Prophecy vs. Prophesy — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 28, 2024
Prophecy refers to a prediction of future events, whereas prophesy is the act of making such predictions.
Difference Between Prophecy and Prophesy
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Prophecy is a noun that describes a prediction or a statement regarding the future, typically linked to divine insight or supernatural foresight. On the other hand, prophesy is a verb, denoting the action of predicting what will happen in the future, often under divine inspiration.
In religious or spiritual contexts, prophecy often serves as a significant element of doctrine, providing guidance or warnings. Whereas prophesy is the act performed by prophets or spiritual leaders to deliver these divine messages.
Literature frequently uses prophecy to add depth to narratives, creating suspense or foreboding through predicted events that characters must respond to. In contrast, characters in literature may prophesy as part of their role, influencing the plot through their predictions.
Prophecy can sometimes influence a wide group of people or an entire culture, as its implications are pondered and interpreted. Prophesy, however, is typically associated with the individual who delivers the prediction and their personal credibility or authority.
Historical records often document prophecies that have been believed to predict significant events. Prophesy, on the other hand, is documented as the process through which such predictions were made and communicated to others.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Noun
Verb
Definition
A prediction of future events
To make a prediction of future events
Usage in Literature
Used as a plot device for foreshadowing
Used to show characters’ divine connections
Impact
Can affect a wide audience or cultural beliefs
Associated with the credibility of the speaker
Examples in Religion
Often recorded in holy texts
Often seen in actions of religious figures
Compare with Definitions
Prophecy
A divine or inspired revelation.
The ancient prophecy foretold the rise and fall of empires.
Prophesy
To teach or preach prophetically.
He would prophesy about the importance of virtue.
Prophecy
A prediction of what will happen in the future.
His prophecy regarding the storm was eerily accurate.
Prophesy
To predict something with divine inspiration.
He began to prophesy the victory of his people.
Prophecy
An oracular utterance.
The prophecy from the oracle left the city in awe.
Prophesy
To speak as a prophet.
She would often prophesy at the community gatherings.
Prophecy
A forewarning or premonition.
There was a prophecy about turmoil in the kingdom.
Prophesy
To declare publicly a prophetic statement.
The leader would prophesy peace amidst chaos.
Prophecy
A visionary statement or poetic declaration.
The prophecy in her poem spoke of peace and renewal.
Prophesy
To foreshadow through prophetic declaration.
She prophesied that the truth would soon be revealed.
Prophecy
A prophecy is a message that is claimed by a prophet to have been communicated to them by a deity. Such messages typically involve inspiration, interpretation, or revelation of divine will concerning the prophet's social world and events to come (compare divine knowledge).
Prophesy
Say that (a specified thing) will happen in the future
Jacques was prophesying a bumper harvest
The papers prophesied that he would resign after the weekend
Prophecy
A prediction of what will happen in the future
A bleak prophecy of war and ruin
Prophesy
To reveal by divine inspiration.
Prophecy
An inspired utterance of a prophet, viewed as a revelation of divine will.
Prophesy
To predict the future with certainty.
Prophecy
A prediction of the future, made under divine inspiration.
Prophesy
To prefigure or foreshadow
"The wind was in the east, and the clouds prophesied rain" (Jacob Riis).
Prophecy
Such an inspired message or prediction transmitted orally or in writing.
Prophesy
To reveal the will or message of God; speak or write as a prophet.
Prophecy
The vocation or condition of a prophet.
Prophesy
To predict future events; make predictions.
Prophecy
A prediction.
Prophesy
To speak or write with divine inspiration; to act as prophet.
Prophecy
A prediction, especially one made by a prophet or under divine inspiration.
French writer Nostradamus made a prophecy in his book.
Prophesy
To predict, to foretell (with or without divine inspiration).
Prophecy
The public interpretation of Scripture.
Prophesy
To foreshow; to herald; to prefigure.
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.
Prophesy
To speak out on the Bible as an expression of holy inspiration; to preach.
Prophecy
A book of prophecies; a history; as, the prophecy of Ahijah.
Prophesy
To foretell; to predict; to prognosticate.
He doth not prophesy good concerning me.
Then I perceive that will be verifiedHenry the Fifth did sometime prophesy.
Prophecy
Public interpretation of Scripture; preaching; exhortation or instruction.
Prophesy
To foreshow; to herald; to prefigure.
Methought thy very gait did prophesyA royal nobleness; I must embrace thee.
Prophecy
Knowledge of the future (usually said to be obtained from a divine source)
Prophesy
To utter predictions; to make declaration of events to come.
Prophecy
A prediction uttered under divine inspiration
Prophesy
To give instruction in religious matters; to interpret or explain Scripture or religious subjects; to preach; to exhort; to expound.
Prophesy
Predict or reveal through, or as if through, divine inspiration
Prophesy
Deliver a sermon;
The minister is not preaching this Sunday
Common Curiosities
How does one prophesy?
To prophesy means to declare or predict something, typically under the influence of divine inspiration.
What is the difference between prophecy and prophesy in terms of usage?
'Prophecy' is a noun referring to the prediction itself, while 'prophesy' is a verb referring to the act of making the prediction.
What is an example of a famous prophecy?
The prophecies in Nostradamus' writings are among the most famous historical examples.
What is a prophecy?
A prophecy is a prediction or declaration about future events, often believed to be divinely inspired.
Is prophecy always religious?
No, prophecies can be secular or non-religious, though they often carry an element of supernatural prediction.
Who are famous figures known to prophesy?
Biblical figures like Moses and prophets in various religions are known to prophesy.
Can anyone deliver a prophecy?
Typically, prophecies are associated with figures considered to have spiritual or divine insight.
How are prophecy and prophesy used in religious contexts?
In religion, a prophecy is often a key doctrinal element, whereas to prophesy is the act of delivering these spiritual messages.
Can prophecies be wrong?
Yes, prophecies, whether divine or not, can be incorrect or misinterpreted.
How does culture affect the interpretation of prophecy?
Cultural beliefs and historical context significantly influence how a prophecy is understood and valued.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
