The Prophetesses in the Bible

"And Deborah, a prophetess… was judging Israel at that time." (Judges 4:4, ESV)

When we think of prophets in the Bible, names like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Elijah often come to mind, men chosen by God to deliver His messages, call for repentance, and sometimes perform dramatic acts to symbolize divine truths. Yet, within the pages of Scripture, we also encounter women who bear the title of prophetess. Though their stories may be fewer and less prominent, these women were vital instruments in God’s hands, serving in roles that both align with and expand our common understanding of biblical prophets. From delivering God’s word to leading worship and even stepping into leadership, their contributions reveal the breadth of God’s calling.

So, who were the prophetesses in the Bible, and what did they do? In this 3,400-word exploration from an evangelical perspective, we’ll dive into the lives of the five women explicitly called prophetesses in the Hebrew Bible: Miriam, Deborah, Huldah, Noadiah, and an unnamed woman in Isaiah, along with a group of women addressed in Ezekiel. We’ll examine their roles, exegete key terms from the original Hebrew using the English Standard Version (ESV), and reflect on how their stories inspire us today.

What Is a Prophetess?

To understand these women, we first need to define what a prophetess is. The Hebrew word for prophetess is nebi’a (נְבִיאָה), derived from the root nb’ (נָבָא), meaning “to call.” This is the feminine form of nabi (נָבִיא), the word for a male prophet. Both terms suggest “one who is called by God,” specifically to deliver His message. Typically, prophets spoke God’s word, often introduced by the phrase “Thus says the Lord” (koh amar YHWH, כֹּה אָמַר יְהוָה), as seen in passages like Jeremiah 19:3. Sometimes, they conveyed God’s will through symbolic acts, such as Jeremiah smashing a pottery vessel to signify divine judgment (Jeremiah 19:10-11, ESV).

Prophetesses, however, don’t always fit this mold. While some, like Deborah and Huldah, delivered God’s messages directly, others, like Miriam, engaged in acts of worship or faced condemnation for misuse of their gifts. Their diverse roles challenge us to broaden our view of prophecy, recognizing that God’s calling transcends a single function. Let’s explore these women and their contributions.

Miriam: The Prophetess of Praise

"Then Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women went out after her with tambourines and dancing. And Miriam sang to them: ‘Sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea.’" (Exodus 15:20-21, ESV)

Miriam, the sister of Moses and Aaron, is the first woman in Scripture identified as a nebi’a. Her story unfolds after the Israelites’ miraculous crossing of the Red Sea, when she leads the women in a song of praise. This moment might not seem prophetic at first—no “Thus says the Lord” or divine oracle appears. Yet, her title as a prophetess invites us to dig deeper.

The Hebrew word toph (תֹּף), translated “tambourine” in the ESV, refers to a handheld drum used in celebration and worship (Psalm 150:4). Music and prophecy often intersect in the Bible. In 1 Samuel 10:5, prophets prophesy with instruments, suggesting that inspired worship can be a prophetic act. Miriam’s song isn’t just a spontaneous outburst; it’s a Spirit-led declaration of God’s deliverance, echoing Moses’ earlier song (Exodus 15:1-18). Her leadership in this moment proclaims God’s glory to the community.

Elsewhere, in Numbers 12:2, Miriam and Aaron ask, “Has the Lord indeed spoken only through Moses? Has he not spoken through us also?” (ESV). Although God rebukes their challenge to Moses, the question implies that Miriam had received divine messages, even if they were not recorded. Her prophetic role, then, blends delivering God’s word with leading worship, showing that prophecy can include forthtelling—proclaiming God’s truth—as well as foretelling.

Miriam’s story teaches us that God’s calling can manifest in unexpected ways. She was a leader among women, a worshipper, and a voice for God, expanding our understanding of what it means to be a prophetess.

Deborah: The Prophetess Who Led a Nation

"Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was judging Israel at that time. She used to sit under the palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the people of Israel came up to her for judgment." (Judges 4:4-5, ESV)

Deborah stands out as a multifaceted figure—a nebi’a, a judge, and a leader. In Judges 4, she emerges during a time of Canaanite oppression. The Hebrew term shaphat (שָׁפַט), translated “judging,” means “to govern” or “to decide.” Judges were divinely appointed deliverers, guiding Israel back to God. Deborah’s dual role as prophetess and judge sets her apart.

Her prophetic ministry shines in Judges 4:6-7: “She sent and summoned Barak… and said to him, ‘Has not the Lord, the God of Israel, commanded you, “Go, gather your men at Mount Tabor… and I will give him [Sisera] into your hand”?’” (ESV). Here, she delivers God’s command with authority, reflecting the prophetic formula koh amar YHWH. When Barak hesitates, insisting she join him, Deborah prophesies again: “The Lord will sell Sisera into the hand of a woman” (Judges 4:9, ESV). This comes to pass when Jael kills Sisera, fulfilling God’s word through Deborah.

After the victory, Deborah sings a hymn (Judges 5), much like Miriam. Known as the Song of Deborah, it celebrates God’s triumph and her leadership. This connection between prophecy and music reinforces the idea that proclaiming God’s deeds is a prophetic act.

