from נָבָא; a prediction (spoken or written); prophecy.
Transliteration:nᵉbûwʼâh
Pronunciation:neb-oo-aw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term נְבוּאָה (nᵉbûwʼâh, `{{H5016}}`) is a feminine noun derived from the verb נָבָא (nāḇāʼ, `{{H5012}}`), which means "to prophesy," "to speak by inspiration," or "to bubble forth" with divine utterance. Consequently, נְבוּאָה refers to the *act* of prophesying or, more commonly, the *content* of that prophetic utterance itself. It signifies a divinely inspired message, a prediction, or a revelation of God's will, whether delivered orally or recorded in writing. The semantic range is tightly focused on the concept of prophecy as a communication from the divine realm to humanity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term נְבוּאָה (nᵉbûwʼâh, `{{H5016}}`) appears infrequently in the Hebrew Bible, which underscores its specific usage rather than its commonality. Its primary occurrences provide critical insight into its meaning:
* **[[2 Chronicles 15:8]]:** "When Asa heard these words and the prophecy of Oded the prophet, he took courage and removed the detestable idols from all the land of Judah and Benjamin and from the cities that he had captured in the hill country of Ephraim, and he repaired the altar of the Lord that was in front of the vestibule of the Lord." Here, נְבוּאָה refers to a genuine, God-given message delivered by Oded, identified explicitly as "the prophet." This prophecy serves as a divine impetus, inspiring King Asa to undertake significant religious reforms. It highlights the positive, transformative power of true prophecy.
* **[[Nehemiah 6:12]]:** "And I perceived that God had not sent him, but he pronounced this prophecy against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him." In this instance, נְבוּאָה is used to describe a message delivered by Shemaiah, which Nehemiah discerns is *not* from God. This context is crucial as it demonstrates that the term can refer to a *purported* prophecy, even a false or deceptive one. It emphasizes the necessity of discernment regarding the source and authenticity of any claimed divine utterance, illustrating that not every message labeled "prophecy" is genuinely from God.
These two occurrences encapsulate the dual nature of "prophecy" in the biblical narrative: it can be a true, divinely inspired message leading to righteous action, or it can be a deceptive, human-orchestrated fabrication masquerading as divine revelation.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of נְבוּאָה (nᵉbûwʼâh, `{{H5016}}`) is enriched by examining its linguistic and conceptual relatives:
* **נָבָא (nāḇāʼ, `{{H5012}}`):** The verbal root, meaning "to prophesy." This is the action from which the noun for "prophecy" is derived.
* **נָבִיא (nāḇîʼ, `{{H5030}}`):** "Prophet." This noun refers to the individual who delivers the נְבוּאָה. The prophet is God's spokesperson, chosen to convey His message.
* **חָזוֹן (ḥāzôn, `{{H2377}}`):** "Vision." Often used interchangeably or in parallel with "prophecy" as a mode of divine revelation, frequently involving visual apprehension of God's message.
* **מַרְאָה (marʼāh, `{{H4864}}`):** "Vision," "appearance." Similar to ḥāzôn, referring to a visual manifestation of divine truth.
* **דָּבָר (dāḇār, `{{H1697}}`):** "Word," "thing," "matter." This is perhaps the most common term for divine revelation in the Old Testament, frequently appearing as "the word of the Lord" (דְּבַר יְהוָה), which is the essence of prophetic communication.
* **Concepts:** The broader theological concepts associated with נְבוּאָה include divine inspiration, revelation, foretelling (predicting future events), forth-telling (speaking God's truth into a contemporary situation), divine communication, and the critical theme of discernment between true and false prophecy.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of נְבוּאָה (nᵉbûwʼâh, `{{H5016}}`) is profound, despite its limited occurrences:
* **Divine Communication:** At its core, נְבוּאָה signifies God's active engagement with humanity. It is a primary channel through which the Creator reveals His character, will, plans, and warnings to His people. This underscores a relational God who does not remain silent but speaks into human history.
* **Authority and Obligation:** When genuine, נְבוּאָה carries the full weight of divine authority. It is not mere human opinion or speculation but God's own utterance, demanding attention, belief, and obedience from those who hear it. King Asa's response in [[2 Chronicles 15:8]] exemplifies the proper reception of true prophecy.
* **The Necessity of Discernment:** The instance in [[Nehemiah 6:12]] is a potent reminder of the ever-present danger of false prophecy. It highlights the biblical emphasis on testing prophetic claims. Not every message proclaimed as "from God" is authentic; believers are called to discern the source and content of such messages, often by comparing them with established revelation and the character of God. This principle is vital for maintaining theological integrity and protecting the community from deception.
* **Guidance and Encouragement:** True נְבוּאָה serves as a source of divine guidance, encouragement, and a call to repentance or righteous action. It provides clarity in times of uncertainty and strengthens the resolve of God's people to live according to His ways.
### Summary
נְבוּאָה (nᵉbûwʼâh, `{{H5016}}`) is a specific Hebrew term for "prophecy" or "a prediction," derived from the verb "to prophesy" (נָבָא, `{{H5012}}`). Though rare in the Hebrew Bible, its occurrences are highly illustrative. It denotes a divinely inspired utterance, whether spoken or written, intended to convey God's will or future events. The term's usage in [[2 Chronicles 15:8]] demonstrates its role in conveying genuine divine messages that lead to reform and courage. Conversely, its appearance in [[Nehemiah 6:12]] underscores the critical need for discernment, as it can also refer to a deceptive, human-originated claim of prophecy. The study of נְבוּאָה emphasizes God's active communication with humanity, the inherent authority of His true word, and the crucial responsibility of believers to test all purported prophetic messages. It is intrinsically linked to the נָבִיא (nāḇîʼ, `{{H5030}}`), the prophet who serves as God's messenger.
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