Old Testament: Prophets

Amos

Name meaning: "Burden-bearer"
Approximately 10 references

A shepherd and fig-tree dresser from Tekoa in Judah, called to prophesy against the northern kingdom (c. 760 BC). Denounced social injustice, exploitation of the poor, and empty religious ritual. Famous for "Let justice roll down like waters" (Amos 5:24).

Key references: Amos 1:1, Amos 7:8, Amos 7:10, Amos 7:11, Amos 7:12, Amos 7:14, Amos 8:2, Luke 3:25, Matthew 1:10

Balaam

Name meaning: "Devourer of the people" or uncertain
Approximately 63 references

A non-Israelite prophet hired by Balak king of Moab to curse Israel. Though compelled by God to bless Israel instead (Numbers 22–24), he later counseled Balak to lead Israel into sin through Moabite women (Numbers 31:16). His donkey famously spoke to him when an angel blocked the way. Cited in the NT as a negative example of greed (2 Peter 2:15, Jude 1:11, Revelation 2:14).

Key references: Deuteronomy 23:5, Deuteronomy 23:6, Joshua 13:22, Joshua 24:9, Joshua 24:10, Micah 6:5, Nehemiah 13:2, Numbers 22:5, Numbers 22:7, Numbers 22:8 (and 49 more)

Daniel

Name meaning: "God is my judge"
Approximately 32 references

Jewish exile who served in the courts of Babylon and Persia. Known for his faithfulness in the lions' den (Daniel 6) and for interpreting dreams. His apocalyptic visions (Daniel 7–12) profoundly influenced Jewish and Christian eschatology, including the "Son of Man" imagery (Daniel 7:13-14) that Jesus applied to himself.

Key references: 1 Chronicles 3:1, Daniel 1:6, Daniel 1:7, Daniel 1:8, Daniel 1:9, Daniel 1:10, Daniel 1:11, Daniel 1:17, Daniel 1:19, Daniel 1:21 (and 18 more)

Elijah

Name meaning: "My God is YHWH"
Approximately 100 references

Fiery prophet of the northern kingdom during Ahab and Jezebel's reign. Confronted the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18), was fed by ravens and a widow, and was taken to heaven in a chariot of fire (2 Kings 2:11). Expected to return before the Messiah (Malachi 4:5). Jesus identified John the Baptist as fulfilling this role (Matthew 11:14).

Key references: 1 Chronicles 8:27, 1 Kings 17:1, 1 Kings 17:13, 1 Kings 17:15, 1 Kings 17:16, 1 Kings 17:18, 1 Kings 17:22, 1 Kings 17:23, 1 Kings 17:24, 1 Kings 18:1 (and 84 more)

Elisha

Name meaning: "My God is salvation"
Approximately 58 references

Elijah's successor, who received a "double portion" of his spirit (2 Kings 2). Performed many miracles: purifying water, multiplying oil, raising a dead boy, healing Naaman the Syrian of leprosy, and feeding a hundred men with twenty loaves. His ministry demonstrated God's power and compassion toward both Israel and foreigners.

Key references: 1 Kings 19:16, 1 Kings 19:17, 1 Kings 19:19, 2 Kings 2:1, 2 Kings 2:2, 2 Kings 2:3, 2 Kings 2:4, 2 Kings 2:5, 2 Kings 2:9, 2 Kings 2:12 (and 42 more)

Ezekiel

Name meaning: "God strengthens"
Approximately 3 references

Priest and prophet who ministered among the Jewish exiles in Babylon (593–571 BC). Known for dramatic symbolic actions and vivid visions: the valley of dry bones (ch. 37), the departure and return of God's glory, and the detailed vision of a future temple (chs. 40–48). His message emphasized individual responsibility and God's sovereign plan to restore Israel.

Key references: 1 Chronicles 24:16, Ezekiel 1:3, Ezekiel 24:24

Habakkuk

Name meaning: "Embracer" or "wrestler"
Approximately 2 references

Prophet who boldly questioned God about why the wicked prosper and why God would use the even more wicked Babylonians to punish Judah. God's answer affirmed that "the righteous shall live by faith" (Habakkuk 2:4), a verse foundational to Paul's theology (Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11).

Key references: Habakkuk 1:1, Habakkuk 3:1

Haggai

Name meaning: "Festive"
Approximately 9 references

Post-exilic prophet who urged the returned Jewish community to rebuild the Temple (520 BC). His short book records four messages motivating the people to prioritize God's house over their own comfort.

