What Is Prophecy in the Bible?
What Is Prophecy in the Bible? Biblical prophecy is God's message delivered through chosen individuals, including both forthtelling (proclaiming truth) and foretelling (predicting future events).
Key verse: 2 Peter 1:21 (KJV)
Biblical prophecy is God's message delivered through chosen individuals, including both forthtelling (proclaiming truth) and foretelling (predicting future events).
Biblical prophecy is God's message delivered through chosen individuals, including both forthtelling (proclaiming truth) and foretelling (predicting future events).
"For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." — 2 Peter 1:21 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
Prophecy in the Bible serves two primary functions: forthtelling—boldly declaring God's truth to the present situation—and foretelling—predicting future events. Old Testament prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel both confronted sin in their day and predicted future events, many concerning the Messiah. The test of a true prophet was 100% accuracy (Deuteronomy 18:22). New Testament prophecy includes encouragement, comfort, and edification of the church (1 Corinthians 14:3). The gift of prophecy continues to operate in the church, though all prophecy must be tested against Scripture (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21). The ultimate purpose of prophecy is to point people to Christ (Revelation 19:10).
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Key Scripture References
"For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost."
"When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously."
"For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Are the Messianic Prophecies in the Old Testament?
Messianic prophecies are Old Testament predictions about the coming Messiah, fulfilled in Jesus Christ, including His birth, ministry, death, and resurrection.
What Is the Book of Revelation About?
Revelation is the final book of the Bible, containing prophetic visions of the end times, Christ's ultimate victory, and the new heaven and earth.
Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead?
The Bible presents the resurrection as historical fact, supported by eyewitness testimony, an empty tomb, and transformed lives.
Is Jesus God?
Yes — the Bible teaches that Jesus is fully God and fully man, the second person of the Trinity.
What Is the Trinity?
The Trinity is the doctrine that God exists as three persons — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — in one divine being.
Deep Dive Commentary
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Read it in context
The answer above sits inside 2 Peter. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read 2 Peter on day 349 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
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