Overview
The Bible addresses prophetesses across 18 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Luke, Joel and Exodus. Closely related themes include Elizabeth, Prophets, Psalms and Holy Spirit. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Aaron, Miriam, Deborah and Huldah.
Key Bible verses about prophetesses
Old Testament
Joel
And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:
And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.
New Testament
Luke
And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:
And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.
And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord. that: or, which believed that there
And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;
And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem. Jerusalem: or, Israel
People in the Bible and prophetesses
Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying prophetesses for yourself
- Begin with Exodus 15:20, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Compare how Luke, Joel and Exodus each treat the theme.
- Consider the lives of Aaron, Miriam and Deborah and how their stories intersect with it.
- Widen the study to related themes: Elizabeth, Prophets, Psalms and Holy Spirit.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about prophetesses?
The Bible addresses prophetesses across 18 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Luke, Joel and Exodus. Closely related themes include Elizabeth, Prophets, Psalms and Holy Spirit. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Aaron, Miriam, Deborah and Huldah.
How many Bible verses are about prophetesses?
The Bible references prophetesses in 18 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention prophetesses?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is Exodus 15:20: “And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances.”
Which people in the Bible are associated with prophetesses?
Aaron, Miriam, Deborah, Huldah and Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz.
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