נְבָא (ne.va)
ne.va
to prophesy
A:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:V
Word Overview
The word neva is an Aramaic verb meaning to prophesy, appearing only once in the Hebrew Bible within the book of Ezra. It functions as a cognate to the more common Hebrew verb nava (H5012), sharing the same core definition but reflecting the linguistic shift toward Aramaic in later biblical texts.
In this single occurrence, the form is identified as Ithpael, which typically indicates a reflexive or reciprocal action. This grammatical structure suggests that those prophesying were acting as prophets, engaging in the role or office itself rather than merely speaking inspired words. The usage highlights how the concept of prophecy persisted even as the language of the Jewish community transitioned from Hebrew to Aramaic during the post-exilic period.
Its presence in Ezra underscores the continuity of prophetic activity within the restored community, despite the changing linguistic landscape. By using an Aramaic term for a practice traditionally described in Hebrew, the text bridges the gap between earlier Israelite traditions and the lived reality of the exiles, showing that spiritual gifts were recognized across cultural and linguistic boundaries.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
In Ezra 5:1, we see a small but significant detail about how faith adapts to new circumstances. The text uses an Aramaic word for prophesying at a time when Hebrew was still the primary language of Israel's religious identity. This shift shows that God’s communication did not stop because the language changed; instead, it met people where they were.
This moment reminds us that spiritual gifts and divine guidance are not bound by tradition or vocabulary. When Haggai and Zechariah spoke, they did so in a language familiar to their audience, ensuring the message was understood. It suggests that clarity and connection matter deeply when sharing truth with others.
For your own life, this offers encouragement. You do not need perfect words or ancient languages to be used by God. What matters is willingness to speak what you have received, trusting that He will make it clear to those who need to hear it.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ he prophesied1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/הִתְנַבִּ֞י1×
Key Verses
-
Ezra 5:1
Now the prophets, Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied to the Jews who were in Judah and Jerusalem. They prophesied to them in the name of the God of Israel.
This verse highlights the use of an Aramaic verb for prophesying, showing that the prophetic office continued through Haggai and Zechariah even as the community's language shifted.