What does the Bible say about prophets? The Scriptures themselves exist because of prophets—men and women who were inspired by God to speak His words and record His revelations. Even the words of Jesus Christ were preserved through prophetic writings. When we look closely, the Bible has a great deal to say about prophets, their calling, their responsibilities, and their role in God’s plan.
This article explores what the Bible teaches about prophets, largely in chronological order, beginning in the Old Testament and continuing through the New Testament.
How Prophets Know What to Say
One of the earliest insights into how prophets receive their message is found in Exodus. When Moses expressed concern about his ability to speak, the Lord reassured him:
“Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.” (Exodus 4:12)
This verse establishes a foundational principle: prophets do not speak on their own authority. God teaches them what to say and guides their words.
Prophets as Spokesmen for God
Exodus further clarifies the role of a prophet as a spokesman:
“And the Lord said unto Moses, See, I have made thee a god to Pharaoh: and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet.” (Exodus 7:1)
In this case, Aaron served as Moses’ spokesman, just as Moses served as God’s spokesman. This reveals that a prophet’s primary function is to speak on behalf of another—ultimately, on behalf of God.
Who Can Be a Prophet?
Moses expressed a remarkable desire regarding prophecy:
“Would God that all the Lord’s people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit upon them!” (Numbers 11:29)
This suggests that prophecy is not about status or power, but about speaking by the Spirit of God. The more people inspired to speak God’s truth, the better.
How God Communicates With Prophets
God explains how He reveals His will to prophets:
“If there be a prophet among you, I the Lord will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream.” (Numbers 12:6)
Visions, dreams, and direct revelation are central to prophetic calling. Prophets are inspired so they can accurately represent God’s will.
Recognizing True and False Prophets
The Bible emphasizes the importance of discerning true prophets:
“When a prophet speaketh in the name of the Lord, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord hath not spoken.” (Deuteronomy 18:22)
This principle helps believers identify false prophets—those whose words do not come from God.
Prophets as Seers and Servants
Another biblical term for prophet is “seer”:
“The Lord testified against Israel and against Judah, by all the prophets, and by all the seers…” (2 Kings 17:13)
Prophets are described as God’s servants, tasked with teaching commandments and calling people away from evil—not for personal gain, but as an act of service.
The Role of a Prophet
Isaiah defines one of the most direct responsibilities of prophets:
“Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression.” (Isaiah 58:1)
Prophets are called to speak truth, even when it is uncomfortable, and to help people recognize sin and seek correction.
Chosen Before Birth
Some prophets were called long before they were born:
“Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee… and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.” (Jeremiah 1:5)
This reveals that prophetic calling can be part of God’s eternal plan, established before mortal life.
The Responsibility to Warn
Ezekiel explains the accountability placed upon prophets:
“If thou warn the wicked… thou hast delivered thy soul.” (Ezekiel 3:19)
A prophet’s duty is to warn and call to repentance. Whether people listen is their own choice, but the prophet must faithfully deliver the message.
God Gives Prophets the Words
God reassures His prophets that they will not be left alone:
“I will open thy mouth, and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God.” (Ezekiel 3:27)
Prophets rely on God for inspiration, trusting Him to provide the words they need.
The Prophet of All Prophets
Deuteronomy foretells a great prophet to come:
“I will raise them up a Prophet… and will put my words in his mouth.” (Deuteronomy 18:18)
The New Testament identifies this prophecy as fulfilled in Jesus Christ:
“This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world.” (John 6:14)
All prophets ultimately point to Jesus Christ, the greatest of all prophets, whose words are perfectly trustworthy.
God Reveals His Secrets Through Prophets
One of the clearest statements about prophetic authority is found in Amos:
“Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.” (Amos 3:7)
This verse reveals a divine pattern: God speaks and acts through prophets so His people are not left in confusion.
Prophets and the Foundation of the Church
The New Testament confirms the ongoing need for prophets:
“Built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone.” (Ephesians 2:19–20)
Prophets and apostles are essential to God’s organized plan, with Jesus Christ as the foundation.
When Policies Change Through Prophets
Some revelations bring changes in practice, not doctrine:
“Now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit.” (Ephesians 3:5)
Through prophets, God expanded the gospel to include the Gentiles, demonstrating how revelation guides God’s work in different times.
The Words of Prophets Are the Words of God
Scripture teaches that inspired prophetic words carry divine authority:
“Whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.” (Doctrine and Covenants 1:38)
When prophets speak by the Spirit, their words are to be received as coming from God Himself.
Gratitude for Prophets
Prophets help us understand where we came from, why we are here, and where we are going. Through them, we receive scripture, guidance, correction, and testimony of Jesus Christ. Their writings teach eternal truths and reveal God’s love for His children.
Because of prophets, we can know God exists, that revelation is real, and that Jesus Christ is central to God’s plan. This divine pattern continues to bless the world today.
