The meaning of “נָבִיא”
Understanding nâbîyʼ reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
prophecy, that prophesy, prophet. - a prophet or (generally) inspired man 1) spokesman, speaker, prophet 1a) prophet 1b)...
נָבִיא
prophecy, that prophesy, prophet. - a prophet or (generally) inspired man 1) spokesman, speaker, prophet 1a) prophet 1b) false prophet 1c) heathen prophet
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Genesis 20:7 | “Now therefore restore the man his wife; for he is a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore her not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that are thine.” Word: נָבִיא (nâbîyʼ) | |
| 2 Samuel 12:25 | “And he sent by the hand of Nathan the prophet; and he called his name Jedidiah, because of the Lord.” Word: נָבִיא (nâbîyʼ) | |
| Ezra 9:11 | “Which thou hast commanded by thy servants the prophets, saying, The land, unto which ye go to possess it, is an unclean land with the filthiness of the people of the lands, with their abominations, which have filled it from one end to another with their uncleanness.” Word: נָבִיא (nâbîyʼ) | |
| Lamentations 2:20 | “Behold, O Lord, and consider to whom thou hast done this. Shall the women eat their fruit, and children of a span long? shall the priest and the prophet be slain in the sanctuary of the Lord?” Word: נָבִיא (nâbîyʼ) | |
| Micah 3:6 | “Therefore night shall be unto you, that ye shall not have a vision; and it shall be dark unto you, that ye shall not divine; and the sun shall go down over the prophets, and the day shall be dark over them.” Word: נָבִיא (nâbîyʼ) |
Usage Statistics
Related Words
Cross-referenced Strong's numbers with semantic or etymological connections.
Theological Word Study: Prophet
Old Testament Usage
Meaning: Prophet, spokesman
The Hebrew navi (נָבִיא) means prophet—one who speaks God's word to the people. Prophets received divine revelation and declared God's message, often calling Israel to repentance and foretelling future events.
New Testament Usage
Meaning: Prophet
The Greek prophētēs (προφήτης) denotes a prophet—one who speaks forth God's message. Jesus was recognized as 'a prophet mighty in deed and word' (Luke 24:19), fulfilling and surpassing the prophetic office.