Christian and Jewish prophecy (Hebrew: נבואה nĕbuw'ah, nf. prophecy, prediction, soothsaying, precognition, prevision, false, prophetic writing) refers to passages in the bible that predict future events and that are believed to be divinely inspired revelation. In a broad sense, prophecy is the prediction of future events.

The etymology of the word is:

1) to prophesy

a) (Niphal [1][2])

1) to prophesy
  a) under influence of divine spirit
  b) of false prophets

b) (Hithpael [1][3])

1) to prophesy
  a) under influence of divine spirit
  b) of false prophets

Throughout history, people have sought knowledge of future events from special individuals or groups who were thought to have the gift of prophecy, such as Oracles at Delphi in ancient Greece. Cultures in which prophecy played an important role include the North American Indians, Mayans, Celts, Druids, Chinese, Chaldeans, Assyrians, Egyptians, Hindus, Hebrews, Tibetans, Greeks, and many in the Christian tradition, among others.

The prophet Elijah in the wilderness
(larger image)

Many Bible verses contain prophecies. These are passages which either explicitly claim to foretell events, or are interpreted as foretelling events. These passages are widely distributed within the Bible, though the passages which are clearly prophetic in nature are much less prevalent.

Bible prophecy can be categorized into either declarations of actions God will take, or predictions of events that will occur. Some prophetic passages are depicted as direct statements of God, while others are described from the point of view of the original writers. In the sense that such Bible authors expressed this privileged perspective, they can be considered as prophets. The relevant scripture generally imbues the Biblical prophets with the ability to communicate with, or receive/interpret messages from God.

The books of the Old Testament (OT) prophets (typically Isaiah through Malachi), are largely characterized by God warning the Israelites to repent of their sins and idolatries with the threat of punishment as a consequence, and sometimes promises of rewards as an incentive. There are many retributions conferred against a variety of specific regions of the Middle East: blessings, ruinations, and amalgams of both. According to how the books are dated, many of these prophecies can be viewed as having been fulfilled within later Bible passages, especially in the New Testament (NT) (see above).

A second prophetic theme establishes the promise that a Messiah will be sent to deliver them from various difficulties, but again, only if they repent of their sins. Most modern Christians believe those Messianic prophecies to have been fulfilled by Jesus. Most people of the Jewish faith believe the Messiah will not arrive until Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem is rebuilt for its third standing. (see also The Temple Mount)

Eschatology

Yet another major theme occurs in the New Testament book of Revelation, in addition to many other passages such as in Daniel. This theme concerns a period referred to as the "End Times", or "Last Days". These passages are commonly interpreted to predict a final world-wide dictator who will bring unparalleled destruction, culminating in the battle of Armageddon. Following these events the world is to continue for a thousand years of peace under Messianic rule. The Biblical teachings of these issues form one basis of study in regard to the general study of "last things", or eschatology.

Views of Bible prophecy

However, many Jews and Christians believe that prophetic detail is quite literal. Some prophecy interpreters uphold this principle of the literal view by providing detailed analysis of how prophecies were fulfilled accurately to the day. These interperative issues are related to the more general idea of how passages should be read or interpreted - a concept known as Biblical hermeneutics.

A separate issue concerns the source of the prophetic verse. Those who hold to the doctrine of Biblical inspiration assert that the God of the Bible spoke through the Biblical prophets in order to provide moral teaching, guidance, comfort, warning, or to foretell important events. They typically maintain that the Bible has detailed prophecies which have foretold the future, and see this as a verification of Biblical inspiration. In this view it is usually maintained that no Bible prophecy has ever failed, or ever will. Bible prophecy is an area which is often discussed in regard to Christian apologetics.

Some scholars and historians who read the Bible today hold that it contains no accurate predictions of the future at all. Instead, it is the readers of the Bible who are creating what they see as "prophecy". This common psychological tendency is known as postdiction--retroactive clairvoyance, or prediction after the fact. In the last century this view has been accepted by many in Judaism, Catholic Christianity, in theologically liberal branches of Protestant Christianity, and in Unitarian Universalism. However, this view is totally rejected by Evangelical and Fundamentalist Christians.

