Luke 2:38

Luke 2:38

Anna Bears Witness to the Redeemer

36 Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of ^aAsher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity;

37 and this woman was a widow¹ of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers ^anight and day.

38 And coming in that instant she gave thanks to¹ the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who ^alooked for redemption in Jerusalem.

The Family Returns to Nazareth

39 So when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth.

40 ^aAnd the Child grew and became strong¹ in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.

Commentaries:

Adam Clarke

<< Luke 2:37

Luke 2:39 >>

Coming in that instant - ͅ ͅ ̔ͅ , at that very time - while Simeon held the blessed Redeemer in his arms, and was singing his departing and triumphal song.

Gave thanks likewise - She, as well as Simeon, returned God public thanks, for having sent this Savior to Israel.

Spake of him - Of the nature and design of his mission; and the glory that should take place in the land.

To all them that looked for redemption - As Daniel' s seventy weeks were known to be now completed, the more pious Jews were in constant expectation of the promised Messiah. They were expecting redemption, ; such a redemption as was to be brought about by an atonement, or expiatory victim, or ransom price. See on Luke 1:68 (note).

In Jerusalem - It is probable she went about from house to house, testifying the grace of God. In the margin of our common version, Israel is put instead of Jerusalem, which the translators thought was nearly as eligible as the word they received into the text. This marginal reading is supported by several MSS., all the Arabic and Persic versions, the Vulgate, and most copies of the Itala. Were this reading to be received, it would make a very essential alteration in the meaning of the text, as it would intimate that this excellent woman traveled over the land of Israel, proclaiming the advent of Christ. At all events, it appears that this widow was one of the first publishers of the Gospel of Christ, and it is likely that she traveled with it from house to house through the city of Jerusalem, where she knew they dwelt who were expecting the salvation of God.

**Other Adam Clarke entries containing Luke 2:38:**

Luke 2:36

<< Luke 2:37

Luke 2:39 >>

DISCLAIMER: Church of the Great God (CGG) provides these resources to aid the individual in studying the Bible. However, it is up to the individual to "prove all things, and hold fast to that which is good" (I Thessalonians 5:21). The content of these resources does not necessarily reflect the views of CGG. They are provided for information purposes only.