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Biblical Prophecy Definition- Prophecy is an inspired utterance of a prophet or prophetic minister as led by the Holy Spirit in accordance with the spiritual gift in 1 Corinthians 12. It can mean a foretelling or forth-telling type utterance.
The Greek word for prophesy is προφητεύω. The etymology of this word is from the root προφήτης, which means "prophet," or "one who speaks forth God's message." It means "to speak forth by divine inspiration," "to proclaim a message from God," or "to foretell future events."
In the New Testament, it occurs in passages like 1 Corinthians 14:1, "Earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy (προφητεύετε)." Thus, in Acts 21:9, we read of the daughters of Philip, who "prophesied (ἐπροφήτευον)," and Revelation 19:10 makes a distinction between the testimony of Jesus and the gift of prophecy.
The term can involve either predictive prophecy, in which some future event is foretold, or edifying prophecy, exhortation, encouragement. Often, it refers particularly to inspired speech for building up the Church, rather than simply foretelling future events.
What is a prophecy for?
When someone prophesies or shares a prophetic utterance or word, they share a divinely inspired utterance or revelation. (All prophecies must be judged for Source (whether it's from God) and accuracy)
Prophecy is given for edification, exhortation, and comfort according to Scripture. Prophecies or prophetic words will also help confirm that you hear the Voice of God clearly.
Here are few scholarly views on the benefits of prophecy to the Church.
| Scholar, Date & Institution | View on Prophecy’s Benefit to the Church |
|---|---|
| John Lightfoot (1602–1675), Master of St. Catharine’s College, Cambridge, A Commentary on the New Testament | Lightfoot emphasized that prophecy confirms God’s plan and strengthens faith among believers (1 Corinthians 14:3). He also argued that it encourages obedience by revealing God’s intentions for the Church. |
| Matthew Henry (1662–1714), Presbyterian Minister, Commentary on the Whole Bible | Henry taught that prophecy edifies the Church by revealing God’s purposes and encouraging hope in Christ (Romans 15:4). It also warns against sin and calls believers to live righteously. |
| Charles Hodge (1797–1878), Princeton Theological Seminary, Systematic Theology | Hodge argued that prophecy provides doctrinal clarity by showing God’s sovereignty and plan of redemption (Isaiah 46:9–10). He also believed it strengthens the Church’s confidence in God’s ultimate fulfillment of His promises. |
| Edward G. Robinson (1794–1863), Professor of Theology, University of Oxford, Prophecy of the Old Testament | Robinson viewed prophecy as a moral guide for the Church, instructing believers in righteousness (Ezekiel 33:7–9). He maintained that it serves to correct wrongdoing and inspire faithfulness to God. |
| Augustus Neander (1789–1850), Professor of Church History, University of Berlin, History of the Planting and Training of the Christian Church | Neander emphasized that prophecy unifies and strengthens the Church by demonstrating God’s faithfulness throughout history (Jeremiah 29:11). He also taught that it encourages perseverance and hope in God’s promises. |
| Johann Bengel (1687–1752), Professor, University of Tübingen, Gnomon Novi Testamenti | Bengel argued that prophecy reassures the Church of Christ’s ultimate victory (Revelation 19:11–16). He further noted that it motivates believers toward ethical living and steadfast faith. |
| Friedrich Schleiermacher (1768–1834), University of Berlin, The Christian Faith | Schleiermacher taught that prophecy deepens spiritual understanding and personal communion with God (Acts 2:17–18). He emphasized that it also nurtures collective growth in the Church’s faith. |
| John Owen (1616–1683), Vice-Chancellor, University of Oxford, The Works of John Owen | Owen maintained that prophecy fortifies the Church by revealing future judgment (Amos 3:7). He also argued that it encourages steadfastness and vigilance among believers. |
| Heinrich Ewald (1803–1875), Professor of Theology, University of Göttingen, Prophecy and Fulfillment in the Old Testament | Ewald emphasized that prophecy confirms God’s covenant and His faithfulness to His people (Isaiah 55:11). He also taught that it edifies the Church by demonstrating historical and theological continuity. |
| Richard Chenevix Trench (1807–1886), Archbishop of Dublin, Notes on the Parables | Trench argued that prophecy inspires hope and guides ethical conduct in the Church (1 Peter 1:10–12). He further noted that it provides spiritual instruction for living according to God’s Word. |
Key facts about prophecy:
- It is a message inspired by God, a divine revelation.
- Prophecy can be defined as a miracle of knowledge, a declaration or description or representation of something future.
- A Prophecy or prophetic word is a statement that says what is going to happen in the future.
- When you receive a prophecy or prophetic word it will help you hear God's voice because many times it's a confirmation of what The Lord has already been speaking to you.
- Prophecy is a singular prophetic word, and prophecies is the plural.
Prophesy vs Prophecy - Is There A Difference?
Prophecy is the noun and it is a prophetic word. However, prophesy is the verb and denotes sharing or giving a prophecy.
Here's a short table showing the difference from Scripture:
| Term | Part of Speech | Meaning / Use |
|---|---|---|
| Prophesy | Verb | To speak or declare a message from God; to foretell future events or proclaim God’s will. Example: “They shall prophesy in the Spirit” (Acts 2:17). |
| Prophecy | Noun | The message or revelation from God that is spoken; the content of what is prophesied. Example: “The gift of prophecy is for the edification of the Church” (1 Corinthians 14:3). |
Is there a Difference Between an Old Testament Prophet, and New Testament Prophecy? Listen To What Theologian John Piper has to say.
