Prophecies in the Bible are divine revelations or messages delivered by prophets, who are chosen individuals inspired by God to communicate His will and future events to His people. These messages often include foretelling future events, providing guidance, warning of impending judgment, or offering hope and encouragement. Prophecies are a significant aspect of biblical literature, spanning both the Old and New Testaments, and they play a crucial role in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.

Old Testament Prophecies

The Old Testament is rich with prophetic literature, with books specifically dedicated to the messages of prophets such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel, among others. These prophets addressed the spiritual and moral state of Israel and Judah, calling the people to repentance and faithfulness to the covenant with God. They also foretold events such as the Babylonian exile and the eventual restoration of Israel.

One of the most significant themes in Old Testament prophecy is the coming of the Messiah, a future anointed king who would establish God's kingdom on earth. Isaiah 9:6-7 speaks of this promise: "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end."

New Testament Fulfillment

The New Testament presents Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah. The Gospels frequently reference these prophecies to demonstrate that Jesus is the promised Savior. For instance, Matthew 1:22-23 states, "All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'Behold, the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel' (which means, 'God with us')."

In addition to fulfilling messianic prophecies, Jesus Himself prophesied about future events, including His own death and resurrection, the coming of the Holy Spirit, and the destruction of the Jerusalem temple. The Book of Revelation, attributed to the Apostle John, contains apocalyptic prophecies concerning the end times, the final judgment, and the establishment of a new heaven and earth.

Role and Purpose of Prophecy

Prophecy serves several purposes in the biblical narrative. It acts as a means of divine communication, revealing God's character, His plans, and His expectations for humanity. Prophecies often call for repentance and a return to righteousness, serving as a warning to those who stray from God's commandments. They also provide hope and assurance of God's sovereignty and faithfulness, especially during times of trial and uncertainty.

The Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of prophecy within the church, encouraging believers to earnestly desire spiritual gifts, especially prophecy, for the edification of the church (1 Corinthians 14:1). Prophecy is seen as a gift that builds up the body of Christ, offering encouragement, comfort, and instruction.

Testing and Discernment

The Bible also provides guidance on discerning true prophecy from false prophecy. Deuteronomy 18:21-22 offers a test: "You may ask in your heart, 'How can we recognize a message that the LORD has not spoken?' When a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD and the message does not come to pass or come true, that is a message the LORD has not spoken. The prophet has spoken presumptuously; do not be afraid of him."

In the New Testament, believers are urged to test all things and hold fast to what is good (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21). This discernment is crucial in maintaining the integrity of the prophetic message and ensuring that it aligns with the truth of Scripture.

Prophecies remain a vital component of the Christian faith, offering insight into God's eternal purposes and His ongoing relationship with humanity. Through the study of biblical prophecy, believers gain a deeper understanding of God's plan for salvation and the hope of future glory.761. asaleutos -- unmoved
... [Heb 12:26b-28b prophesies the coming of "the new heavens and the new earth"
for the New Jerusalem.]. Word Origin from alpha (as a neg. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/761.htm - 7k

4395. propheteuo -- to foretell, tell forth, prophesy
... Word Origin from prophetes Definition to foretell, tell forth, prophesy NASB Word
Usage prophesied (5), prophesies (3), prophesy (16), prophesying (3 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4395.htm - 8k

5012. naba -- to prophesy
... Word Origin denominative verb from nabi Definition to prophesy NASB Word Usage
prophesied (31), prophesies (8), prophesy (55), prophesying (19), raved (2). ...
/hebrew/5012.htm - 6k

2 Samuel xxiii. 1-7.
... David, the son of Jesse, prophesies, and the man prophesies who was raised up on
high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and sweet in the Psalms of Israel.". ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/2 samuel xxiii 1-7.htm

Philosophy is Knowledge Given by God.
... Plainly, when about to prophesy. But if he prophesies as an angel of light,
he will speak what is true. And if he prophesies what ...
/.../the stromata or miscellanies/chapter viii philosophy is knowledge given.htm

