The Prophet

A prophet is one sent by God to form the people of the Old Covenant in the hope of salvation. The prophets are often the authors of books of the Old Testament, and their writings constitute a major section of the Hebrew Bible. John the Baptist concludes the work of the prophets of the Old Covenant (CCC 702).

What a Prophet Does

A prophet is not primarily a predictor of the future — a prophet is one who speaks for God. The Hebrew word nabi (prophet) means "one who speaks on behalf of another." The prophets were called to call Israel back to covenant fidelity, to announce God's judgment on sin, and to keep alive the hope of the Messiah who was to come (CCC 64, 702).

The Major Prophets

The major prophets include Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel. Isaiah in particular is known as the "fifth evangelist" for the clarity with which he predicted the suffering Servant and the Messiah (Isaiah 53; 7:14). Jeremiah announced the New Covenant written on the heart (Jeremiah 31:31–34). These prophecies find their fulfillment in Jesus Christ (CCC 712–716).

Christ as the Prophet

Jesus is himself the fulfillment of the prophetic office — the ultimate Prophet who speaks not from God but as God. In him the prophetic tradition of Israel reaches its definitive conclusion: "In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son" (Hebrews 1:1–2; CCC 65).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is prophecy still active in the Church today? Yes, but it has changed in form. Public revelation ended with the Apostles. The gift of prophecy remains active in the Church as a charism — a Spirit-given ability to speak God's word to a community — but it cannot add to or contradict the Deposit of Faith (CCC 2004).