The term "prophesieth" is an archaic form of the verb "prophesy," which appears in various translations of the Bible, including the King James Version. It refers to the act of delivering a message from God, often concerning future events or divine will. In the context of the Bible, prophecy is a significant spiritual gift and a means by which God communicates with His people.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, prophecy is primarily associated with the prophets, individuals chosen by God to deliver His messages to the people of Israel. These messages often included calls to repentance, warnings of impending judgment, and promises of future restoration. The role of the prophet was crucial in guiding the spiritual and moral direction of the nation. Notable prophets include Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel, each of whom conveyed God's word to the people in times of crisis and change.

The act of prophesying in the Old Testament was not limited to foretelling future events but also included speaking forth God's truth in the present. For example, in 1 Samuel 10:6, the Spirit of the Lord comes upon Saul, and he is told, "Then the Spirit of the LORD will rush upon you, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be changed into a different person."

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the gift of prophecy continues to play a vital role in the early Christian church. The Apostle Paul discusses the gift of prophecy extensively in his letters, particularly in 1 Corinthians. He emphasizes the importance of prophecy for the edification, exhortation, and comfort of the church. In 1 Corinthians 14:1, Paul encourages believers to "Pursue love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy."

The New Testament also highlights the distinction between true and false prophets. Jesus warns His followers to be wary of false prophets who come in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves (Matthew 7:15). The Berean Standard Bible captures this warning, emphasizing the need for discernment within the Christian community.

The Role of Prophecy in the Church

Prophecy in the church serves to build up the body of Christ, providing guidance and encouragement to believers. It is considered one of the spiritual gifts bestowed by the Holy Spirit, as outlined in 1 Corinthians 12:10, where Paul lists prophecy among the gifts given for the common good.

The exercise of prophecy requires discernment and alignment with Scripture. In 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21, Paul advises, "Do not treat prophecies with contempt, but test all things. Hold fast to what is good." This instruction underscores the need for careful evaluation of prophetic messages to ensure they are consistent with biblical truth.

Prophecy and Eschatology

Prophecy also plays a significant role in eschatological teachings, concerning the end times and the return of Christ. The Book of Revelation, for instance, is a prophetic text that reveals future events and the ultimate victory of God over evil. The prophetic visions given to John on the island of Patmos provide hope and assurance to believers, affirming God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His promises.

In summary, "prophesieth" encompasses the act of delivering God's message, whether concerning present circumstances or future events. It is a gift that requires responsibility, discernment, and alignment with the truth of Scripture, serving to edify and guide the church in its mission and faith.

1 Cor. xiv. 1
... speaketh mysteries.". Ver.3. "But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men
edification, and exhortation, and comfort.". At this point ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxxv 1 cor xiv.htm

Whether the Gift of Tongues is More Excellent than the Grace of ...
... but he that prophesieth, speaketh unto men unto edification." Therefore it would
seem that the gift of tongues is more excellent than the gift of prophecy. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the gift of tongues.htm

A Common Mistake and Lame Excuse
... THE BOOK OF EZEKIEL A COMMON MISTAKE AND LAME EXCUSE. '... He prophesieth
of the times that are far off.'"Ezekiel 12:27. Human ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/a common mistake and lame.htm

The Last King of Judah
... "The prophet which prophesieth of peace," Jeremiah proposed in conclusion, "when
the word of the prophet shall come to pass, then shall the prophet be known ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 36 the last king.htm

From the Tenth Chapter.
... another place he says: "Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the others
judge." [2288] And he says: "Every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her ...
/.../commentary on the apocolypse of the blessed john/from the tenth chapter.htm

Prophecies Fulfilled
... come to pass; it shall be no more prolonged." "They of the house of Israel say,
The vision that he seeth is for many days to come, and he prophesieth of the ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 22 prophecies fulfilled.htm

Prophecies Fulfilled.
... come to pass; it shall be no more prolonged." "They of the house of Israel say,
The vision that he seeth is for many days to come, and he prophesieth of the ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /22 prophecies fulfilled.htm

1 Cor. xii. 27
... "Thirdly, teachers." For he that prophesieth speaks all things from the Spirit;
but he that teacheth sometimes discourses also out of his own mind. ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxxii 1 cor xii.htm

John iv. 28, 29
... ever I did." She was not ashamed to say that He "told me all that ever I did." Yet
she might have spoken otherwise, "Come, see one that prophesieth"; but when ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxxiv john iv 28.htm

Letter cxlvii. To Sabinianus.
... the Lord, neither will I let Israel go;" [3955] and you imitate him when you say:
"The vision that he seeth is for many days to come, and he prophesieth of the ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxlvii to sabinianus.htm

Prophesieth (13 Occurrences)
...Prophesieth (13 Occurrences). ... (KJV WBS). 1 Corinthians 14:3 But he that prophesieth
speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. (KJV ASV WBS) ...
/p/prophesieth.htm - 10k

Speaketh (367 Occurrences)
... (KJV ASV WBS). 1 Corinthians 14:3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men
to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. (KJV ASV WBS). ...
/s/speaketh.htm - 33k

Prophesying (58 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 18:10 And it cometh to pass, on the morrow, that the spirit of sadness
'from' God prospereth over Saul, and he prophesieth in the midst of the house ...
/p/prophesying.htm - 25k

Prophesies (17 Occurrences)

/p/prophesies.htm - 11k

Prophesy (96 Occurrences)
... Thou shalt not live; for thou speakest lies in the name of the LORD: and his father
and his mother that begat him shall thrust him through when he prophesieth. ...
/p/prophesy.htm - 38k

Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 26:20 And also there hath been a man prophesying in the name of Jehovah,
Urijah son of Shemaiah, of Kirjath-Jearim, and he prophesieth against this ...
/k/kir'iath-je'arim.htm - 11k

Uncovered (78 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 11:5 But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered
dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven. ...
/u/uncovered.htm - 32k

Unknown (15 Occurrences)
... (KJV WEY WBS YLT). 1 Corinthians 14:4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth
himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. (KJV WEY WBS YLT). ...
/u/unknown.htm - 13k

Edifying (9 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 14:5 I would that ye all spake with tongues but rather that ye prophesied:
for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues ...
/e/edifying.htm - 9k

Edifieth (2 Occurrences)
... (KJV ASV WBS). 1 Corinthians 14:4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth
himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. (KJV ASV WBS). ...
/e/edifieth.htm - 6k

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