NAMES OF FEMALE PROPHETS IN THE BIBLE

A List of Female Prophets in the Bible

There are 11 female prophets mentioned in the Bible, with 9 recognized as TRUE prophets and 2 as FALSE prophets. These women played significant roles in the history of Israel and early Christianity. Their contributions varied from leadership and prophetic messages to serving as symbols of faithfulness or deceit.

SUMMARY TABLE WITH THEOLOGICAL INSIGHTS:

To view the full table, simply scroll to the left.

No. Name Nationality Physical Status Spiritual Status References Theological Insight

1 MIRIAM ISRAELITE Sister of Moses and Aaron TRUE Exodus 15:20 (NIV) Miriam, the prophetess, was the sister of Moses and Aaron. She is mentioned as leading the Israelite women in worship after the crossing of the Red Sea. Her role as a prophetess highlights God’s use of women in leadership. Her story also reminds us of the importance of praising God for His deliverance.

2 DEBORAH ISRAELITE Not specified in the Bible TRUE Judges 4:4-5 (NIV) Deborah was a judge and prophetess who led Israel during a time of oppression. She was a symbol of godly leadership and courage, calling the military leader Barak to lead Israel into battle. Her role as a judge shows that God uses both men and women for His purposes in times of crisis.

3 HULDA ISRAELITE Wife of Shallum TRUE 2 Kings 22:14, 2 Chronicles 34:22 (NIV) Hulda was a prophetess who played a key role during the reign of King Josiah. When the Book of the Law was found in the temple, Josiah sought her counsel. She provided a word from the Lord, confirming judgment on Judah but also promising hope for the faithful. Her story emphasizes the importance of God’s word in guiding national leadership.

4 ISAIAH’S WIFE ISRAELITE Wife of Isaiah TRUE Isaiah 8:3 (NIV) While her name is not explicitly mentioned, Isaiah’s wife is referred to as a prophetess in Isaiah 8:3. She bore a son named Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz, whose name was a prophetic message about the coming judgment. Though her role is less prominent, her connection to Isaiah affirms that God’s messages were shared by both male and female prophets.

5 ANNA ISRAELITE Widow TRUE Luke 2:36-38 (NIV) Anna was an elderly widow who served as a prophetess in the temple in Jerusalem. She recognized Jesus as the Messiah when he was presented at the temple as a baby. Anna’s faithfulness in prayer and worship shows that God reveals His truth to those who remain devoted to Him, regardless of age or circumstance.

6 PHILIP’S DAUGHTER ISRAELITE Daughter of Philip TRUE Acts 21:8-9 (NIV) The four daughters of Philip the Evangelist were all prophetesses. While the Bible does not give much detail about their prophecies, their inclusion in Acts demonstrates that women were involved in the prophetic ministry in the early church. This speaks to the early Christian understanding of gender equality in spiritual gifts.

7 PHILIP’S DAUGHTER ISRAELITE Daughter of Philip TRUE Acts 21:8-9 (NIV) As noted in the previous entry, these daughters had the gift of prophecy, and they were part of the ministry in the early church, where women were recognized as vessels of God’s word. Their story challenges the traditional boundaries of leadership roles in the church and suggests that prophetic gifts are not gender-specific.

8 PHILIP’S DAUGHTER ISRAELITE Daughter of Philip TRUE Acts 21:8-9 (NIV) These daughters are an example of how women played an active role in the spiritual life of the early church, receiving and sharing divine revelations. Their prophetic gift exemplifies the inclusion of women in the life of the early Christian community.

9 PHILIP’S DAUGHTER ISRAELITE Daughter of Philip TRUE Acts 21:8-9 (NIV) The repeated mention of Philip’s daughters emphasizes the prophetic tradition in the early church and shows that spiritual gifts were exercised freely by both men and women.

10 NOADIA ISRAELITE (Levite) Not specified FALSE (Witch) Nehemiah 6:14, Ezra 8:33 (NIV) Noadia is mentioned in Nehemiah 6:14 as one of the false prophets who opposed Nehemiah’s rebuilding efforts. She, along with other false prophets, sought to undermine God’s work. This serves as a warning against those who claim to speak for God but lead people astray.

11 JEZEBEL TYRIAN (Lebanon) Wife of King Ahab FALSE (Witch) Revelation 2:20 (NIV) Jezebel, the wife of King Ahab, was notorious for leading Israel into idolatry and immorality. In the New Testament, she is symbolically referenced as a false prophetess in the letter to the church of Thyatira. Jezebel represents the dangers of false teaching, seduction, and leading God’s people into sin.

THEOLOGICAL CONTEXT:

The presence of female prophets in the Bible is significant because it shows that God’s call to prophetic ministry is not limited by gender. Throughout both the Old and New Testaments, women are depicted as playing crucial roles in revealing God’s will and truth to His people. These women were often called to speak truth to power, lead in times of crisis, or point people back to God’s covenant.

In the Old Testament, figures like Deborah and Hulda were instrumental in guiding Israel through difficult times. In the New Testament, Anna and the daughters of Philip were part of the early Christian movement, demonstrating that the gift of prophecy was not reserved for men alone.

At the same time, the Bible also warns against false prophets, including figures like Jezebel and Noadia, who led people astray by promoting idolatry and wickedness. These warnings are meant to caution believers to discern the truth from deception.

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