Bible Question:

Prophets in the Bible — Who are the prophets in the Bible?

Bible Answer:

All of the prophets in the Bible are compiled here in this brief study. For a list of known prophetesses visit “Prophetesses in the Bible — Who are the women prophets in the Bible?” For this study the term “prophets” will refer exclusively to male prophets. Biblically speaking, a prophet is someone who speaks for God. He may prophesy, or foretell the future, if God gives him a prophecy, but communicating prophesies is not his primary ministry. His primary ministry is to speak God’s truth and warnings to the people. What follows is a list of the prophets in the Bible. The answer to the question, “Who are the prophets in the Bible?” is provided. Then a timeline of the major and minor prophets is provided.

Prophets in the Bible - front

Who Are the Prophets in the Bible?

The following list of all the true prophets in the Bible includes: a) only those male prophets who are specifically called a prophet, b) those who prophesied, and c) the authors of the books of the Bible as prophets, if the book is prophetic. That is, if Scripture states that a man was a prophet, then he is included. Guessing does not qualify as fact. Note that we have given only the first Bible reference for each prophet, unless there are other significant references. Also, we have not listed unnamed prophets (Judges 6:7-8; 1 Kings 13:11-18, 20, 29; 1 Kings 20:13-38; 2 Chronicles 25:15).

The following prophets are listed by the order in which they are mentioned in the books of the Bible.

 

Old Testament Prophets

Enoch –  Genesis 5:24; Jude 14
Abraham – Genesis 20:1, 7
Aaron – Exodus 7:1
Moses – Deuteronomy 34:10
Gideon – Judges 6:11; Hebrews 11:32
Jephthah – Judges 11:1; Hebrews 11:32
Samson – Judges 13:24; Hebrews 11:32
Samuel – 1 Samuel 3:20; Hebrews 11:32
David – 1 Samuel 16:13; Hebrews 11:32
Gad –  1 Samuel 22:5
Nathan – 2 Samuel 7:2
Ahijah – 1 Kings 11:29
Jehu – 1 Kings 16:7
Elijah – 1 Kings 18:22
Elisha – 1 Kings 19:16
Isaiah – 2 Kings 19:2; Isaiah 1:1
Jonah – 2 Kings 14:25; Jonah 1:1; Matthew 12:39
Shemiah – 2 Chronicles 12:5
Hanani – 2 Chronicles 16:7
Iddo – 2 Chronicles 13:22
Azariah – 2 Chronicles 15:11-8
Obed – 2 Chronicles 28:9
Jeremiah – 2 Chronicles 36:12; Jeremiah 20:2
Haggai – Ezra 5:1; Haggai 1:1
Uriah – Jeremiah 26:20
Hananiah – Jeremiah 28:1
Ezekiel – Ezekiel 1:1
Daniel – Daniel 1:1; Matthew 24:15
Hosea – Hosea 1:1
Joel – Joel 1:1; Acts 2:16
Amos – Amos 1:1
Obadiah – Obadiah 1:1
Micah – Micah 1:1
Nahum – Nahum 1:1
Habakkuk Habakkuk 1:1
Zephaniah – Zephaniah 1:1
Zechariah – Zechariah 1:1; Luke 11:50-51
Malachi – Malachi 1:1
Abel –  Luke 11:50-51

 

New Testament Prophets

John the Baptist –  Matthew 11:9-11
Jesus Christ – Luke 24:19; John 6:14  (see conclusion)
Barnabas – Acts 13:1
Simeon – Acts 13:1
Lucius – Acts 13:1
Manaen – Acts 13:1
Saul (Paul)- Acts 13:1
Judas – Acts 15:32
Silas – Acts 15:32
John, the apostle – Revelation 1:1-3
Two Witnesses – Revelation 11:2-3

 

There are a total of forty-eight prophets named in the Bible. It is special that the first two prophets in the Bible were men who had a very close relationship with God. The first man was Enoch and Genesis 5:24 tells us that because he walked with God, he was taken to heaven without experiencing death (Hebrews 11:5-6). The second prophet was Abraham. Abraham was called God’s friend (James 2:23). These men enjoyed a close relationship with God because they wanted a close relationship with God and God granted their desire.

Timeline of the Major and Minor Prophets

The major and minor prophets wrote scripture. The descriptors, major and minor, refer only to the length of the books which bear their names. The nation of Israel split into two kingdoms after King Solomon worshiped other gods (1 Kings 11:1-13). Consequently, the nation was later split into the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. The major and minor prophets each had a ministry to one of the kingdoms. Therefore, the following chart shows the kingdoms to which they ministered.

Timeline of the Major and Minor Prophets

Conclusion:

The most important name on this list is that of our God, Jesus Christ. Scripture tells us that He is the Promised Prophet (Deuteronomy 18:18; Luke 24:19; John 6:14), High Priest (Hebrews 2:17; 3:1; 5:5), our Savior (Titus 1:4), our Lord (Luke 2:11; 2 Peter 2:20; 3:18), and our King (1 Timothy 6:14-15; Revelation 19:16). If you are not a believer in Jesus Christ, please visit “Searching For God” and learn how to have your sins forgiven, be rightly related with God, and one day go to heaven. If you are a Christian, please visit “How To Qualify To Serve Jesus!

Suggested Links:

Prophetesses in the Bible — Who are the women prophets in the Bible?
Jesus Is God
Jesus – Our Eternal High Priest
Jesus Our Savior – Discipleship Series
Searching for God — Insearch of God — Go To Heaven
How To Qualify To Serve Jesus!