Anna appears in only a few verses in the New Testament, but her story speaks volumes. She was faithful, devoted, and full of hope. Here are 10 interesting facts about Anna in the Bible, with Bible verses that show the power of her example.
1. Anna Was a Prophetess
Anna is one of the few women in the Bible called a prophetess. This means she spoke God's truth and had a deep spiritual life. God used her to share His message with others.
Luke 2:36
“And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years...”
Joel 2:28
“And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy...”
2. She Was From the Tribe of Asher
Anna came from the tribe of Asher, one of Israel’s twelve tribes. Though Asher wasn’t known for being spiritually strong, Anna stood out as a woman of deep faith.
Genesis 49:20
“Asher’s food shall be rich, and he shall yield royal delicacies.”
Deuteronomy 33:24
“And of Asher he said, 'Most blessed of sons be Asher; let him be the favorite of his brothers, and let him dip his foot in oil.'”
3. She Was Very Old
Anna had been married for only seven years, then lived as a widow until she was 84. Despite her age, she stayed active in worship and prayer.
Luke 2:36–37
“She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four.”
Psalm 92:14
“They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green...”
4. She Lived at the Temple
Anna never left the temple. She gave her life fully to the Lord, staying there day and night in worship.
Luke 2:37
“She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day.”
Psalm 27:4
“One thing have I asked of the Lord... that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life...”
5. Anna Was a Widow Most of Her Life
After her husband died, Anna didn’t remarry. She gave herself fully to serving God, choosing a life of worship instead of bitterness.
1 Timothy 5:5
“She who is truly a widow, left all alone, has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day.”
6. She Was Devoted to Worship
Anna’s life revolved around prayer and fasting. She shows us that worship is not just for Sundays—it’s a way of life.
Psalm 34:1
“I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.”
Romans 12:1
“Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”
7. She Was One of the First to See Baby Jesus
When Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple, Anna was there. She immediately gave thanks to God.
Luke 2:38
“And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.”
Malachi 3:1
“And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple...”
8. She Told Others About Jesus
Anna didn’t stay quiet. She told others that the Messiah had come. She acted as a messenger of hope to those looking for redemption.
Romans 10:15
“How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”
9. Anna's Name Means "Grace"
The name Anna is from the Hebrew name "Hannah," which means “grace” or “favor.” Her life reflected the grace and favor of God.
Ephesians 2:8
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God...”
10. Her Story Teaches Patience and Faith
Anna waited for decades to see the promise of the Messiah. She never gave up hope, and God rewarded her faith.
Isaiah 40:31
“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles...”
Hebrews 11:6
“And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.”
