S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

In a general sense, a prophet is a person who speaks God's truth to others. The English word prophet comes from the Greek word prophetes, which can mean "one who speaks forth" or "advocate." Prophe...

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October 23 2013 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

What is a prophet in the Bible?

In the Bible, a prophet is a human chosen by God to be His spokesperson, delivering divine messages, calling people to repentance and justice, revealing God's will, and sometimes foretelling future events, acting as advocates for God's holiness and covenant faithfulness, even when it meant denouncing popular sins or leaders. Prophets, like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Deborah, served various roles, from receiving visions (Ezekiel) to issuing simple calls to faithfulness (Haggai). 

Key Characteristics:

1: Chosen by God: Prophethood was not a career choice or a hereditary office (unlike the priesthood); it was a sovereign divine appointment.

2: Diverse Backgrounds: Prophets came from all walks of life. For example, Moses was a shepherd, Amos was a farmer, Deborah was a judge, and Jeremiah was a priest.

3: Both Genders: The Bible identifies several women as prophetesses, including Miriam, Deborah, Huldah, and Anna. 

Because of the prevalence of false prophets, the Bible provides criteria for identifying true messengers: 

1: 100% Accuracy: Their predictions must come to pass precisely as spoken (Deuteronomy 18:22).

2: Scriptural Harmony: Their message must align with previously revealed scripture and never lead people to follow other gods.

3: Moral Fruit: They are known by their "fruit"—a life reflecting God's character and truth. 

The Greek pro·pheʹtes literally means "a speaker out [Gr., pro, "before" or "in front of," and phe·miʹ, "say"]" and thus describes a proclaimer, one who makes known messages attributed to a divine source. (Compare Tit 1:12.) Though this includes the thought of a predictor of the future, the fundamental meaning of the word is not that of prediction. (Compare Jg 6:7-10.) Nonetheless, living in harmony with God's will requires that the individual know God's revealed purposes for the future so that he may align his ways, desires, and goals with the divine will. Hence, in the great majority of cases, the Biblical prophets did convey messages that were, directly or indirectly, related to the future.

The prophets played a vital role in maintaining true worship. Their activity served as a check on the kings of Israel and Judah, for they boldly reproved erring rulers (2Sa 12:1-12) and declared God's judgments against those who practised wickedness. (1Ki 14:1-16; 16:1-7, 12) When the priesthood deviated and became corrupt, the prophets were God's means of strengthening the faith of a righteous remnant and pointing the way back to God's favour for those who had strayed. Like Moses, the prophets often acted as intercessors, praying to God on behalf of the king and the people. (De 9:18-29; 1Ki 13:6; 2Ki 19:1-4; compare Jer 7:16; 14:11, 12.) They were especially active in times of crisis or great need.

Prophets were selected by God and appointed by means of the Holy Spirit (Nu 11:24-29; Eze 1:1-3; Am 7:14, 15), by which means they also knew what to proclaim. (Ac 28:25; 2Pe 1:21) Some showed great reluctance initially. (Ex 3:11; 4:10-17; Jer 1:4-10) In Elisha's case, his divine appointment came through his predecessor, Elijah, and was symbolised by Elijah's throwing his mantle, or official garment, over Elisha.​—1Ki 19:19-21.

The true prophet never foretold to satisfy human curiosity. Every prediction related to God's will, purpose, standards, or judgment. (1Ki 11:29-39; Isa 7:3-9) Often, the future events foretold were the consequence of existing conditions; as the people sowed, so they would reap.

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