The definition of prophecy is simple. Prophecy is speaking
forth the mind of God under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Prophecy is
the outflow of the heart and very nature of God. Revelation 19:10 says that
the “testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” Jesus cares about His church
and He, therefore, has things He wants to communicate to His church. Those communications
come by way of the Holy Spirit. That is prophecy. It is what Jesus is saying
to His Church. The following is a list of different types of Prophets and prophecy
found in the scriptures:
- Nabi.This is the general Hebrew word for prophet.
"And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel had been established as a prophet (nabi) of the LORD." 1 Samuel 3:20
- Roeh. This Hebrew word means "seer." "Come, let us go to the seer (roeh)." 1 Samuel 9:9
- Hazon. This Hebrew word is translated as watchman.
"Also, I set watchmen (hazon) over you, saying, ‘Listen to the sound of the trumpet!’" Jeremiah 6:17a
- Nataph. This Hebrew word means to preach, to drop from heaven, or to speak by
(heavenly) inspiration.
"But if, they do not speak out (nataph) concerning these
things, reproaches will not be turned back." Micah 2:6b
- Prophetes. This Greek
word signifies one who speaks for another, especially one who speaks for God.
"And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets…(prophetes)"
1 Corinthians 12:28a