Brief Overview of προφητικός (Strong’s G4397: prophētikos)

Strong’s G4397: An adjective derived from προφήτης (prophet), meaning prophetic or pertaining to prophecy. Used to describe divinely inspired Scripture and writings, emphasizing their authoritative nature and divine origin as revealed through the prophets.

U- Unveiling the Word

Προφητικός characterizes that which pertains to or proceeds from prophets and prophecy. As an adjectival form derived from προφήτης, it describes the nature and quality of prophetic revelation, particularly in written form. In its New Testament appearances, it specifically refers to the prophetic scriptures that testify to the gospel. The early church understood this term as validating both Old Testament prophecies and their fulfillment in Christ. Today, it continues to affirm the divine authority and enduring relevance of prophetic scripture.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: προφητικός, prophētikos, /pro-fē-TI-kos/
• Detailed pronunciation: pro (as in ‘pro’) + fē (as in ‘faith’) + ti (as in ‘tea’) + kos (as in ‘coast’)
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• προφήτης (prophētēs) – base noun meaning “prophet”
• -ικός (-ikos) – adjectival suffix meaning “pertaining to”
  Forms an adjective describing prophetic character or quality.

D – Defining Meanings

• Prophetic
• Of or relating to prophecy
• Having prophetic character

For compound words:
Not a compound word, but derives from προφήτης with the addition of the adjectival suffix -ικός.

Translation Options:

1. “Prophetic” – Best captures general character
2. “Of the prophets” – Emphasizes source
3. “Inspired by prophecy” – Highlights divine origin

E – Exploring Similar Words

• θεόπνευστος (theopneustos, /the-OP-neus-tos/) – God-breathed
  See G2315
• μαντικός (mantikos, /man-TI-kos/) – Oracular, divinatory
  See G3132
• ἀποστολικός (apostolikos, /a-po-sto-LI-kos/) – Apostolic
  See G652

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As an adjective, προφητικός exhibits these morphological features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine, Feminine, Neuter
• Declension: First/Second

Example forms:

• Masculine nominative singular: προφητικός
• Feminine nominative singular: προφητική
• Neuter nominative singular: προφητικόν

Related words in other parts of speech:

• προφητικῶς (prophētikōs) – adverb meaning “prophetically”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its connection to inspired Scripture. Thayer’s notes its use in describing prophetic writings. LSJ provides examples from religious contexts. Vine’s highlights its authority in Scripture. Strong’s emphasizes its derivation from prophet. Moulton and Milligan cite examples from religious documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
“But has now been disclosed and through the [προφητικός] prophetic writings has been made known to all nations.” Romans 16:26

Additional References:
2 Peter 1:19

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Προφητικός powerfully affirms the divine authority and reliability of prophetic scripture. The good news of King Jesus is authenticated by its fulfillment of these prophetic writings, showing God’s faithful plan of salvation unfolding through history.

D – Did You Know?

1. This term was used to distinguish genuine prophetic writings from false ones
2. Early Christians used it to validate Old Testament prophecies about Christ
3. It influenced the development of biblical canon criteria

Strong’s G4397: An adjective derived from προφήτης (prophet), meaning prophetic or pertaining to prophecy. Used to describe divinely inspired Scripture and writings, emphasizing their authoritative nature and divine origin as revealed through the prophets.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: prophetic, scripture, inspiration, prophecy, divine authority, revelation, biblical, prophets, written word, authentication​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​