נְבִיאָה (ne.vi.ah)
ne.vi.ah
prophetess
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun neviyah simply means "prophetess," serving as the feminine form of the word for a male prophet. It appears only six times in the Old Testament, yet these brief mentions reveal a role that was not monolithic but varied significantly depending on the context and the individual involved.
Lexical sources highlight distinct categories within this single term. In earlier narratives like Exodus 15:20, Miriam is described as a neviyah associated with song and celebration after the crossing of the Red Sea. By contrast, in later historical books such as 2 Kings 22:14, Huldah is consulted specifically to deliver a authoritative word from God regarding the law scroll, showing a more formal prophetic function.
The term also encompasses negative examples and relational statuses. Noadiah is identified as a false prophetess who opposed Nehemiah’s rebuilding efforts (Nehemiah 6:14), while Isaiah 8:3 refers to the wife of the prophet Isaiah by this title, suggesting her active participation in his ministry rather than merely her marital status.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word neviyah identifies a woman who speaks for God, appearing just six times in the Old Testament. This rarity highlights that while prophetic roles were not common for women, they were real and significant when they occurred. The term does not imply a lesser status but rather a specific calling to deliver divine messages or lead worship.
These brief mentions show diverse expressions of faith. Miriam led celebration after the Red Sea crossing, Deborah guided Israel as a judge, and Huldah confirmed God’s law during a time of national crisis. Even in difficult contexts, like Nehemiah facing opposition, the presence of a prophetess reminds us that spiritual discernment was active across all areas of life.
For your faith today, this word invites you to recognize that God calls people from every background to serve Him. Whether through leadership, worship, or quiet obedience, your voice matters in His story. It encourages confidence that the Holy Spirit works through many channels to guide and strengthen His people.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ prophetess5×
- a prophetess1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/נְּבִיאָ֜ה3×
- נְבִיאָ֔ה1×
- הַ/נְּבִיאָה֙1×
- הַ/נְּבִיאָ֔ה1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 15:20
Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a tambourine in her hand; and all the women went out after her with tambourines and with dances.
Miriam is called a prophetess while leading women in song, showing this role included public worship leadership.
-
Judges 4:4
Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, judged Israel at that time.
Deborah holds the title of prophetess while judging Israel, linking spiritual authority with civil governance.
-
II Kings 22:14
So Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam, Achbor, Shaphan, and Asaiah went to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe (now she lived in Jerusalem in the second quarter); and they talked with her.
Huldah is consulted by high officials to interpret the law scroll, demonstrating her recognized authority in delivering God's word.
-
Isaiah 8:3
I went to the prophetess, and she conceived, and bore a son. Then Yahweh said to me, “Call his name ‘Maher Shalal Hash Baz.’
The text refers to Isaiah’s wife as a prophetess, suggesting she participated actively in his prophetic ministry rather than just holding a marital title.