Luke 2:38

Luke 2:38, in plain English

Anna came up at that very moment, thanked God, and began telling everyone who was waiting for God to rescue Jerusalem that the child had finally come.

Why it's here

Anna's arrival was perfectly timed by God. She became the second witness to declare that the baby Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah.

Who's speaking

Luke describes Anna's joyful response to seeing the infant Jesus.

Where it sits in the story

After a lifetime of prayer, Anna sees the answer walk through the temple doors in a mother's arms. She can't contain herself—she starts telling everyone, 'He's here! The one we've been waiting for!'

The scholarly reading

Anna arrives at that precise moment (autē tē hōra), gives thanks (anthōmologeito) to God, and speaks about the child to all awaiting Jerusalem's redemption (lytrōsin Ierousalēm).

Language and setting

Anna's Spirit-led timing parallels Simeon's. Her testimony to those 'awaiting redemption' identifies a community of faithful expectants who maintained messianic hope.

Voice

Luke describes Anna's prophetic response to encountering the Christ child.

Significance

With perfect divine timing, Anna arrives just as Simeon finishes. She immediately recognizes Jesus and begins telling everyone who has been waiting for the Messiah that He has finally come.

36There 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,

37and then was a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.

38Coming forward at that moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the Child to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.

39When Jesus’ parents had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth.

40And the Child grew and became strong. He was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon Him.

Read all of Luke 2 — The most powerful person in history arrives as the most vulnerable — a baby in a feeding trough. The announcement goes to shepherds.