Prophecy vs. Prediction — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Published on October 18, 2023
Prophecy refers to a divinely-inspired revelation or message, often about the future, while prediction is a general forecast based on evidence, data, or intuition.
Difference Between Prophecy and Prediction
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Prophecy, as a term, primarily carries a spiritual or religious connotation. It often points to messages believed to have been received from a divine source. These messages, when related to future events, are not just forecasts but are perceived as certain realities that will come to pass. Prophecy can also encompass messages that provide guidance or insight, not necessarily future-oriented.
Prediction, on the other hand, is broader in scope and doesn't necessarily rely on divine inspiration. Predictions are commonly based on evidence, patterns, data, or even individual intuition. For instance, meteorologists make predictions about the weather using patterns and data. No divine intervention is claimed.
When considering the source, prophecy claims a higher authority, often God or some divine entity. The person receiving or conveying the prophecy is typically considered a prophet. Predictions can be made by anyone with enough information or insight on a particular subject.
Though both words revolve around the concept of telling beforehand, their basis and perceived reliability differ. Prophecies are often accepted as truth within the religious or spiritual circles from which they originate, while predictions, especially in scientific or secular fields, are tested and verified against outcomes.
In certain contexts, especially outside religious ones, prophecy and prediction can be used interchangeably. However, the divine undertone of prophecy differentiates it from the more secular and data-driven prediction.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A divinely inspired revelation or message.
A forecast based on evidence, data, or intuition.
Source
Divine or spiritual source.
Information, patterns, or personal insight.
Common Context
Religious or spiritual settings.
Scientific, analytical, or everyday contexts.
Authority
Often considered undeniable within its religious context.
Can be questioned, tested, and verified.
Reliability
Accepted as truth within its origin's belief system.
As reliable as the data or method used for forecasting.
Compare with Definitions
Prophecy
A revelation about the future from a divine source.
The ancient scrolls contained a prophecy about the end times.
Prediction
A statement forecasting an outcome.
His prediction about the game's result was accurate.
Prophecy
God's message delivered through chosen individuals.
The prophet delivered a prophecy of hope and redemption.
Prediction
A foretelling without divine connotation.
The economist's prediction about the market was bleak.
Prophecy
A spiritual forecast or announcement.
The seer shared a prophecy about the town's prosperity.
Prediction
An anticipation based on patterns or data.
Based on sales data, her prediction for next quarter is optimistic.
Prophecy
A divinely inspired message.
The prophecy foretold of a great upheaval in the kingdom.
Prediction
An educated guess about a future event.
The weather forecast gave a prediction of rain tomorrow.
Prophecy
A divine vision or dream indicating future events.
Her dream was not just a vision; it was a prophecy.
Prediction
An outcome expected based on current knowledge.
The scientist made a prediction on the experiment's result.
Prophecy
An inspired utterance of a prophet, viewed as a revelation of divine will.
Prediction
The act of predicting.
Prophecy
A prediction of the future, made under divine inspiration.
Prediction
Something foretold or predicted; a prophecy.
Prophecy
Such an inspired message or prediction transmitted orally or in writing.
Prediction
A statement of what will happen in the future.
Prophecy
The vocation or condition of a prophet.
Prediction
(statistics) A probability estimation based on statistical methods.
Prophecy
A prediction.
Prediction
The act of foretelling; also, that which is foretold; prophecy.
The predictions of cold and long winters.
Prophecy
A prediction, especially one made by a prophet or under divine inspiration.
French writer Nostradamus made a prophecy in his book.
Prediction
The act of predicting (as by reasoning about the future)
Prophecy
The public interpretation of Scripture.
Prediction
A statement made about the future
Prophecy
A declaration of something to come; a foretelling; a prediction; esp., an inspired foretelling.
He hearkens after prophecies and dreams.
Prophecy came not in old time by the will of man.
Prophecy
A book of prophecies; a history; as, the prophecy of Ahijah.
Prophecy
Public interpretation of Scripture; preaching; exhortation or instruction.
Prophecy
Knowledge of the future (usually said to be obtained from a divine source)
Prophecy
A prediction uttered under divine inspiration
Common Curiosities
Do predictions always come true?
No, predictions can be inaccurate, especially if based on incomplete or faulty data.
Can a prediction be considered a prophecy?
Only if it's believed to have a divine or spiritual origin. Otherwise, it remains a prediction.
Who typically makes predictions?
Anyone with enough information on a topic, from scientists to laypeople, can make predictions.
Are prophecies always positive?
No, prophecies can be both positive and negative, offering hope or warning.
Is every prophecy about the future?
Not necessarily. While many prophecies relate to the future, some offer guidance or insight for the present.
Are prophecies restricted to religious texts?
While many prophecies are found in religious texts, they can also appear in other spiritual contexts.
Can predictions change?
Yes, predictions can change based on new data or changing circumstances.
Why are predictions important in science?
Predictions allow scientists to test hypotheses and validate or refine theories.
Can a prophecy be tested?
While some prophecies may come to pass and be "validated", they often operate outside the realm of empirical testing.
Can anyone give a prophecy?
Typically, prophecy is believed to be given by divine intervention through chosen individuals, often called prophets.
How reliable are predictions?
The reliability of predictions varies based on the data and method used.
Can prophecies be interpreted in multiple ways?
Often, yes. Prophecies, especially those in ancient texts, can be open to interpretation.
Is a horoscope a prediction or prophecy?
Horoscopes are generally considered predictions, as they are not typically viewed as divinely inspired.
Are prophecies limited to certain cultures or religions?
No, many cultures and religions around the world have their own prophetic traditions.
Is a prediction about the weather a prophecy?
No, weather forecasts are predictions based on meteorological data, not divine revelations.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
