Brief Overview of προφήτης (Strong’s G4396: prophētēs)

Strong’s G4396: A masculine noun derived from πρό (before/forth) and φημί (to speak), meaning a prophet or spokesperson for God. Used extensively in biblical contexts to describe those who receive and communicate divine revelation, including both foretelling and forth-telling of God’s truth.

U- Unveiling the Word

Προφήτης represents one who speaks for God, combining the concepts of divine inspiration and authoritative proclamation. The term encompasses both those who predict future events and those who declare God’s truth for their present time. In New Testament usage, it appears first referring to Old Testament prophets and extends to New Testament prophetic ministry. The early church understood this term as describing both the authoritative prophets of Scripture and the ongoing prophetic ministry in the church. Today, it continues to inform our understanding of both biblical prophecy and contemporary prophetic ministry.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: προφήτης, prophētēs, /pro-FE-tēs/
• Detailed pronunciation: pro (as in ‘pro’) + fe (as in ‘faith’) + tēs (as in ‘tease’)
• Part of Speech: Noun (masculine)

Etymology:

• πρό (pro-) – prefix meaning “before/forth”
• φημί (phēmi) – verb meaning “to speak”
• -της (-tēs) – noun suffix indicating agent
  The combination describes one who speaks forth divine messages.

D – Defining Meanings

• Prophet
• Divine spokesperson
• Inspired messenger

For compound words:
While not strictly compound, its elements combine to express one who speaks forth on God’s behalf.

Translation Options:

1. “Prophet” – Best captures both predictive and declarative roles
2. “Spokesperson for God” – Emphasizes representative role
3. “Divine messenger” – Highlights inspired nature

E – Exploring Similar Words

• μάντις (mantis, /MAN-tis/) – Diviner, soothsayer
  See G3132
• ἀπόστολος (apostolos, /a-PO-sto-los/) – Apostle
  See G652
• διδάσκαλος (didaskalos, /di-DAS-ka-los/) – Teacher
  See G1320

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a masculine noun, προφήτης exhibits these morphological features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine
• Declension: First

Example forms:

• Nominative singular: προφήτης
• Genitive singular: προφήτου
• Dative singular: προφήτῃ
• Accusative singular: προφήτην

Related words in other parts of speech:

• προφητεύω (prophēteuō) – verb meaning “to prophesy”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both predictive and declarative functions. Thayer’s notes its development from pagan to biblical usage. LSJ provides examples from religious contexts. Vine’s highlights its divine authorization. Strong’s emphasizes speaking forth God’s message. Moulton and Milligan cite examples from religious documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
“All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the [προφήτης] prophet.” Matthew 1:22

Additional References:
Matthew 2:17
Mark 1:2
Luke 1:70
John 1:23
Acts 3:22

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Προφήτης powerfully demonstrates God’s commitment to communicate with humanity through chosen vessels. The good news of King Jesus fulfills the prophets’ messages while establishing a new prophetic community that continues to speak His truth.

D – Did You Know?

1. This term distinguished biblical prophets from pagan oracles
2. It was used for both major and minor prophets in Scripture
3. Early Christian prophets were considered successors to Old Testament prophets

Strong’s G4396: A masculine noun derived from πρό (before/forth) and φημί (to speak), meaning a prophet or spokesperson for God. Used extensively in biblical contexts to describe those who receive and communicate divine revelation, including both foretelling and forth-telling of God’s truth.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: prophet, divine messenger, spokesperson, revelation, inspiration, prophecy, messenger, biblical prophet, spiritual gift, divine communication​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​