feminine of προφήτης; a female foreteller or an inspired woman:--prophetess.
Transliteration:prophētis
Pronunciation:prof-ay'-tis
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word `{{G4398}}` (προφῆτις, *prophētis*) is the feminine form of `{{G4396}}` (προφήτης, *prophētēs*), meaning "prophet." Its base definition indicates "a female foreteller or an inspired woman." The semantic range encompasses a woman who speaks forth a divine message, either revealing future events (foretelling) or proclaiming God's will and truth to the present generation (forth-telling). This role is characterized by divine inspiration, where the individual serves as a mouthpiece for God, conveying His word to humanity. The term carries the weight of divine authority and a direct connection to the transcendent realm.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{G4398}}` appears twice in the New Testament, presenting two starkly contrasting examples of women identified as prophetesses:
1. **Anna in [[Luke 2:36]]:** Anna is introduced as a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. Her portrayal is overwhelmingly positive. She is described as a very old woman who "never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying." Her prophetic activity is demonstrated when, upon seeing the infant Jesus presented in the temple, she "gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem." Anna embodies faithful devotion and a Spirit-led recognition of the Messiah, using her prophetic gift to bear witness to Christ's advent. Her ministry is one of worship, intercession, and proclamation, affirming the divine identity of Jesus to those who awaited God's salvation.
2. **Jezebel in [[Revelation 2:20]]:** In the letter to the church in Thyatira, a woman identified as "that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess," is severely condemned. Unlike Anna, this "Jezebel" (likely a symbolic name referencing the notorious Old Testament queen) is a figure of egregious spiritual corruption. She is accused of "teaching and misleading my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols." Her self-proclaimed prophetic status is a means to propagate false doctrine and lead believers into sin. This occurrence highlights the critical need for discernment within the church concerning those who claim prophetic authority, distinguishing between true, Spirit-inspired prophecy that edifies and false prophecy that corrupts.
These two occurrences demonstrate that while God does indeed use women in prophetic roles, such claims must be tested against the truth of God's Word and the fruit of their lives.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of `{{G4398}}` is enriched by understanding its lexical family and related theological concepts:
* **`{{G4396}}` (προφήτης, *prophētēs*):** The masculine form, referring to a prophet in general. This is the foundational term from which `{{G4398}}` is derived, signifying the same core function of speaking for God.
* **`{{G4397}}` (προφητεύω, *prophēteuō*):** The verb "to prophesy," indicating the act of speaking under divine inspiration.
* **`{{G4394}}` (προφητεία, *prophēteia*):** The noun "prophecy," referring to the divine message itself or the gift of prophecy.
* **`{{G4395}}` (προφητικός, *prophētikos*):** The adjective "prophetic," describing something pertaining to prophecy.
* **Old Testament Parallels:** Though a Greek term, the concept of a prophetess is well-attested in the Old Testament through figures such as Miriam ([[Exodus 15:20]]), Deborah ([[Judges 4:4]]), and Huldah ([[2 Kings 22:14]], [[2 Chronicles 34:22]]), demonstrating a consistent pattern of God raising up women for prophetic ministry throughout salvation history.
* **Spiritual Gifts:** The role of the prophetess aligns with the broader New Testament understanding of spiritual gifts bestowed by the Holy Spirit for the edification of the church ([[1 Corinthians 12:10]], [[Romans 12:6]], [[Ephesians 4:11]]).
### Theological Significance
The inclusion of `{{G4398}}` in the New Testament lexicon carries profound theological implications:
1. **Divine Impartiality in Gifting:** The existence of the prophetess underscores God's sovereign freedom in bestowing spiritual gifts without regard to gender. Just as men are called to prophetic ministry, so too are women, demonstrating that God's Spirit empowers individuals according to His will for the furtherance of His kingdom.
2. **Affirmation of Women's Ministry:** The positive example of Anna validates the significant role of women in the early Christian community and in God's redemptive plan. Her ministry of worship, prayer, and proclamation serves as a model of faithful service and prophetic witness. This challenges any narrow interpretations that might exclude women from active, Spirit-led roles in the church.
3. **Discernment of Truth:** The contrasting figures of Anna and "Jezebel" highlight the crucial theological principle of discernment. Not every claim of divine inspiration is legitimate. The church is called to test the spirits ([[1 John 4:1]]) and evaluate prophetic utterances based on their faithfulness to God's revealed truth and their fruit in the lives of those who prophesy. True prophecy points to Christ and promotes holiness, while false prophecy leads to error and sin.
4. **Continuity of God's Work:** The presence of prophetesses in the New Testament connects seamlessly with the Old Testament tradition, affirming the continuity of God's work through inspired individuals across different covenants. It demonstrates that God's method of communicating His will to humanity through chosen spokespersons, including women, remained consistent.
### Summary
The Greek word `{{G4398}}` (προφῆτις, *prophētis*) denotes a woman divinely inspired to speak God's message, whether through foretelling or forth-telling. Its biblical occurrences, particularly the contrasting portrayals of Anna in [[Luke 2:36]] and "Jezebel" in [[Revelation 2:20]], reveal the authentic and corrupted expressions of this gift. The theological significance of `{{G4398}}` lies in its affirmation of God's impartial gifting across genders, validating the vital role of women in prophetic ministry, and underscoring the critical need for discernment within the believing community. The prophetess, when truly Spirit-led, serves as a faithful conduit of divine truth, contributing to the edification and guidance of God's people.
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