### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **nâbîyʼ**, represented by `{{H5030}}`, is the primary term for a **prophet** or inspired man. Derived from the root `{{H5012}}` **nâbâʼ** (to prophesy), it signifies one who speaks or sings by divine inspiration. It appears **316 times** across **288 unique verses**, underscoring its vital role in the biblical record as a communicator of God's message.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, the **prophet** `{{H5030}}` functions as a divinely appointed spokesperson. God places His words directly into the prophet's mouth to be spoken to the people [[Deuteronomy 18:18]]. This role is established with figures like Abraham, whom God calls a **prophet** [[Genesis 20:7]], and Aaron, who served as the **prophet** for Moses [[Exodus 7:1]]. The office is also central to God's relationship with Israel, as He reveals His secrets to "his servants the prophets" [[Amos 3:7]]. However, the Bible frequently warns against false prophets who speak a "vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD" [[Jeremiah 23:16]] and who prophesy lies in God's name [[Jeremiah 14:14]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the scope of the prophetic office:
* `{{H5012}}` **nâbâʼ** (to prophesy): The root verb from which **nâbîyʼ** is derived, it describes the act of speaking or singing by inspiration, whether in simple discourse or prediction [[Joel 2:28]].
* `{{H2374}}` **chôzeh** (seer): Often used in parallel with **nâbîyʼ**, this term emphasizes one who beholds things in a vision. God testified to Israel through "all the prophets, and by all the seers" [[2 Kings 17:13]].
* `{{H2377}}` **châzôwn** (vision): This word denotes the mental sight, dream, or oracle that a **prophet** receives. False prophets are condemned for speaking a **vision** of their own heart [[Jeremiah 23:16]].
* `{{H5031}}` **nᵉbîyʼâh** (prophetess): The feminine form of **nâbîyʼ**, used for inspired women such as Miriam [[Exodus 15:20]] and Huldah [[2 Kings 22:14]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5030}}` is demonstrated in its various applications:
* **Divine Communication:** The **prophet** is the primary agent through whom God communicates His will, plans, and judgments. God makes Himself known to a **prophet** in a vision and speaks to him in a dream [[Numbers 12:6]].
* **Call to Repentance:** Prophets were sent to call people back to God's ways. They cried out, "Turn ye now from your evil ways" [[Zechariah 1:4]], and testified against the people to turn them back to God's law [[Nehemiah 9:26]].
* **The Prophetic Test:** Scripture provides a clear distinction between true and false prophets. A **prophet** who presumes to speak a word not commanded by God is to be put to death [[Deuteronomy 18:20]].
* **The Promised Prophet:** The office culminates in the promise that God would raise up a future **Prophet** from among the brethren, like Moses, to whom the people must hearken [[Deuteronomy 18:15]].
### Summary
In summary, **nâbîyʼ** `{{H5030}}` defines far more than a simple foreteller of events. It designates an individual called by God to be His servant and spokesperson, tasked with delivering His specific words to a nation. Whether calling for repentance, revealing God's secrets, or pointing to a future **Prophet** like Moses, the **nâbîyʼ** is a cornerstone figure in the relationship between God and His people, embodying the channel through which divine communication flows.
TRV