προφητεύω (prophēteuō)
prophēteuō
to prophesy
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 27 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb prophēteuō describes speaking forth divine counsel under inspiration, a role that goes beyond simple prediction. In the New Testament it appears in contexts where believers declare God’s truths or receive revelation, as seen when Zechariah speaks inspired words about his son (Luke 1:67) or when Paul instructs the church to desire spiritual gifts for building up others (1 Corinthians 14:1). The act is fundamentally about communication from God to people.
While foretelling future events is part of its range, as in Acts 2:17 where Peter cites Joel about sons and daughters prophesying, the sources emphasize this is incidental rather than essential. Often the word refers to teaching, refuting, or comforting others through inspired speech (1 Corinthians 14:3-5). It captures a broad ministry of proclaiming what can only be known by divine revelation.
Its root connects to prophētēs, meaning one who stands before or speaks for another. This etymology highlights the representative nature of the role: the prophet does not originate the message but delivers it. Translators typically use "prophesy," though this English term can narrow the sense to future prediction alone, missing the broader scope of inspired declaration and edification found in the Greek text.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word prophēteuō points to a ministry of speaking what God has revealed, rather than merely guessing the future. When believers engage in this act, they are sharing truth that builds up the community, offers comfort, and encourages others in their faith. It is less about predicting events and more about declaring God’s heart for the present moment.
In 1 Corinthians 14:3, we see that this speaking is meant for edification, exhortation, and consolation. This means your words can be a source of strength for someone struggling or a reminder of hope for those who have lost their way. The goal is always the spiritual growth and comfort of others.
While some figures in Scripture spoke under direct inspiration, like Zechariah in Luke 1:67, the broader call is for all believers to desire this gift. It invites you to listen closely to God so that you might speak life into the lives of those around you, fostering a community grounded in divine truth.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 27 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- prophesying5×
- prophesied3×
- to prophesy,2×
- do prophesy2×
- you may prophesy;1×
- you may prophesy.1×
- will prophesy1×
- were prophesying.1×
- we prophesy;1×
- we did prophesy1×
- to prophesy1×
- they will prophesy.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπροφήτευσεν4×
- προφητεύων4×
- προφήτευσον,2×
- προφητεύσουσιν2×
- προφητεύειν,2×
- ἐπροφήτευσαν.1×
- ἐπροφήτευον.1×
- ἐπροφητεύσαμεν1×
- προφήτευσον1×
- προφητεῦσαι1×
- προφητεύωσιν,1×
- προφητεύσουσιν.1×
Key Verses
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I Corinthians 14:3
But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, exhortation, and consolation.
This verse defines the practical purpose of prophesying as speaking for the building up, encouragement, and comfort of the church.
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Luke 1:67
His father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying,
Zechariah’s prophecy demonstrates how being filled with the Spirit leads to inspired speech that reveals God’s redemptive plan.
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I Corinthians 14:1
Follow after love and earnestly desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.
Paul urges believers to earnestly desire spiritual gifts, placing prophesying at the top of the list for its communal benefit.
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Acts 2:17
‘It will be in the last days, says God, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh. Your sons and your daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions. Your old men will dream dreams.
Peter applies Joel’s prophecy to the Pentecost event, showing that sons and daughters would speak forth God’s message under the Spirit’s power.
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Matthew 7:22
Many will tell me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name, in your name cast out demons, and in your name do many mighty works?’
Jesus warns that claiming to prophesy is not enough if it is not accompanied by a genuine relationship with Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does prophēteuō mean in the New Testament?
Is prophesying only for special leaders?
How is prophesying different from speaking in tongues?
Every Occurrence (27 verses across 9 books)
Matthew 4 verses
Many will tell me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name, in your name cast out demons, and in your…
Matthew 11:13For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.
Matthew 15:7You hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, saying,
Matthew 26:68saying, “Prophesy to us, you Christ! Who hit you?”