overflow of genuine gratitude; evangelism begins with worship.
• The local assembly should value and incorporate the gifts of elderly saints, whose decades of faithfulness enrich the body.

Legacy in Church Tradition

Early Christian writers cited Anna as an exemplar of the contemplative life. Liturgical calendars in both Eastern and Western traditions commemorate her alongside Simeon on February 3 (some traditions, January 28), underscoring her lasting impact on corporate remembrance of Christ’s presentation.

Related Old Testament Parallels

• Hannah (1 Samuel 1–2): Both women bear the name that signifies grace and offer prophetic praise centered on God’s redemption.
• Ruth (Ruth 1–4): Like Anna, Ruth is a widow whose faithful commitment situates her within messianic lineage.
• Deborah (Judges 4–5): A female prophet who leads and proclaims victory, foreshadowing Anna’s prophetic announcement of salvation.

Summary

Though appearing in only three verses, Anna’s steadfast devotion, prophetic discernment, and immediate evangelistic response establish her as a luminous witness in salvation history. Her account affirms that God honors persevering faith, speaks through humble vessels, and invites every generation—young and old, male and female—to participate in declaring the arrival of His Christ.

Forms and Transliterations

Αννα Ἅννα Anna Hanna Hánna

Englishman's Concordance

Luke 2:36 N-NFS
GRK: Καὶ ἦν Ἅννα προφῆτις θυγάτηρ
NAS: And there was a prophetess, Anna the daughter
KJV: there was one Anna, a prophetess,
INT: And there was Anna a prophetess daughter

Strong's Greek 451
1 Occurrence

Ἅννα — 1 Occ.