The Nevi'im
The Prophets of Israel
In Judaism, prophets (נביאים, nevi'im) served as messengers between God and the people of Israel. The Talmud (Megillah 14a-b) states that 48 male prophets and 7 female prophets prophesied to Israel—though many more existed, only those whose messages had lasting relevance were recorded in scripture.
The Seven Prophetesses
The Talmud identifies seven women as prophetesses (נביאות). Their prophecies shaped Israel's history from the patriarchal era through the Persian period.
Major Prophets
Moses is considered the greatest of all prophets, unique in speaking with God "face to face." Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel are called "major" due to the length of their books.
The Twelve Minor Prophets
Called "minor" only because their books are shorter, not because of lesser importance. Known collectively in Hebrew as Trei Asar (תרי עשר, "The Twelve"). Note: Several minor prophets are not yet in our database.
Other Notable Prophets
Beyond the literary prophets whose books are in the Bible, many other prophets served Israel throughout its history.
About Prophecy in Judaism
Moses: The Greatest Prophet
Moses holds a unique status. Unlike other prophets who received visions or dreams, Moses spoke with God "mouth to mouth, clearly and not in riddles" (Numbers 12:8). No prophet arose in Israel like Moses.
The End of Prophecy
Rabbinic tradition holds that prophecy ceased with the last biblical prophets (Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi) after the Second Temple was built. Since then, the Bat Kol (divine echo) and ruach hakodesh (holy spirit) are considered lesser forms of inspiration.
The 48 Male Prophets
While the Talmud counts 48 male prophets, it notes that "many prophets arose in Israel, double the number who left Egypt" (1.2 million). Only prophecies needed for future generations were preserved in scripture.
Nevi'im in the Tanakh
The Nevi'im section of the Hebrew Bible includes both "Former Prophets" (Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings) and "Latter Prophets" (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and the Twelve).