Key references: Haggai 1:1, Haggai 1:3, Haggai 1:12, Haggai 1:13, Haggai 2:1, Haggai 2:10, Haggai 2:13, Haggai 2:14, Haggai 2:20

Hosea

Name meaning: "Salvation"
Approximately 16 references

Prophet to the northern kingdom (8th century BC) whose marriage to the unfaithful Gomer symbolized God's steadfast love for wayward Israel. His book explores the themes of covenant love, judgment, and the hope of restoration.

Key references: 1 Chronicles 27:20, 2 Kings 15:30, 2 Kings 17:1, 2 Kings 17:3, 2 Kings 17:4, 2 Kings 17:6, 2 Kings 18:1, 2 Kings 18:9, 2 Kings 18:10, Deuteronomy 32:44 (and 5 more)

Isaiah

Name meaning: "YHWH is salvation"
Approximately 57 references

Major prophet who ministered in Judah during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (roughly 740–700 BC). His book contains both judgment oracles and some of the most exalted messianic prophecies in the OT, including the Suffering Servant passages (Isaiah 42, 49, 50, 52–53) and Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14). Called in a throne-room vision (Isaiah 6).

Key references: 1 Chronicles 25:3, 1 Chronicles 25:15, 1 Chronicles 26:25, 2 Chronicles 26:22, 2 Chronicles 32:20, 2 Chronicles 32:32, 2 Kings 19:2, 2 Kings 19:5, 2 Kings 19:6, 2 Kings 19:20 (and 47 more)

Jeremiah

Name meaning: "YHWH exalts" or "YHWH throws"
Approximately 150 references

The "weeping prophet," called by God before birth (Jeremiah 1:5) to prophesy during Judah's final decades and the fall of Jerusalem (626–586 BC). Endured imprisonment, threats, and rejection for his message of judgment, yet also prophesied a new covenant written on the heart (Jeremiah 31:31-34). Traditionally credited with Lamentations.

Key references: 1 Chronicles 5:24, 1 Chronicles 12:5, 1 Chronicles 12:11, 1 Chronicles 12:14, 2 Chronicles 35:25, 2 Chronicles 36:12, 2 Chronicles 36:21, 2 Chronicles 36:22, 2 Kings 23:31, 2 Kings 24:18 (and 126 more)

Joel

Name meaning: "YHWH is God"
Approximately 19 references

Prophet whose book centers on a devastating locust plague as a harbinger of the Day of the LORD, calling for repentance. His prophecy of the outpouring of the Spirit "on all flesh" (Joel 2:28-32) was cited by Peter at Pentecost (Acts 2:16-21).

Key references: 1 Chronicles 4:35, 1 Chronicles 5:4, 1 Chronicles 5:8, 1 Chronicles 5:12, 1 Chronicles 6:18, 1 Chronicles 6:21, 1 Chronicles 7:3, 1 Chronicles 11:38, 1 Chronicles 15:7, 1 Chronicles 15:11 (and 9 more)

Jonah

Name meaning: "Dove"
Approximately 28 references

Prophet sent to preach repentance to Nineveh, the capital of Israel's enemy Assyria. Famously fled in the opposite direction and was swallowed by a great fish (Jonah 1–2). After preaching, Nineveh repented, and Jonah's anger at God's mercy revealed his misunderstanding of God's compassion for all people. Jesus referred to "the sign of Jonah" as pointing to his own death and resurrection (Matthew 12:39-41).

Key references: 2 Kings 14:25, Jonah 1:1, Jonah 1:3, Jonah 1:5, Jonah 1:7, Jonah 1:15, Jonah 2:1, Jonah 2:2, Jonah 2:11, Jonah 3:1 (and 14 more)

Malachi

Name meaning: "My messenger"
Approximately 1 reference

The last OT prophet (c. 460–430 BC), whose book addresses spiritual apathy, corrupt priests, divorce, and injustice in the post-exilic community. Ends with the promise of Elijah's return before "the great and dreadful day of the LORD" (Malachi 4:5-6), bridging to the New Testament.

Key references: Malachi 1:1

Micah

Name meaning: "Who is like YHWH?"
Approximately 34 references

Prophet from Moresheth in Judah (late 8th century BC), contemporary of Isaiah. Prophesied against injustice and predicted Bethlehem as the birthplace of the Messiah (Micah 5:2). Famous summary of true religion: "to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:8).

