Tag Archives: μαντεύομαι

Among the various Greek terms for divine communication, προφητεύω and μαντεύομαι stand as a deliberate contrast between true prophetic revelation and false, pagan divination. Though both relate to utterances about the divine or the future, their sources, motives, and theological implications are worlds apart. The New Testament—and especially Luke in Acts—employs both terms strategically to draw a stark line between the Spirit of God and demonic oracles. This article explores their definitions, historical background, usage, and theological significance.

Lexical Origins and Core Meaning προφητεύω – From πρό (“before”) and φημί (“to speak”). Literally: “to speak before,” but idiomatically, it means to speak on behalf of a deity—especially the God of Israel.… Learn Koine Greek