Prophecy

Prophecy has played a significant role in world religions, laying the groundwork for fulfillment of both religious and secular expectations of the future. The term prophecy derives from the Greek pro-, meaning “before” and pbanai, “to speak,” implying a foretelling. The term has become closely associated with supernatural abilities, and the word prophet, derived from the Greek prophete, has come to mean “one who speaks for another,” usually understood to be a divine entity. Prophets channel revelations that include predictions of the future as well as admonitions to return to the laws of a belief system in order to avoid disastrous consequences. Often referred to as “seers,” prophets receive their messages through various means, including trancelike states, dreams, visions, or agitated conditions induced by music [Page 1055]or dance. Others receive special knowledge through the interpretation of physical signs, including astrological signs. Prophets have also been viewed as teachers and religious leaders. Three of the world's major religions describe their most venerated leaders as prophets. Judaism and Christianity revere the prophets of the Hebrew Bible, and Islam regards Abraham, Noah, Moses, and Jesus as respected prophets but Muhammad (571–624 CE) as the last and greatest prophet.

In the ancient world, the Persians, Assyrians, Chinese, Celts, Indians, Egyptians, and others sought out prophets who were often associated with temples and royal courts. During the later Hellenistic period, prophets, called oracles, were attached to shrines, one of the most important being the Oracle of Apollo at Delphi. The word oracle, derived from the Latin or are meaning “to speak,” particularly in a public forum, refers both to the seer and to the shrine, and the term can be used interchangeably. The temple at Delphi was dedicated to Apollo, the Greek god of medicine, healing, poetry, music, and prophecy. Unlike most other Greek gods, Apollo had no direct Roman counterpart; however, later Roman poets often referred to him as Phoebus. The archaeological remains of this site are located near Mount Parnassus in the valley of Phocis, which the Greeks considered the center of the earth and the universe. The name Delphi is believed to be derived from the Greek delphus, meaning “womb,” reinforcing its sacred origins.

The priestess of the oracle at Delphi was known as the Pythia and was consulted before all major undertakings, particularly battles. However, the oracle did not directly predict the future but rather gave advice and counsel, usually couched in ambiguous language that might be interpreted in various ways. Historic records dating to the 9th century BCE recount visits to the oracle by important Greek leaders, such as Lycurgus, Solon, Croesus, Lysander, and Philip II of Macedon. By 191 BCE the shrine at Delphi had come under Roman power, and the oracle continued to be consulted by Roman leaders, including Nero and Hadrian. It has been estimated that the pronouncements of the oracles at Delphi and other shrines had an important effect on the shaping of the Greco-Roman hegemonies.

Prophetic teachings play a particularly essential role in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, which emphasize a personal relationship with God and a sense of individual moral responsibility resulting in future judgment. Judaism is based on the Hebrew Bible (Tanacb), which is traditionally divided into three parts: the Law (the first five books, called the Torab); the Prophets; and the Writings or Wisdom Books.

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