Here's a breakdown of the difference in nature of prophecy in the old testament vs the new with scriptural references.
| Aspect | Old Testament Prophet | New Testament Prophet |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Role | Spokesperson for God to Israel; communicated God’s judgment, covenant warnings, and promises. | Guided, encouraged, and edified the Church; often revealed God’s will for the community and sometimes foretold future events. |
| Scope of Message | Focused on national, covenantal, and messianic themes; often warned kings, nations, and Israel. | Focused on spiritual edification, exhortation, and encouragement for believers; sometimes foretold Christ’s return or future events. |
| Authority | Recognized as God’s official messenger; their words carried divine authority (Deut 18:18–19). | Gifted by the Holy Spirit; authority was spiritual and communal rather than political or national. |
| Mode of Delivery | Spoken, written, symbolic actions, visions, dreams, and sometimes dramatic acts. | Usually spoken in gatherings; could involve visions or revelation but primarily for edification, exhortation, and comfort (1 Corinthians 14:3). |
| Audience | Primarily Israel and surrounding nations. | Primarily the Church (all believers, men and women), sometimes entire communities. |
| Example Figures | Moses, Elijah, Isaiah, Jeremiah. | Agabus (Acts 11:28; 21:10), daughters of Philip (Acts 21:9), others in early Church (1 Corinthians 14:29–32). |
| Relation to Christ | Often foretold the coming Messiah and God’s covenant purposes. | Focused on the revelation of God in Christ and the building up of the body of Christ. |
In the realm of prophecy there are two main types of prophecy: true and false prophecy. Here's a breakdown of the true prophet vs the false prophet to help with discerning the spiritual difference.
True Prophet:
A true prophet speaks by God’s Spirit, delivering God’s revealed message accurately, calling people to obedience, and aligning with Scripture (Deuteronomy 18:20–22; 1 John 4:1). Scholars note their role affirms God’s covenant, builds the faithful, and confirms divine will (Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology, 1878).
False Prophet:
A false prophet speaks without God’s authority, promotes deception, or contradicts God’s Word (Jeremiah 23:16–22; Matthew 7:15). Scholars highlight that false prophets seek self-interest, mislead the Church, and bear fruit contrary to God’s law, serving as a warning to discern true divine revelation (John Lightfoot, Commentary on the NT, 1658).
Here's a table showing the unique differences:
| Aspect | True Prophecy | False Prophecy |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Comes from the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:7–10; 1 Thessalonians 5:19–20). | Comes from human deception, demonic influence, or self-interest (2 Peter 2:1; 1 John 4:1–3). |
| Purpose | Builds up, encourages, and exhorts the Church (1 Corinthians 14:3–4). | Misleads, causes confusion, or promotes ungodly agendas (Matthew 7:15–20). |
| Alignment with Scripture | Consistent with God’s Word and character; glorifies Christ (1 Corinthians 14:37). | Contradicts God’s Word or distorts truth; elevates the speaker or false teaching. |
| Outcome / Fruit | Produces spiritual growth, discernment, and obedience among believers (Ephesians 4:11–13). | Produces division, false security, or sin; often exposes the listener to error (Matthew 24:24). |
| Recognition / Testing | Tested by Scripture, the Spirit, and the fruit of the message (1 Thessalonians 5:21; 1 John 4:1). | Identified by failure to fulfill God’s word, poor fruit, or teaching contrary to Christ (Deuteronomy 18:21–22; Matthew 7:16–19). |
| Example | Agabus predicting famine accurately (Acts 11:28), Paul’s inspired letters. | False teachers in Corinth (1 Corinthians 14:36), the deceitful prophets warned by The Lord Jesus (Matthew 24:24). |
Example Prophecies of Jesus As The Messiah
There are more than 300 prophecies about Jesus. The Lord Jesus was the promised Jewish Messiah and some 200-400 Prophecies attest to this Biblical Truth
Genesis 3:15
“And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”
Genesis 12:3
“I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”
Isaiah 7:14
“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”
Hosea 11:1
“When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.”
Psalm 22:7-8
“All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads. ‘He trusts in the Lord,’ they say, ‘let the Lord rescue him. Let him deliver him, since he delights in him.’”
Example Prophecies of Jesus That He Spoke During His Earthly Ministry
Matthew 26:11-13
Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a good work for me. For the poor you have with you always; but you do not always have me. For when she poured this perfume upon my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.
Matthew 26:21, 22
And as they were eating, he said, "Truly I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me." And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began to say unto him every one, "Is it I, Lord?".
Matthew 26:33,34
Peter replied, "Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will." "I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "This very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times".
Matthew 16:21
From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes.
Matthew 26:2
You know that after two days is the Passover, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified.
Matthew 27:62,63
On the next day, which followed the Day of Preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees gathered together to Pilate, saying, Sir, we remember, while he was still alive, how that deceiver said, 'After three days I will rise'.
Matthew 28:6
He is not here; for he is risen, as He said.
Prophesy Synonyms from Across The Web
- Foretell
- Presaging
- Prognosticating
- Prediction
- Forecasting
- Predicting
In closing, the gift of prophecy is a gift given by the Holy Spirit to believers as He wills (1 Corinthians 12:7–11) for the edification, exhortation, and comfort of the Church (1 Corinthians 14:3).
All prophecy has to be weighed or tested, however, for source and accuracy (1 Thessalonians 5:20–21; 1 John 4:1) with the caveat that not all prophecy comes from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world according to the Lord Jesus (Matthew 7:15; 24:24)
