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PROPHETESS.—1. The courtesy title of a prophet’s wife (Isa_8:3). 2. The OT title of women in whom the promise was fulfilled: ‘your daughters shall prophesy’ (Joe_2:28; cf. Psa_68:11 RV [Note: Revised Version.] ). ‘The term is of course not to be misunderstood, as if it referred merely to predictions relating to the future: the reference is in general to inspired instruction in moral and religious truth’ (Driver, Camb. Bible, in loc.) The title is given to Miriam (Exo_15:20), Deborah (Jdg_4:4), Huldah (2Ki_22:14, 2Ch_34:22), and Noadiah (Neh_6:14). 3. The NT gift of prophecy was bestowed on women (Act_21:9, 1Co_11:6). Anna (Luk_2:35) is the only ‘prophetess’ mentioned by name, except Jezebel (Rev_2:20), who was probably not the wife of the angel of the church (RVm [Note: Revised Version margin.] ), but a temptress of the Christians at Thyatira to whom was given the name of Israel’s wicked queen.
J. G. Tasker.