Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Luke 2:36

"And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher (she was of a great age, having lived with a husband seven years from her virginity," — Luke 2:36 (ASV)

Luke’s attention to the renewal of prophecy through Zechariah and Simeon at the coming of the Messianic Age continues with the introduction of Anna as a “prophetess.” Prophetesses functioned in both OT and NT times (Exodus 15:20; 2 Kings 22:14; Acts 2:17; Acts 21:9). Apparently Anna could trace her genealogy; and, though the tribe of Asher was not outstanding (Genesis 30:12–13; Genesis 35:26), Luke considered it important to show her true Jewishness. She was a familiar figure at the temple. Possibly she lived as a widow in one of the rooms surrounding the temple precinct. Once more Luke points out the providential timing. Anna, like Simeon, had been expecting the Messianic kingdom, and like the shepherds, she spread the news about Jesus.