Critics of Bible prophecy state that prophetic verses are largely vague, and are ambiguous enough to allow an excessive flexibility of interpretation. Others claim that there are prophecies which either were not, or could not be fulfilled within certain time frames which have already expired. The remaining prophecies which do appear to have been fulfilled are attributed to coincidence, or to being written after the fact. The establishment of facts related to events two millennia ago makes scientific proof of specific prophecies problematic.

Over the centuries there have been many proponents and detractors of Bible prophecy. For example, Professor Peter Stoner and Dr. Hawley O. Taylor believed the Bible prophecies were credible, sufficiently detailed and did not occur by mere chance. On the other hand, neo-Platonist philosopher Porphyry of Tyros argued for example that the eleventh chapter of Daniel was written around 165 B.C. rather than at the time of the Babylonian exile period of 6th century B.C. when the book was purported to have been written. Another example, would be that Arthur C. Custance maintained that the Ezekiel Tyre prophecy (Ezek. 26:1-11; 29:17-20) was very remarkable. On the other hand, scholar Gustave Holscher maintained that certain passages of the book of Ezekiel were not written by a pre-Exilic prophet of Israel but were later added in the Persian period.

Generally speaking those who have a high view of the Bible and believe it is supported by good evidence are more likely to take a Biblical inerrancy view or have conservative theological views. On the other side of the aisle are those who believe the Bible is supported by some or very poor evidence and they take a more theologically liberal view. How one views Bible prophecy is ultimately personal, dependending on how convincing or compelling the prophecies are, how well contemporary evidence appears to support it, and how one's interpretation of faith instructs. For example, Bible scholars like Dr. Norman Geisler would tend to believe in the integrity of the Bible and its prophecies and that non-Bible prophets and psychics are not comparable. On the other hand, Barton and Muddiman editors of the Oxford Bible Commentary say they take a "chastened historical criticism" approach - which is to say that the Bible's critics, while not inerrant, have made some fair criticisms of the Bible and its claims.

Modern perspectives

Among many religions the prophecy that Jesus will return to Earth (second coming) is highly important. Since 32 CE, many specific timeframes for this prediction have been declared by individuals and groups (such as Jehovah's Witnesses), although many of these dates have expired without the occurrences predicted - (see "Timeline of unfulfilled Christian Prophecy"). Evidence suggests that more than ever modern evangelicals believe the current generation will see this monumentous event. An official statement of the Vatican asserts, "we are already in the last hour" (statement 670).

Although there are many variations in perspective among religious believers, a few specific events which are commonly held by many of dispensationalist inclination (A nineteenth century distortion of Biblical history) have been attributed to Bible passages:

• The revival of Israel as a nation, (last generation before Christ): Parable of the fig tree, Matt.24:32, Mark 13:28, Luke 21:29
• The European Union, (revived Roman Empire): Daniel 2
• Various tribulation events: Matt. 24:4, Mark 13:5, Luke 21:5
• War in Iraq -> Jeremiah 50 "Concerning Babylon, A nation from the north will capture her" -- It is important to note that Iraq has been conquered several times by Ottoman Turks, British, Persians, Greeks, Arabs, etc. (although maybe only captured specifically and not conquered by the British, there is a distinct difference. see also: Iraq Maps)

Additionally, some popular conjectures on the progression of currently existing situations into prophecy fulfillment include:

• Implantable microchip identification -> Mark of the beast, Rev.13:16
• E.U. involvement in Middle East peace -> Antichrist & peace treaty, Dan.9:27,11:21, Rev.13
• The new Sanhedrin, plans for new Temple (Many end-time passages require Temple to exist)

In the 1990's, a new way to prophetically interpret the Bible was instigated. Proposed by Eliyahu Rips, it was said that words and short phrases were hidden in the Hebrew Bible as skip-letter sequences (every 30th letter, for example). The mathematical probability for several coded words which are related to occur within the same area of the Bible was calculated to be enormously greater than chance. The code reportedly predicted the assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, a year in advance. A comprehensive explanation of how this phenomenon can occur naturally was later published in 1999 by Brendan McKay et. al., although the Bible code continues to be explored and debated.

