Prophetesses
/PROF-eh-tes-ez/
Summary
Prophetesses were women through whom God spoke, recognized in both Old and New Testament times.
☩Old Testament Prophetesses
Several women are explicitly called prophetesses: Miriam led Israel in song after the Red Sea crossing; Deborah judged Israel and prophesied Sisera's defeat; Huldah was consulted by Josiah's officials regarding the discovered law scroll; Isaiah's wife is called 'the prophetess.' Noadiah was a false prophetess who opposed Nehemiah.
Key verses:Exodus 15:20Judges 4:42 Kings 22:14Isaiah 8:3Nehemiah 6:14
☩New Testament Prophetesses
Anna prophesied concerning the infant Jesus at the temple. Philip the evangelist had four virgin daughters who prophesied. Joel's prophecy, quoted at Pentecost, declared that daughters and maidservants would prophesy when God poured out His Spirit. Jezebel is condemned in Revelation as a false prophetess.
Key verses:Luke 2:36-38Acts 21:9Acts 2:17-18Revelation 2:20
Related Verses11 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Prophetess," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. VIII (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).