Phanuel is the Greek form of Penuel used in the New Testament, where it is borne by the father of Anna the prophetess. It also appears in the apocryphal Book of Enoch as the name of an angel.EtymologyPhanuel derives from the Biblical Hebrew name Penuel, meaning "facing God", from pana (to turn to) and ʾel (God). The name appears in the Old Testament as a place name where Jacob wrestled with God, declaring, "I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved" (Genesis 32:30). In the New Testament, the Greek transliteration Φανουήλ (Phanouēl) appears in Luke 2:36-38.Notable BearersThe only biblical bearer of Phanuel is the father of Anna the prophetess, a member of the Tribe of Asher. Anna was very old—a widow for 84 years—and recognized the infant Jesus in the Temple, giving thanks to God. Theologian John Gill speculated that Phanuel might have been a "person of some note" or mentioned for the meaning of his name, which connects to Jacob's encounter at Penuel. Since Anna was beyond childbearing age, Phanuel was likely deceased by the time of the temple visit.Angelic ReferencesIn the apocryphal Book of Enoch, Phanuel is one of the four angels who stand before God, alongside Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. He is described as the angel of repentance and is tasked with driving away demons. This association links Phanuel to angelic beings in Second Temple Jewish literature.Variant FormsThe name appears in various languages: Phanouel in Biblical Greek, Penuel in Biblical Hebrew, and Phanuhel or Phunihel in Biblical Latin. Though rare as a given name today, it retains cultural significance in Christian and Jewish traditions.Meaning: "Facing God" or "Face of God"Origin: Hebrew, via GreekType: First name (masculine)Usage: Judeo-Christian-Islamic, English Bible contextsReferences: Luke 2:36-38, Book of Enoch, Genesis 32:30