Phanuel Φανουήλ
Father of the prophetess Anna
Who is Phanuel in the Bible?
Phanuel was the father of Anna, a prophetess mentioned in Luke 2:36 who witnessed the infant Jesus at the temple in Jerusalem. Though little is known about Phanuel himself, his name means "face of God," suggesting a man of spiritual devotion. Anna, his daughter from the tribe of Asher, became known for her decades of faithful worship, fasting, and prayer in the temple, and she recognized Jesus as the promised Messiah when Mary and Joseph brought him for the purification rites. When Anna saw the child, she gave thanks to God and spoke of Jesus to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem (Luke 2:37-38). Phanuel's significance lies primarily in being the father of this devoted prophetess whose testimony to the infant Jesus represents one of the earliest recognitions of him as the Messiah.
Biography
Phanuel is mentioned in the Bible as the father of Anna, a prophetess who witnessed the infant Jesus at the temple in Jerusalem (Luk.2.36). Anna was from the tribe of Asher and was advanced in years, having lived with her husband for seven years before becoming a widow. She devoted herself to worship, fasting, and prayer in the temple. When Mary and Joseph brought the infant Jesus to the temple for the purification rites, Anna recognized him as the Messiah and spoke about him to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem (Luk.2.37-38). Phanuel's name means "face of God," which may suggest that he was a devout man. However, no other details are provided about his life or role in Anna's upbringing.
Family
In Scripture
1 biblical book ; 1 with study contentLuke 1 verse
- Luke 2:36
"There was also a prophetess named Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher, who was well along in years. She had been married for seven years,"
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Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Greek | Φανουήλ |