Deborah’s story is remarkable in a patriarchal culture. As a woman, she held authority over Israel, delivering God’s messages and guiding His people to victory. Her example challenges us to trust God’s calling, even when it defies societal norms, and highlights His power to use anyone for His glory.

Huldah: The Prophetess of God’s Word

"So Hilkiah the priest… went to Huldah the prophetess… And she said to them, ‘Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: Tell the man who sent you to me, Thus says the Lord, Behold, I will bring disaster upon this place and upon its inhabitants…’" (2 Kings 22:14-16, ESV)

Huldah appears during King Josiah’s reign, a pivotal moment when a “book of the law” (likely Deuteronomy) is found in the Temple. Josiah’s officials seek her to “inquire of the Lord” (darash YHWH, דָּרַשׁ יְהוָה), a phrase indicating a request for divine guidance. As a nebi’a, Huldah authenticates the book and delivers a prophecy.

Her response begins with “Thus says the Lord” (koh amar YHWH), affirming her prophetic authority. She declares that Judah’s disobedience will bring disaster, yet Josiah will be spared due to his repentance. Her words carry weight, shaping the king’s reforms.

Huldah’s role is striking. In a time when prophets like Jeremiah were active, the king’s men turn to her, a woman, for God’s word. Jewish tradition holds that she taught the law and preached repentance, and her name graced a Temple gate. She exemplifies a prophetess who not only speaks God’s message but also interprets His written word, showing that God entrusts women with spiritual authority.

Noadiah and the Unnamed Prophetess

Two prophetesses receive only brief mentions, leaving us with questions.

Noadiah appears in Nehemiah 6:14: “Remember Tobiah and Sanballat, O my God, according to these things that they did, and also the prophetess Noadiah and the rest of the prophets who wanted to make me afraid” (ESV). She opposed Nehemiah’s wall-building, possibly as a false prophetess. This suggests that, like male prophets, not all nebi’a spoke for God, highlighting the need for discernment.

The Unnamed Prophetess in Isaiah 8:3 is Isaiah’s wife: “And I went to the prophetess, and she conceived and bore a son. Then the Lord said to me, ‘Call his name Maher-shalal-hash-baz’” (ESV). Her title as nebi’a may stem from bearing a child whose name (“The spoil speeds, the prey hastens”) is a prophetic sign. Her role, though subtle, ties her to God’s message through symbolic action.

These glimpses reveal that prophetesses operated in diverse contexts, their influence being felt even in brief mentions.

Ezekiel’s Condemned Women

"And you, son of man, set your face against the daughters of your people, who prophesy out of their own hearts… Woe to the women who sew magic bands upon all wrists, and make veils for the heads of persons of every stature, in the hunt for souls!" (Ezekiel 13:17-18, ESV)

Ezekiel 13 addresses women who “prophesy” (mitnabbe’ot, מִתְנַבְּאוֹת, a feminine participle of nb’). Unlike true prophetesses, they speak from their own hearts, not God’s. The ESV translates keset (כֶּסֶת) as “magic bands,” possibly amulets or charms, and mispehot (מִסְפָּחוֹת) as “veils,” linked to ritual practices. Some scholars view these as medico-magical acts, akin to Mesopotamian traditions for aiding childbirth, while others consider them to be necromancy.

This condemnation reveals a misuse of prophetic gifts, contrasting with the faithful service of Miriam, Deborah, and Huldah. It underscores the biblical call to test prophecy against God’s truth.

The Roles of Prophetesses

The prophetesses of Scripture defy a single definition. Their roles include:

Messengers: Deborah and Huldah delivered God’s word with authority.

Worship Leaders: Miriam and Deborah used music to proclaim God’s acts.

Leaders: Deborah governed Israel as a judge.

Teachers: Huldah interpreted Scripture, guiding the nation.

Symbolic Actors: The unnamed prophetess bore a prophetic sign.

Even the women in Ezekiel, though condemned, suggest a broader cultural role for prophetesses, perhaps as medico-magical figures. In a patriarchal society, their prominence testifies to God’s willingness to call women into His service, breaking cultural barriers.

A Legacy of Faith

The prophetesses of the Bible, Miriam, Deborah, Huldah, Noadiah, and the unnamed woman, reveal God’s heart for His people. They delivered His messages, led in worship, and stood as leaders, all while navigating a male-dominated world. Their stories affirm that God’s Spirit empowers whomever He chooses, male or female, to fulfill His purposes.

As evangelicals, we see in them a call to faithfulness. Like Miriam, we can worship with abandon. Like Deborah, we can lead with courage. Like Huldah, we can steward God’s word. Their legacy challenges us to listen for God’s voice and respond, trusting that He equips us for every task.

Reflection Questions

How can we use our gifts, like the prophetesses, to serve God and others?

What does their courage teach us about stepping into God’s calling?

How might God be inviting you to proclaim His truth today?

Through these women, we see a God who values all His children, calling them to play vital roles in His redemptive story.