Φανουήλ (Phanouēl)
Phanouēl
Phanuel
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The name Phanuel appears only once in the New Testament, identifying the father of Anna the prophetess in Luke 2:36. Its meaning is derived directly from Hebrew, where it translates to "the face of God." This etymology suggests a life lived in close proximity to the divine, fitting for a family known for its spiritual devotion.
As a proper noun, the word carries no independent verb or adjective force outside this specific genealogical reference. It serves as a unique identifier within the tribe of Asher, anchoring Anna’s lineage in a name that reflects her father’s character or calling. The brevity of its usage highlights how personal names in Scripture often preserve theological significance through their literal meanings rather than through repeated narrative action.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Phanuel means "the face of God." It appears only once in the New Testament, identifying Anna the prophetess as the daughter of this man. This brief mention anchors her identity in a lineage that suggests a life lived in close proximity to the divine.
For your faith, this word reminds us that spiritual devotion often runs deep within families. Anna’s lifelong commitment to worship and waiting was not an isolated act but part of a heritage shaped by those who sought God’s presence. Her story shows how names can carry theological weight, pointing to a character or calling passed down through generations.
When you read about Anna, remember that her strength came from a foundation built on seeking God’s face. This encourages us to consider how our own spiritual roots and daily habits shape our witness. May you find encouragement in knowing that faithful lives leave legacies of hope for those who follow.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- of Phanuel,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Φανουήλ,1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 2:36
There was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher (she was of a great age, having lived with a husband seven years from her virginity,
This occurrence identifies Anna as the daughter of Phanuel, linking her prophetic role to a name meaning "the face of God" and highlighting her lineage within the tribe of Asher.