Proof-Texts and Cross-References
Gen. 49v1; Num. 24v14; Rev. 1v3
Introduction
Welcome to our study into defining the meaning of "prophecy".
Definition
DICTIONARIES
» Dictionary.com defines "prophecy" as "the foretelling or prediction of what is to come" [2], "something that is declared by a prophet, especially a divinely inspired prediction, instruction, or exhortation" [2], "a divinely inspired utterance or revelation: oracular prophecies" [2] and "the action, function, or faculty of a prophet" [2].
» Easton's Bible Dictionary defines "prophecy" as a "prediction" [1], "one of the functions of the prophet" [1] and a "miracle of knowledge, a declaration or description or representation of something future, beyond the power of human sagacity to foresee, discern, or conjecture" [1].
» The Holman Dictionary defines "prophecy" as "a word from the Lord through a direct prompting of the Holy Spirit" [8].
» The Postmodern Bible Dictionary defines "prophecy" as "predicting future events" [5].
» Smith's Bible Dictionary defines "prophecy" as "the declarations of God" [4] and "prediction; singing by the dictate of the Spirit; and understanding and explaining the mysterious, hidden sense of Scripture by an immediate illumination and motion of the Spirit" [4].
» The Free Dictionary defines "prophecy" as "a message of divine truth revealing God's will" [3], "a prediction or guess" [3] and "the function, activity, or charismatic endowment of a prophet or prophets" [3].
ENCYCLOPAEDIA
» The International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia defines "prophecy" as "a prediction of a future event" [6].
INDEXES
» Torrey's Topical Index defines "prophecy" as "the foretelling of future events" [7].
SCRIPTURE
» Genesis 49 Verse 1 defines "prophecy" as "that which shall befall you in the last days" (KJV).
» Numbers Chapter 24 Verse 14 defines "prophecy" as "what this people shall do to thy people in the latter days" (KJV).
» Revelation Chapter 1 Verse 3 and Revelation Chapter 22 Verse 18 declares as "prophecy" John's predictions in the book of Revelation.
Summary Definition
applied to The Gift of Prophecy and J.P. Fourie
"Prophecy is the action, function, faculty or charismatic endowment; whereby a divinely inspired prophet; moved by the Holy Spirit; foretells or predicts future events; or explain the mysterious and hidden sense of Scripture; illuminated by the Holy Spirit; to instruct, exhort, comfort and/or edify God's People"
Store
Bibliography
1. Prophecy (Easton's Bible Dictionary; 2 February 2012) ✔
2. Prophecy (Dictionary.com; 2 February 2012) ✔
3. Prophecy (The Free Dictionary; 2 February 2012) ✔
4. Prophet (Smith's Bible Dictionary; 2 February 2012) ✔
5. Prophet (Postmodern Bible Dictionary; 2 February 2012) ✔
6. Spiritual Gifts (International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia; 2 February 2012) ✔
7. Prophecy (Torrey's Topical Index; 2 February 2012) ✔
8. Prophecy, Prophets (Holman Dictionary; 2 February 2012) ✔
Downloading
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Revisions
02.02.2012
