UBS Dictionary of the Greek New Testament

Sense 1: prophet, inspired preacher

Semantic entry: 53.79

Semantic domains: Religious Activities

Subdomains: Roles and Functions

Definition: one who proclaims inspired utterances on behalf of God{N:001}

Notes: There is a tendency in a number of languages to translate προφήτης only in the sense of ‘one who foretells the future,’ but foretelling the future was only a relatively minor aspect of the prophet’s function, though gradually it became more important. Patristic authors defined the function of a prophet mainly in terms of foretelling the future. In New Testament times, however, the focus was upon the inspired utterance proclaimed on behalf of and on the authority of God. Accordingly, in a number of languages it is more appropriate to translate προφήτης as ‘one who speaks for God.’

Sense 2: the writings of the prophets, the Prophets

Semantic entry: 33.60

Semantic domains: Communication

Subdomains: Written Language

Definition: the writings of the prophets, including both the earlier and the later prophets{N:002}

Notes: It is quite impossible in many languages to speak of ‘the Prophets’ in reference to the writings of the prophets, and therefore one must often say ‘what the prophets wrote’ or ‘the books containing the words of the prophets.’

Forms: (occurring in the plural as a collective)

Collocations: προφῆται

Sense 3: the sacred writings, the Law and the Prophets

Semantic entry: 33.58

Semantic domains: Communication

Subdomains: Written Language

Definition: (an idiom, literally: the Law and the Prophets) all of the sacred writings of the OT, including the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings{N:003}

Collocations: ὁ νόμος καὶ οἱ προφῆται