a primitive root; to prophesy, i.e. speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse); prophesy(-ing), make self a prophet.
Transliteration:nâbâʼ
Pronunciation:naw-baw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb נָבָא (nâbâʼ), Strong's `{{H5012}}`, is a primitive root primarily signifying "to prophesy." Its core meaning encompasses the act of speaking or singing by divine inspiration. This inspiration is key, distinguishing prophecy from mere human prediction or discourse. The semantic range of נָבָא extends beyond simply foretelling future events (predictive prophecy) to include the forthtelling of God's will, instruction, or judgment for the present moment (proclamatory prophecy). The nuance "sing by inspiration" suggests a connection to cultic or ecstatic prophetic activity, where the divine word might be delivered through song or poetic utterance, as seen in prophetic guilds. The phrase "make self a prophet" can sometimes denote an assumption of the prophetic role, which, depending on context, can be legitimate or, more often, carries a negative connotation of presumptuous or false prophecy. Fundamentally, נָבָא describes a divinely enabled utterance, making the speaker a conduit for God's message.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb נָבָא occurs extensively throughout the Hebrew Bible, particularly in the Former and Latter Prophets, but also in historical books. Its usage reveals various facets of prophetic activity:
* **Ecstatic Prophecy:** In early instances, נָבָא is associated with ecstatic manifestations of the Spirit. For example, when Saul encounters the company of prophets, he is overtaken by the Spirit of God and begins to prophesy (e.g., [[1 Samuel 10:5-6]], [[1 Samuel 19:20-24]]). This suggests a state where the individual is under divine influence, often leading to uninhibited speech or behavior.
* **Proclamatory & Predictive Prophecy:** The most common usage describes the prophet's role in delivering God's message, whether it be a call to repentance, a declaration of judgment, or a promise of future restoration. Prophets like Jeremiah frequently use this verb to describe their God-given mandate: "I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran; I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied" ([[Jeremiah 23:21]]). This highlights the divine initiative behind true prophecy.
* **Cultic Contexts:** The verb can also appear in connection with temple service or worship. In [[1 Chronicles 25:1]], individuals are described as "prophesying with lyres, with harps, and with cymbals," indicating a musical dimension to prophetic activity within the Levitical service.
* **False Prophecy:** A significant contextual use of נָבָא involves the condemnation of false prophets. These individuals "prophesy lies in My name" ([[Jeremiah 14:14]]), speaking from their own heart or imagination rather than from divine commission. The distinction between true and false prophecy is critical, often determined by the fulfillment of the prophecy and its alignment with God's revealed will (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 18:20-22]]).
* **Universal Desire:** Moses expresses a profound wish that "all the Lord's people were prophets, that the Lord would put His Spirit upon them!" ([[Numbers 11:29]]), indicating a desire for widespread divine communication, a sentiment echoed later in Joel's prophecy ([[Joel 2:28-29]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
The verb נָבָא (nâbâʼ) is intrinsically linked to other key terms and theological concepts:
* **`{{H5030}}` (nābîʼ):** The most direct derivative, meaning "prophet." The prophet is the one who performs the action of נָבָא. The relationship is fundamental: the *nābîʼ* is God's mouthpiece, speaking or singing that which is divinely inspired.
* **`{{H5034}}` (nᵉbûʼâ):** A feminine noun meaning "prophecy" or "prophetic utterance." This refers to the content or act of prophesying itself.
* **`{{H1696}}` (dāḇar):** "to speak," often used in conjunction with God's direct speech or the prophet's declaration of God's word. While broader than נָבָא, it frequently describes the content of prophetic utterance.
* **`{{H2374}}` (ḥāzâ) / `{{H7200}}` (rāʼâ):** "to see," often used in the context of prophetic vision or revelation. A "seer" (`{{H2374}}`) might experience a vision, which then becomes the basis for their prophetic message (נָבָא).
* **Spirit of God (רוּחַ אֱלֹהִים - rûaḥ ʼĕlōhîm):** The enabling power behind true prophecy. The Spirit "comes upon" individuals, empowering them to נָבָא (e.g., [[1 Samuel 10:6]], [[Numbers 11:25-26]]).
* **Revelation (גָּלָה - gālâ):** The act of uncovering or disclosing divine truth. Prophecy is a primary means through which God reveals His will and plans.
* **Covenant:** Prophecy often functions within the framework of God's covenant with Israel, calling the people to faithfulness or announcing the consequences of covenant infidelity.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of נָבָא is profound and multifaceted:
* **Divine Initiative and Sovereignty:** The very nature of נָבָא emphasizes that prophecy originates with God. It is not a human endeavor but a divine act of communication. This underscores God's active involvement in human history and His desire to relate to His creation.
* **God's Communicative Nature:** Prophecy demonstrates that God is a speaking God, who desires to make Himself known and to guide His people. This communicative aspect is central to the biblical understanding of God's character.
* **The Role of the Holy Spirit:** The frequent association of נָבָא with the "Spirit of the Lord" highlights the Spirit's role as the divine enabler of prophetic utterance. This foreshadows the Spirit's broader work in empowering God's people in the New Covenant.
* **Covenant Fidelity and Judgment:** Prophecy often served to call Israel back to covenant faithfulness, reminding them of God's laws and promises. When the people strayed, נָבָא became the vehicle for announcing divine judgment and the consequences of disobedience, while also holding out hope for future restoration.
* **Distinction Between True and False:** The repeated warnings against false prophets and the criteria for discerning true prophecy underscore God's holiness and truthfulness. True prophecy aligns with God's character and comes to pass, while false prophecy leads astray and brings condemnation.
* **Messianic Expectation:** Much of Old Testament prophecy, conveyed through נָבָא, points forward to the coming of the Messiah and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom, culminating in the New Testament fulfillment in Christ.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb נָבָא (nâbâʼ), Strong's `{{H5012}}`, fundamentally means "to prophesy," signifying the act of speaking or singing by divine inspiration. It encompasses both the forthtelling of God's present word and the foretelling of future events. Contextual analysis reveals its application in ecstatic displays, cultic settings, and critically, in distinguishing between true, divinely commissioned prophecy and false, human-generated utterances. The term is inextricably linked to the noun "prophet" (`{{H5030}}`), highlighting the role of the prophet as God's chosen mouthpiece. Theologically, נָבָא underscores God's communicative nature, His sovereign initiative in revelation, the vital role of the Holy Spirit in empowering divine speech, and the ongoing call to covenant faithfulness culminating in the redemptive plan of God.
TRV