### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term προφητεία (transliterated as *prophēteía*, `{{G4394}}`) is derived from the noun προφήτης (*prophētēs*, `{{G4396}}`), meaning "prophet." The suffix -εία indicates an action, state, or result, thus pointing to the act of prophesying, the message delivered, or the prophetic gift itself. Its fundamental meaning encompasses "speaking forth" or "speaking for" God.
The semantic range of *prophēteía* includes:
* **Divine Utterance:** Primarily, it refers to a message originating from God, communicated through a human agent. This is not mere human insight but a divinely inspired communication.
* **Foretelling (Prediction):** A significant aspect is the prediction of future events, often concerning God's redemptive plan, judgment, or the unfolding of His purposes in history.
* **Forth-telling (Proclamation):** Equally important is the proclamation of God's will, truth, or a present word of exhortation, edification, or comfort to His people. This aspect emphasizes the revelatory and instructive nature of prophecy for the contemporary audience.
* **Spiritual Gift:** In the New Testament, particularly in Paul's writings, *prophēteía* denotes a charismatic gift of the Holy Spirit for the building up of the church.
* **Written Revelation:** The term can also refer to the authoritative, divinely inspired written word of God, particularly the Old Testament Scriptures and the Book of Revelation itself.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term *prophēteía* appears 19 times in the New Testament, primarily in the Pauline Epistles and the Book of Revelation.
In the Pauline corpus, especially 1 Corinthians, *prophēteía* is discussed as a spiritual gift (charisma) given by the Holy Spirit to believers.
* In [[1 Corinthians 12:10]], it is listed among the manifestations of the Spirit.
* Paul highlights its purpose in [[1 Corinthians 14:3-4]], stating that "he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification and exhortation and consolation." This emphasizes the communal benefit of the gift, making it superior to speaking in tongues when exercised in public worship without interpretation.
* Paul encourages believers to "earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy" ([[1 Corinthians 14:1]]).
* Regulations for its exercise in corporate worship are given in [[1 Corinthians 14:29-32]], emphasizing order and the need for others to "pass judgment" on what is spoken, indicating that while inspired, it is subject to discernment and not infallible in its human delivery.
* [[1 Thessalonians 5:20-21]] cautions, "Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good," underscoring the value of prophecy while mandating careful discernment.
In the Petrine Epistles, *prophēteía* refers specifically to the authoritative, written Word of God.
* [[2 Peter 1:20-21]] provides a foundational definition of prophetic inspiration: "No prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit." This passage establishes the divine origin and infallible nature of canonical prophecy.
In the Book of Revelation, the term refers to the content of the book itself, emphasizing its nature as a divine revelation of future events and God's ultimate plan.
* [[Revelation 1:3]] pronounces a blessing upon those who "read and hear the words of this prophecy and keep what is written in it."
* Repeatedly, the book refers to "the words of the prophecy of this book" ([[Revelation 22:7, 10, 18, 19]]), underscoring its authoritative and prophetic character.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{G4396}}` (προφήτης - prophētēs):** The prophet, the person through whom the prophetic message is delivered. This is the agent of *prophēteía*.
* **`{{G4395}}` (προφητεύω - prophēteuō):** The verb "to prophesy," referring to the act of speaking forth a divine message.
* **`{{G4397}}` (προφητικός - prophētikos):** The adjective "prophetic," describing something pertaining to or characteristic of prophecy.
* **`{{G602}}` (ἀποκάλυψις - apokalypsis):** "Revelation," a closely related concept, as prophecy is a form of divine revelation, particularly evident in the Book of Revelation.
* **`{{G1411}}` (δύναμις - dynamis):** "Power," often associated with spiritual gifts, including prophecy, as they are manifestations of God's enabling power.
* **`{{G5486}}` (χάρισμα - charisma):** "Gift of grace," the broader category under which *prophēteía* is classified as a spiritual gift.
* **`{{H5030}}` (נביא - navi):** The primary Hebrew term for "prophet" in the Old Testament, whose ministry often involved both foretelling and forth-telling, forming the conceptual background for New Testament *prophēteía*.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *prophēteía* is profound and multifaceted:
* **Divine Authority and Origin:** At its core, *prophēteía* is understood as a direct communication from God, bearing His authority. It is not a product of human will or intellect but originates from the Holy Spirit ([[2 Peter 1:21]]). This divine origin ensures its truthfulness and reliability when genuinely from God.
* **Revelation of God's Will and Character:** Prophecy serves as a primary means by which God reveals His plans, His moral will, His redemptive purposes, and His very nature to humanity. It unveils aspects of God that might otherwise remain hidden.
* **Edification and Guidance for the Church:** In the New Covenant, particularly within the early church, *prophēteía* functioned as a vital gift for the spiritual growth, encouragement, and instruction of believers. It was intended to build up the body of Christ, providing timely guidance and comfort ([[1 Corinthians 14:3-4]]).
* **Demonstration of God's Sovereignty:** The predictive element of *prophēteía* powerfully demonstrates God's omniscience and His sovereign control over history. The fulfillment of prophecy validates God's Word and His ultimate triumph.
* **Call to Discernment:** While highly valued, the New Testament also mandates careful discernment of prophetic utterances ([[1 Thessalonians 5:21]]). This highlights the distinction between the divine source and the human medium, reminding believers to test all claims to prophecy against the revealed Word of God and the character of Christ.
* **Continuity and Completion of Revelation:** *Prophēteía* bridges the Old and New Covenants, demonstrating God's consistent communication with His people. With the completion of the New Testament canon, written *prophēteía* (Scripture) is understood as complete and authoritative, while the charismatic gift of *prophēteía* continues to function as Spirit-inspired proclamation that illuminates and applies, rather than adds to, the closed canon.
### Summary
The Greek word *prophēteía* (`{{G4394}}`) signifies "prophecy" or "prophesying," stemming from the concept of "speaking forth" or "speaking for" God. Its semantic range encompasses divinely inspired utterances, both foretelling future events and forth-telling God's will for the present. In the New Testament, *prophēteía* is presented as a crucial spiritual gift given by the Holy Spirit for the edification, exhortation, and comfort of the church ([[1 Corinthians 14:3]]). It also refers to the authoritative, divinely inspired written Word of God, exemplified by the Old Testament Scriptures and the Book of Revelation itself ([[2 Peter 1:20-21]], [[Revelation 1:3]]). Theologically, *prophēteía* underscores God's active involvement in human history, His desire to reveal Himself, and His provision for His people's growth and guidance, always requiring careful discernment to ensure alignment with His established truth.
TRV