Lexical Summary Phanouél: Phanuel Original Word: Φανουήλ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Phanuel. Of Hebrew origin (Pnuw'el); Phanuel (i.e. Penuel), an Israelite -- Phanuel. see HEBREW Pnuw'el NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Hebrew origin Penuel Definition Phanuel, an Isr. NASB Translation Phanuel (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5323: ΦανουήλΦανουήλ (פְּנוּאֵל, i. e. πρόσωπον Θεοῦ), indeclinable, Phanuel, the father of Anna the prophetess: Luke 2:36. Topical Lexicon Identity in the New TestamentPhanuel appears once in the New Testament, in Luke 2:36, as the father of Anna the prophetess who greeted the infant Jesus in the temple. Nothing further is recorded of his life, yet his name anchors Anna’s credibility and embeds the narrative in Israel’s tribal history. Genealogical and Tribal Context Luke describes Anna as “the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher” (Luke 2:36). Asher had settled in the northern Galilee region (Joshua 19:24-31). By the first century many northern tribes were considered “lost,” but Luke’s notice shows that faithful remnants of every tribe endured (compare Acts 26:7). Naming Phanuel situates Anna within covenant continuity and reinforces that God “has not rejected His people whom He foreknew” (Romans 11:2). Echoes of the “Face of God” The Hebrew equivalent of Phanuel (often rendered Peniel) means “face of God.” Jacob used the name after wrestling with the angel: “Jacob named the place Peniel, saying, ‘Indeed, I have seen God face to face, and yet my life was spared’” (Genesis 32:30). Centuries later Anna, the daughter of “Face-of-God,” literally looked upon the incarnate Son and proclaimed Him. The name therefore serves as a narrative bridge: those who once longed to see God’s face now do so in Jesus Christ (John 1:14; 2 Corinthians 4:6). Prophetic Continuity Luke pairs Simeon and Anna as witnesses who confirm Jesus’ messianic identity. Anna’s prophetic role (“she spoke about the child,” Luke 2:38) implicitly honors her father’s heritage. In Scripture prophetic ministry often runs in families (1 Samuel 1:20; 1 Kings 19:16-19). Mention of Phanuel signals that Anna’s gift is not an isolated phenomenon but part of an ongoing prophetic stream stretching from the patriarchs into the New Covenant era (Acts 2:17-18). Witness to the Faithfulness of God Phanuel’s daughter had endured decades of widowhood yet remained steadfast in worship: “She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying” (Luke 2:37). Such perseverance reflects the godly training assumed in Deuteronomy 6:6-7. Though unseen on the narrative stage, Phanuel’s godliness is implied by the fruit evident in Anna’s life (Proverbs 22:6). His place in Luke’s Gospel therefore illustrates how quiet faithfulness in one generation often blossoms into visible ministry in the next. Implications for Christian Ministry 1. Value of Hidden Service Phanuel reminds believers that unnamed or briefly named saints contribute vitally to the unfolding plan of redemption. Parenting, mentoring, and quiet faithfulness may shape future heralds of Christ. 2. Tribal Diversity in God’s Plan By tracing Anna to Asher through Phanuel, Luke affirms that Christ gathers all Israel (Ezekiel 37:21-22) and the nations (Revelation 7:9-10). Ministry today should likewise honor every background represented in the body of Christ. 3. Seeing the Face of God in Christ The semantic link between Phanuel and Peniel calls followers of Jesus to pursue the vision offered in 2 Corinthians 3:18: “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into His image.” Worship, prayer, and fasting—as modeled by Anna—remain essential avenues for beholding the Lord’s face. Legacy in Church Tradition Early Christian writers noted the significance of Anna’s lineage but said little about Phanuel himself, underscoring how Scripture alone preserves his memory. His brief cameo nevertheless continues to encourage believers who labor behind the scenes. In every age God records such labors, and “your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you” (Matthew 6:4). Forms and Transliterations Φανουηλ Φανουήλ Phanouel Phanouēl PhanouḗlLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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