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What does the Bible say about prophetess?

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The Bible shows that God at times raised up women as prophetesses to speak his word, praise his saving work, and strengthen his people, while all prophecy remained accountable to God’s revealed truth. Miriam led Israel in worship after the exodus (Exodus 15:20-21), Deborah served as a prophetess and judge (Judges 4:4), and Huldah faithfully delivered the Lord’s message (2 Kings 22:14). Anna testified to the coming redemption in Christ (Luke 2:36-38), and Philip’s daughters prophesied (Acts 21:9). Joel’s promise, fulfilled through the Spirit’s outpouring, includes sons and daughters prophesying (Acts 2:17-18). Such ministry points to God’s sovereign freedom and calls the church to test every message by Scripture and confess Christ faithfully.

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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • 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.

  • Judges 4:4

    Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, she judged Israel at that time.

  • Luke 2:36

    There was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher (she was of a great age, having lived with a husband seven years from her virginity,

  • Acts 21:9

    Now this man had four virgin daughters who prophesied.

  • Luke 2:36-38

    [36] There was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher (she was of a great age, having lived with a husband seven years from her virginity, [37] and she had been a widow for about eighty-four years), who didn't depart from the temple, worshipping with fastings and petitions night and day. [38] Coming up at that very hour, she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of him to all those who were looking for redemption in Jerusalem.

  • 2 Kings 22:14

    So Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam, and Achbor, and 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.

  • Acts 2:17-18

    [17] 'It will be in the last days, says God, That I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh. Your sons and your daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions. Your old men will dream dreams. [18] Yes, and on my servants and on my handmaidens in those days, I will pour out my Spirit, and they will prophesy.

  • Isaiah 8:3

    I went to the prophetess; and she conceived, and bore a son. Then said Yahweh to me, Call his name Maher Shalal Hash Baz.

  • Exodus 15:20-21

    [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. [21] Miriam answered them, "Sing to Yahweh, for he has triumphed gloriously: The horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea."

  • 1 Corinthians 14:3

    But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, exhortation, and consolation.

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