A Common Mistake and Lame Excuse
... I wonder if there is anybody here now whom that fits, who meets the preaching of
the gospel with a shrug, and with this saying, 'He prophesies of the times ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/a common mistake and lame.htm

Isaiah.
... in the New Testament than any of the other prophets and, because of the relation
of his teaching to New Testament times and teachings, his prophesies have been ...
/.../gerberding/the way of salvation in the lutheran church/chapter xv isaiah.htm

The Restoration.
... It is now about 150 years since Isaiah in his prophesies called Cyrus by name and
predicted that he should restore God's captive people to their own land and ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xvi the restoration.htm

Whether Prophets Always Know the Things which they Prophesy?
... Therefore the prophet is not ignorant of what he prophesies. ... Now Caiphas knew
this not. Therefore not every prophet knows what he prophesies. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether prophets always know the.htm

The Heavenly Workers and the Earthly Watchers
... to the world, as on some coronation day, its King on His throne, girded with power
and holding the far-reaching sceptre of the universe; it prophesies for men ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the heavenly workers and the.htm

Humbly Inscribed to his Grace the Duke of Newcastle, one of his ...
... 130. And bloated sons; and, weeping, prophesies. Another's dissolution, soon,
in flames. But, like Cassandra, prophesies in vain; In ...
/.../young/youngs night thoughts/humbly inscribed to his grace.htm

A Letter to Origen from Africanus About the History of Susanna.
... Now, in the first place, it is always in some other way that Daniel prophesies"by
visions, and dreams, and an angel appearing to him, never by prophetic ...
//christianbookshelf.org/origen/origens letters/a letter to origen from.htm

Fathers and Children'
... Elias; and how the Lord Jesus himself declared plainly that John the Baptist was
Elijah who was to come; that is, the Elijah of whom Malachi prophesies in my ...
/.../kingsley/sermons for the times/sermon i fathers and children.htm

Prophesies (17 Occurrences)
...Prophesies (17 Occurrences). ... (WEY RSV NIV). 1 Corinthians 14:3 But he who prophesies
speaks to men for their edification, exhortation, and consolation. ...
/p/prophesies.htm - 11k

Speaks (109 Occurrences)
... (WEB WEY DBY NAS RSV NIV). 1 Corinthians 14:3 But he who prophesies speaks to men
for their edification, exhortation, and consolation. (WEB WEY DBY NAS RSV NIV) ...
/s/speaks.htm - 34k

Tahpanhes (7 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah describes the flight of the Jews from their ruined capital to Tahpanhes
after the death of Gedaliah (43:1-7) and prophesies that Nebuchadnezzar shall ...
/t/tahpanhes.htm - 14k

Edification (10 Occurrences)
... (KJV DBY WBS YLT NAS). 1 Corinthians 14:3 But he who prophesies speaks to
men for their edification, exhortation, and consolation. ...
/e/edification.htm - 10k

Stab (1 Occurrence)
... Zechariah 13:3 It will happen that, when anyone still prophesies, then his father
and his mother who bore him will tell him,'You must die, because you speak ...
/s/stab.htm - 7k

Appears (38 Occurrences)
... Zechariah 13:3 It will happen that, when anyone still prophesies, then his father
and his mother who bore him will tell him,'You must die, because you speak ...
/a/appears.htm - 17k

Prophesieth (13 Occurrences)

/p/prophesieth.htm - 10k

Assembly (371 Occurrences)
... (WEB DBY YLT). 1 Corinthians 14:4 He who speaks in another language edifies himself,
but he who prophesies edifies the assembly. (WEB DBY YLT). ...
/a/assembly.htm - 38k

Upbuilding (3 Occurrences)
... (WEY RSV). 1 Corinthians 14:3 But he who prophesies speaks to men for their
edification, exhortation, and consolation. (See RSV). ...
/u/upbuilding.htm - 7k

Latter (91 Occurrences)
... And, in fact, the man who prophesies is superior to him who speaks in 'tongues,'
except when the latter can interpret in order that the Church may get a ...
/l/latter.htm - 34k

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