Types of Prophets in the Old Testament

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In the Old Testament, there are three types of prophets and four prophet-like ministries.

 

 

TYPES OF PROPHETS

 

Here are the three types of prophets in the Old Testament:

 

nabi

The Hebrew word is נְבִיא (“nabi”). It means “To call.”

The ministry of a Nabi is to speak for the LORD God to the people.

 

hozeh

The Hebrew word is חֹזֶה (“hozeh”). It means “Seer.”

The ministry of a Seer is to see in a vision.

 

ro’eh

The Hebrew word is רֹאֶה (“ro’eh”). It also means “Seer.”

The ministry of a Seer is to see in a vision.

 

PROPHET-LIKE MINISTRIES

 

Here are the four prophet-like ministries in the Old Testament:

 

ish ha – ‘elohim

This Hebrew word means “Man of God.”

It is a broad designation for a speaker for God.

 

shamar

The Hebrew word is שָׁמַר (“shamar”). It means “Watchman.”

The ministry of a Watchman is to guard, observe, give heed.

 

chozeh

The Hebrew word is חֹזֶה (“chozeh”). It means “Vision.”

The ministry of a Chozeh is to behold a vision.

 

nataph

The Hebrew word is נָטַף (“nataph”). It means “Preach.”

The ministry of a Nataph is to speak by inspiration.

 

Unless otherwise noted, all Bible quotations on this page are from the World English Bible and the World Messianic Edition. These translations have no copyright restrictions. They are in the Public Domain.