Classifications of Biblical prophecy

• General — Bible Prophecies that deal with various places and people.
• Eschatology — The prophecies concerning the last things.
• Christian eschatology — Christian viewpoint of final events.
• Millennialism — Belief in a thousand year reign of Christ on earth
• Israelology — Prophecies concerning Israel, the nation, the people, and the man.
• Messianic — The prophecies concerning the Messiah (see list above).

Some Bible verses related to prophecy

1. 1 Samuel 2:27

   [ Prophecy Against the House of Eli ] Now a man of God came to Eli and said to him, "This is what the LORD says: 'Did I not clearly reveal myself to your father's house when they were in Egypt under Pharaoh?

2. 1 Samuel 2:26-28

    

3. 1 Kings 14:1

   [ Ahijah's Prophecy Against Jeroboam ] At that time Abijah son of Jeroboam became ill..

4. 2 Kings 9:25

   Jehu said to Bidkar, his chariot officer, "Pick him up and throw him on the field that belonged to Naboth the Jezreelite. Remember how you and I were riding together in chariots behind Ahab his father when the LORD made this prophecy about him..

5. 2 Chronicles 9:29

   [ Solomon's Death ] As for the other events of Solomon's reign, from beginning to end, are they not written in the records of Nathan the prophet, in the prophecy of Ahijah the Shilonite and in the visions of Iddo the seer concerning Jeroboam son of Nebat?

6. 2 Chronicles 15:8

   When Asa heard these words and the prophecy of Azariah son of Oded the prophet, he took courage. He removed the detestable idols from the whole land of Judah and Benjamin and from the towns he had captured in the hills of Ephraim. He repaired the altar of the LORD that was in front of the portico of the LORD's temple.

7. Isaiah 13:1

   [ A Prophecy Against Babylon ] An oracle concerning Babylon that Isaiah son of Amoz saw:

8. Isaiah 14:24

   [ A Prophecy Against Assyria ] The LORD Almighty has sworn, "Surely, as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will stand.

9. Isaiah 14:28

   [ A Prophecy Against the Philistines ] This oracle came in the year King Ahaz died:

10. Isaiah 15:1

    [ A Prophecy Against Moab ] An oracle concerning Moab: Ar in Moab is ruined, destroyed in a night! Kir in Moab is ruined, destroyed in a night!

11. Isaiah 18:1

    [ A Prophecy Against Cush ] Woe to the land of whirring wings along the rivers of Cush,

12. Isaiah 19:1

    [ A Prophecy About Egypt ] An oracle concerning Egypt: See, the LORD rides on a swift cloud and is coming to Egypt. The idols of Egypt tremble before him, and the hearts of the Egyptians melt within them.

13. Isaiah 20:1

    [ A Prophecy Against Egypt and Cush ] In the year that the supreme commander, sent by Sargon king of Assyria, came to Ashdod and attacked and captured it-

14. Isaiah 21:1

    [ A Prophecy Against Babylon ] An oracle concerning the Desert by the Sea: Like whirlwinds sweeping through the southland, an invader comes from the desert, from a land of terror.

15. Isaiah 21:11

    [ A Prophecy Against Edom ] An oracle concerning Dumah : Someone calls to me from Seir, "Watchman, what is left of the night? Watchman, what is left of the night?"

16. Isaiah 21:13

    [ A Prophecy Against Arabia ] An oracle concerning Arabia: You caravans of Dedanites, who camp in the thickets of Arabia,

17. Isaiah 22:1

    [ A Prophecy About Jerusalem ] An oracle concerning the Valley of Vision: What troubles you now, that you have all gone up on the roofs,

18. Isaiah 23:1

    [ A Prophecy About Tyre ] An oracle concerning Tyre: Wail, O ships of Tarshish! For Tyre is destroyed and left without house or harbor. From the land of Cyprus word has come to them.

