Nevi’im

Nevi’im (נביאים, “Prophets”) refers both to the second section of the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh) and to the prophets themselves in Jewish tradition. The term comes from the Hebrew word navi (נביא), meaning “prophet” or “spokesperson.”

The Section of Scripture

The Nevi’im section of the Tanakh is divided into two parts:

Former Prophets (Nevi’im Rishonim)

Historical books that contain prophetic narratives:

• Joshua
• Judges
• Samuel (1 & 2)
• Kings (1 & 2)

Latter Prophets (Nevi’im Acharonim)

The prophetic writings proper:

• Isaiah
• Jeremiah
• Ezekiel
• The Twelve (Trei Asar): Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi

The 48 Male Prophets

The Talmud (Megillah 14a) states that 48 male prophets prophesied to Israel. Though tradition holds that “many prophets arose in Israel, double the number who left Egypt” (over a million), only those whose messages had lasting relevance for future generations were preserved in scripture.

The Seven Prophetesses

The Talmud identifies seven women as prophetesses:

1. Sarah - received divine communication about her son
2. Miriam - called “the prophetess” in Exodus
3. Deborah - judge and prophetess who led Israel
4. Hannah - her prayer revealed prophetic insight
5. Abigail - foresaw David’s kingship
6. Huldah - authenticated the Book of the Law
7. Esther - guided by divine inspiration to save her people

Moses: The Greatest Prophet

Moses holds a unique status among prophets. Unlike others who received visions or dreams, Moses spoke with God “face to face” (פנים אל פנים) and “mouth to mouth, clearly and not in riddles” (Numbers 12:8). Deuteronomy concludes: “Never again did there arise in Israel a prophet like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face” (34:10).

Levels of Prophecy

Maimonides outlined eleven levels of prophetic experience, from divine inspiration (ruach hakodesh) at the lowest level to Moses’ direct communication at the highest. Most prophets received messages through visions or dreams, often requiring interpretation.

The End of Prophecy

Rabbinic tradition holds that prophecy ceased after the destruction of the First Temple, with Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi being the last prophets. The Talmud states: “When the latter prophets died—Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi—the Holy Spirit departed from Israel” (Sanhedrin 11a).

Since then, Jews have relied on:

• Bat Kol (בת קול) - a “heavenly voice” or echo of prophecy
• Ruach HaKodesh (רוח הקודש) - the Holy Spirit, a lesser form of inspiration

True vs. False Prophets

The Torah provides criteria for distinguishing true prophets from false ones:

• True prophets speak in God’s name alone
• Their predictions must come true
• They must not lead people to worship other gods
• They must be consistent with the Torah

False prophets could face capital punishment, making the prophetic office both honored and dangerous.