The Aramaic word nᵉbâʼ, represented by H5013, means to prophesy. It appears just 1 time across 1 unique verse in the Bible. The term refers to the act of speaking or singing by inspiration, which can be for the purpose of prediction or simple discourse.
The single use of nᵉbâʼ is found in Ezra 5:1, where the prophets Haggai and Zechariah prophesied to the Jews in Judah and Jerusalem. This act of inspired speaking was directly tied to the work of rebuilding the house of God. The prophets are described as helping with the construction Ezra 5:2, and the elders of the Jews were able to build and prosper specifically because of the prophesying of Haggai and Zechariah Ezra 6:14.
The theological significance of nᵉbâʼ is concentrated in its sole appearance:
- Divine Authority: The prophesying was done “in the name of the God of Israel” Ezra 5:1, indicating that the words spoken by Haggai and Zechariah originated from God and carried His authority.
- Prophecy as Catalyst: The act of prophesying was not passive; it was a catalyst for action. It prompted the leaders to begin building the house of God Ezra 5:2 and was the direct cause of their prosperity in the work Ezra 6:14.
- Fulfillment of Command: The prophesying served as the vehicle for God's will, leading to the completion of the temple “according to the commandment of the God of Israel” Ezra 6:14.
In summary, H5013 nᵉbâʼ, while rare, offers a focused illustration of prophecy in action. Its singular use in Ezra 5:1 shows that to prophesy is to deliver an inspired message that can empower God's people, provide divine help for a task, and directly contribute to the fulfillment of God's commands on earth. It demonstrates a clear link between the spoken word of God's prophets and the successful rebuilding of His house.