19. Ezekiel 6:1

    [ A Prophecy Against the Mountains of Israel ] The word of the LORD came to me:

20. Ezekiel 14:9

    " 'And if the prophet is enticed to utter a prophecy, I the LORD have enticed that prophet, and I will stretch out my hand against him and destroy him from among my people Israel.

21. Ezekiel 20:45

    [ Prophecy Against the South ] The word of the LORD came to me:

22. Ezekiel 25:1

    [ A Prophecy Against Ammon ] The word of the LORD came to me:

23. Ezekiel 25:8

    [ A Prophecy Against Moab ] "This is what the Sovereign LORD says: 'Because Moab and Seir said, "Look, the house of Judah has become like all the other nations,"

24. Ezekiel 25:12

    [ A Prophecy Against Edom ] "This is what the Sovereign LORD says: 'Because Edom took revenge on the house of Judah and became very guilty by doing so,

25. Ezekiel 25:15

    [ A Prophecy Against Philistia ] "This is what the Sovereign LORD says: 'Because the Philistines acted in vengeance and took revenge with malice in their hearts, and with ancient hostility sought to destroy Judah,

26. Ezekiel 26:1

    [ A Prophecy Against Tyre ] In the eleventh year, on the first day of the month, the word of the LORD came to me:

27. Ezekiel 28:1

    [ A Prophecy Against the King of Tyre ] The word of the LORD came to me:

28. Ezekiel 28:20

    [ A Prophecy Against Sidon ] The word of the LORD came to me:

29. Ezekiel 29:1

    [ A Prophecy Against Egypt ] In the tenth year, in the tenth month on the twelfth day, the word of the LORD came to me:

30. Ezekiel 35:1

    [ A Prophecy Against Edom ] The word of the LORD came to me:

31. Ezekiel 36:1

    [ A Prophecy to the Mountains of Israel ] "Son of man, prophesy to the mountains of Israel and say, 'O mountains of Israel, hear the word of the LORD.

32. Ezekiel 38:1

    [ A Prophecy Against Gog ] The word of the LORD came to me:

33. Daniel 9:24

    "Seventy 'sevens' are decreed for your people and your holy city to finish transgression, to put an end to sin, to atone for wickedness, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the most holy.

34. Matthew 13:14

    In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: " 'You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.

35. 1 Corinthians 12:10

    to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.

36. 1 Corinthians 13:2

    If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

37. 1 Corinthians 14:1

    [ Gifts of Prophecy and Tongues ] Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.

38. 1 Corinthians 14:6

    Now, brothers, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction?

39. 1 Corinthians 14:22

    Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is for believers, not for unbelievers.

40. 2 Thessalonians 2:2

    not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by some prophecy, report or letter supposed to have come from us, saying that the day of the Lord has already come.

41. 2 Peter 1:12

    [ Prophecy of Scripture ] So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have.

42. 2 Peter 1:20

    Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation.

43. 2 Peter 1:21

    For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

44. Revelation 1:3

    Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.

45. Revelation 19:10

    At this I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, "Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy."

46. Revelation 22:7

    [ Jesus Is Coming ] "Behold, I am coming soon! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy in this book."

47. Revelation 22:10

    Then he told me, "Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, because the time is near.

48. Revelation 22:18

    I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book.

49. Revelation 22:19

    And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.

linguistics

The Classical Hebrew verb conjugates according to person and number in two finite tenses, the perfect and the imperfect. Both of these can then be modified by means of prefixes and suffixes to create other "actions" of the verb. This is not exactly parallel to any categories of grammatical voice or mood in the Indo-European languages, but can produce similar results. So the «  niphal is effectively a passive, the pial is an emphatic form and the «  hithpael has a middle or reflexive force. The qal is any form of the finite verb paradigm which is not so modified.