Understanding Ἄννα (Anna) Strong’s G451: The Prophetess Who Witnessed the Messiah’s Early Life

Pronunciation Guide: AH-nah

Basic Definition

Strong’s G451: A prophetess of the tribe of Asher who served in the Temple with fasting and prayer, recognized the infant Messiah, and spoke of Him to those awaiting Jerusalem’s redemption. The name Ἄννα is the Greek form of the Hebrew name חַנָּה (Hannah), meaning “grace” or “favor.”

Etymology and Morphology

• Proper noun (feminine)
• Origin: Hebrew name חַנָּה (Hannah)
• Primary usage: Narrative sections
• Appears in prophetic context
• Used in historical accounts

Ἄννα Morphology:

• Ἄννα (nominative singular) – Anna
• Ἄννης (genitive singular) – of Anna
• Ἄννᾳ (dative singular) – to/for Anna
• Ἄνναν (accusative singular) – Anna (as direct object)

Origin & History

The name Ἄννα derives from the Hebrew name חַנָּה (Hannah), famously borne by the mother of the prophet Samuel. In the Septuagint, חַנָּה is consistently rendered as Ἄννα, establishing a precedent for this Greek form. This translation choice appears in 1 Samuel 1-2, where Hannah’s story of barrenness, prayer, and prophetic proclamation creates a significant theological backdrop.

The name gained prominence in Second Temple Judaism, appearing in various Jewish texts including Josephus’ “Antiquities of the Jews” where he mentions several women of prominence bearing this name. The continuity between the Hebrew and Greek forms demonstrates the seamless integration of Jewish naming traditions into the Hellenistic world of the New Testament era.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A proper name representing “grace” or “favor”
• A title connected to prophetic ministry
• A designation of spiritual authority in Temple service

Ἄννα Translation Options:

• Anna – Most common English translation, preserving the Greek form
• Hannah – Alternative translation emphasizing Hebrew roots
• Grace – Interpretive translation highlighting meaning
• Ann/Anne – Modern variations derived from Ἄννα

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, Ἄννα appears exclusively in Luke 2:36, where she is introduced as a prophetess and widow of extraordinary devotion. Her presence at the Temple during the Messiah’s presentation creates a powerful testimony to His identity, as she joins Simeon in recognizing the infant Yeshua as the promised Redeemer.

Her description as a prophetess (προφῆτις) from the tribe of Asher is significant, demonstrating the continuation of prophetic ministry and the preservation of tribal identity into the first century. Luke’s detailed account of her age and widowhood emphasizes her dedication to Temple service and spiritual authority.

• “And there was a prophetess, Anna [Ἄννα], the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher.” Luke 2:36

Cultural Insights

The description of Ἄννα as remaining in the Temple complex “serving night and day with fasting and prayers” reflects a recognized category of widows in Second Temple Judaism who dedicated themselves to religious service. This practice likely connected to the biblical precedent of women serving at the Tabernacle entrance (Exodus 38:8).

Her tribal identification as being from Asher is particularly noteworthy, as it demonstrates the preservation of tribal identities among the northern tribes, contradicting the common misconception that all ten northern tribes were “lost” after the Assyrian exile.

Theological Significance

Ἄννα’s prophetic recognition of the infant Messiah reinforces the theme of divine revelation to the faithful remnant of Israel. Her response to seeing Yeshua – speaking of Him to all who were waiting for Jerusalem’s redemption – demonstrates the proper response to divine revelation: proclamation and witness.

Her inclusion in Luke’s narrative, alongside Simeon, provides a powerful testimony fulfilling the Torah’s requirement of two witnesses. Together, they represent the prophetic voice of faithful Israel recognizing their Messiah, bridging the Old and New Covenants.

The timing of her appearance, after decades of faithful service, suggests God’s perfect timing in revealing His Messiah to those who wait upon Him with patience and devotion.

Personal Application

Ἄννα’s life exemplifies the power of persistent faith and devoted service. Her story encourages believers to maintain spiritual disciplines even when immediate results aren’t visible. Like Ἄννα, we’re called to be ready to recognize God’s work in our midst and share that testimony with others.

Her example particularly speaks to those in long seasons of waiting or seeming spiritual barrenness, demonstrating that faithfulness in service prepares us for moments of divine revelation.

Related Words

• προφῆτις (prophētis) – prophetess, female prophet (relates to Anna’s role) See G4398
• χάρις (charis) – grace, favor (connects to meaning of name) See G5485
• χήρα (chēra) – widow (describes Anna’s status) See G5503
• λατρεύω (latreuō) – to serve, worship (describes Anna’s activity) See G3000

Did you Know?

• The name Ἄννα continues to influence modern naming conventions through variations like Hannah, Anne, Anna, and Ann, making it one of the most enduring biblical names in Western culture.
• The tribe of Asher, to which Ἄννα belonged, was associated with women of extraordinary beauty according to rabbinic tradition, based on Genesis 49:20‘s blessing of “royal delicacies.”
• The description of Ἄννα’s eighty-four years of widowhood (or age) has led some scholars to connect her to the “seven times” mentioned in Daniel 4:16, as 84 is 7 x 12, suggesting a prophetic fullness of time.

Remember This

Ἄννα embodies the faithful remnant who, through persistent devotion and spiritual watchfulness, are prepared to recognize and proclaim God’s redemptive work when it appears.