Simeon and Anna

The words

1. Anna

   Luke introduces Anna as a prophetess, then says she comes at that moment, gives thanks to the Lord and speaks to those awaiting redemption in Jerusalem.

   Luke 2:36–38 (opens a new tab)

2. Aser

   Asher, in the NET’s spelling.

   Luke places Anna in the tribe of Aser, naming her father Phanuel before turning to her years of marriage and widowhood.

   Did you know?

   Genesis 49:20 gives Asher a short saying about bread and “royal dainties,” within Jacob’s words addressed to his gathered sons.

   Luke 2:36–37 (opens a new tab) · NET Bible: Luke 2:36-38 (opens a new tab) · Genesis 49:1–2 (opens a new tab) · Genesis 49:20 (opens a new tab)

3. Consolation

   Restoration, in the NET’s rendering of Simeon’s hope.

   Luke describes Simeon as just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel; he later comes by the Spirit into the temple as Jesus’s parents arrive.

   Luke 2:25–27 (opens a new tab) · NET Bible: Luke 2:21-28 (opens a new tab)

4. Fastings

   Luke describes Anna’s service as “fastings and prayers night and day”; she then comes at that moment, gives thanks and speaks about the child.

   Luke 2:37–38 (opens a new tab)

5. Fourscore

   Luke calls Anna a widow of “about fourscore and four years.” The NET’s note says the eighty-four years may describe either her age or her widowhood.

   Luke 2:37 (opens a new tab) · NET Bible: Luke 2:36-38 (opens a new tab)

6. Gentiles

   Simeon’s words join light for the Gentiles with glory for Israel, after he speaks of salvation prepared before the face of all people.

   Did you know?

   Isaiah 49:6 also joins “light to the Gentiles” with salvation reaching “unto the end of the earth,” alongside the restoration of Israel.

   Luke 2:30–32 (opens a new tab) · Isaiah 49:6 (opens a new tab)

7. Phanuel

   Penuel, in the NIV’s spelling.

   Luke identifies Anna as the daughter of Phanuel and links her family to the tribe of Aser before describing her marriage and widowhood.

   Luke 2:36–37 (opens a new tab) · NIV: Luke 2:36 (opens a new tab)

8. Pigeons

   Luke gives the offering as a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, using the bird alternatives named in Leviticus 12.

   Luke 2:24 (opens a new tab) · Leviticus 12:8 (opens a new tab)

9. Prophetess

   A woman prophet; the NIV calls Anna a prophet.

   Luke names Anna as a prophetess before describing her temple service; her words about the child reach those looking for redemption in Jerusalem.

   Luke 2:36–38 (opens a new tab) · NIV: Luke 2:36 (opens a new tab)

10. Purification

    Luke places the family’s journey to Jerusalem after the days of purification, describing the presentation of the child to the Lord and an offering under the law.

    Luke 2:22–24 (opens a new tab)

11. Salvation

    Simeon’s words “mine eyes have seen thy salvation” follow his taking the child into his arms and blessing God.

    Luke 2:28 (opens a new tab) · Luke 2:30 (opens a new tab)

12. Simeon

    Luke says the Spirit leads Simeon into the temple, where he takes Jesus into his arms and blesses God as the parents bring the child.

    Did you know?

    A Vatican text prepared in 2025 describes Simeon’s canticle as a prayer at day’s end; its traditional name, Nunc dimittis, comes from the Latin opening.

    Luke 2:27–28 (opens a new tab) · Luke 2:29–32 (opens a new tab) · NET Bible: Luke 2:29-35 (opens a new tab) · Vatican: Simeon’s canticle (opens a new tab)

13. Sword

    Simeon tells Mary “a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,” within his words about the child being spoken against and thoughts being revealed.

    Luke 2:34–35 (opens a new tab)

14. Turtledoves

    Turtledoves appear as a pair in Luke’s quotation of the offering rule; two young pigeons are the other option listed in the same verse.

    Luke 2:24 (opens a new tab)

15. Widow

    Luke describes Anna’s seven years of marriage and subsequent widowhood, then places her fasting, prayer and thanksgiving within the temple scene.

    Luke 2:36–38 (opens a new tab)