The Bible is full of words that look alike but carry very different meanings. One common example is the pair “prophesy” and “prophecy.” At first glance, the only difference seems to be one letter, yet their meanings in Scripture are distinct and important for understanding God’s Word.
The Meaning of “Prophecy”
Prophecy is a noun. It refers to the message or revelation given by God. This can be a foretelling of future events, a word of encouragement, or a warning. Prophecy is not man-made; it comes directly from God through His chosen servants.
For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. — 2 Peter 1:21
Throughout the Old Testament, prophecy often pointed to the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Isaiah’s prophecy of the virgin birth is one of the most well-known:
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. — Isaiah 7:14
In short, prophecy is the message itself—God’s revelation spoken through His people.
The Meaning of “Prophesy”
Prophesy is a verb. It means to deliver or speak forth the prophecy. It describes the act of communicating God’s message, whether that message concerns the future, present, or a call to repentance.
When Ezekiel received God’s command, he was told:
Prophesy to these bones and say to them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord!’ — Ezekiel 37:4
Here, Ezekiel did not give his own ideas. He was commanded to prophesy—to declare God’s Word with authority.
Similarly, in the New Testament, Paul encourages believers to value the gift of prophecy in the church:
But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort. — 1 Corinthians 14:3
Thus, to prophesy is the action of speaking forth God’s revealed truth.
Key Differences Between Prophesy and Prophecy
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example Verse |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prophecy | Noun | The message or revelation from God | 2 Peter 1:21 |
| Prophesy | Verb | To speak forth or deliver God’s message | Ezekiel 37:4 |
Why the Difference Matters
Understanding the difference between prophecy and prophesy helps us read Scripture more carefully. The Bible emphasizes both the message (prophecy) and the act of speaking it (prophesy). Together, they remind us of God’s active role in guiding His people.
- Prophecy reminds us of God’s promises and warnings.
- Prophesy shows us that God chooses people to deliver His Word.
Paul encouraged the Thessalonians not to ignore these truths:
Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil. — 1 Thessalonians 5:20–22
This teaches us to listen carefully, weigh what is spoken, and align it with God’s written Word.
Living with Prophecy Today
While some prophecies in the Bible have already been fulfilled, others still point to the return of Christ and God’s future plans. Believers are called not only to understand these prophecies but also to boldly share God’s truth.
Jesus Himself warned His disciples about the importance of prophecy:
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. — Matthew 24:35
When Christians speak the truth of Scripture, they carry forward the act of prophesying—declaring God’s unchanging Word in a changing world.