Key references: 1 Chronicles 5:5, 1 Chronicles 8:34, 1 Chronicles 8:35, 1 Chronicles 9:40, 1 Chronicles 9:41, 1 Chronicles 23:20, 1 Chronicles 24:24, 1 Chronicles 24:25, 2 Chronicles 18:8, 2 Chronicles 18:14 (and 21 more)

Miriam

Name meaning: "Rebellion" or "wished-for child"
Approximately 15 references

Sister of Moses and Aaron, and a prophetess. As a child, she watched over baby Moses in the Nile. Led the women in celebration after the Red Sea crossing (Exodus 15:20-21). Struck with leprosy for challenging Moses' authority alongside Aaron, but healed after Moses interceded (Numbers 12).

Key references: 1 Chronicles 4:17, 1 Chronicles 5:29, Deuteronomy 24:9, Exodus 15:20, Exodus 15:21, Micah 6:4, Numbers 12:1, Numbers 12:4, Numbers 12:5, Numbers 12:10 (and 3 more)

Nahum

Name meaning: "Comfort"
Approximately 1 reference

Prophet from Elkosh who prophesied the fall of Nineveh (c. 660–630 BC), which occurred in 612 BC. His vivid oracle of judgment against Assyria comforted Judah, showing that God would avenge oppression.

Key references: Nahum 1:1

Nathan

Name meaning: "He gave"
Approximately 42 references

Court prophet during David's reign who delivered God's dynastic promise (the Davidic covenant, 2 Samuel 7) and later confronted David over his sin with Bathsheba with the parable of the poor man's lamb (2 Samuel 12). Also involved in securing Solomon's succession (1 Kings 1).

Key references: 1 Chronicles 2:36, 1 Chronicles 3:5, 1 Chronicles 11:38, 1 Chronicles 14:4, 1 Chronicles 17:1, 1 Chronicles 17:2, 1 Chronicles 17:3, 1 Chronicles 17:15, 1 Chronicles 29:29, 1 Kings 1:8 (and 29 more)

Obadiah

Name meaning: "Servant of YHWH"
Approximately 20 references

Author of the shortest book in the OT, a prophecy against Edom for its treachery against Judah during Jerusalem's fall. The reference count includes other men named Obadiah in the OT, notably Ahab's palace steward who hid 100 prophets from Jezebel (1 Kings 18:3-4).

Key references: 1 Chronicles 3:21, 1 Chronicles 7:3, 1 Chronicles 8:38, 1 Chronicles 9:16, 1 Chronicles 9:44, 1 Chronicles 12:10, 1 Chronicles 27:19, 1 Kings 18:3, 1 Kings 18:4, 1 Kings 18:5 (and 9 more)

Samuel

Name meaning: "Heard by God"
Approximately 143 references

Last judge and first great prophet after Moses. Dedicated to God before birth by his mother Hannah, raised at the tabernacle in Shiloh under Eli. Anointed both Saul and David as kings. His ministry marked the transition from the judges to the monarchy (1 Samuel 1–16).

Key references: 1 Chronicles 6:13, 1 Chronicles 6:18, 1 Chronicles 7:2, 1 Chronicles 9:22, 1 Chronicles 11:3, 1 Chronicles 26:28, 1 Chronicles 29:29, 1 Samuel 1:20, 1 Samuel 2:18, 1 Samuel 2:21 (and 113 more)

Zechariah

Name meaning: "YHWH remembers"
Approximately 41 references

Post-exilic prophet contemporary with Haggai, encouraging Temple reconstruction through apocalyptic visions. His later chapters contain striking messianic prophecies: the king riding on a donkey (9:9), thirty pieces of silver (11:12-13), and "they will look on me whom they have pierced" (12:10). Note: many men in the OT share this name; the reference count includes them all.

Key references: 1 Chronicles 5:7, 1 Chronicles 9:21, 1 Chronicles 9:37, 1 Chronicles 15:18, 1 Chronicles 15:20, 1 Chronicles 15:24, 1 Chronicles 16:5, 1 Chronicles 24:25, 1 Chronicles 26:2, 1 Chronicles 26:11 (and 31 more)

Zephaniah

Name meaning: "YHWH has hidden/treasured"
Approximately 10 references

Prophet during King Josiah's reign (c. 640–610 BC), possibly of royal descent. Pronounced sweeping judgment on the Day of the LORD against Judah and the nations, but also promised a humble remnant and joyful restoration (Zephaniah 3:14-17).

Key references: 1 Chronicles 6:21, 2 Kings 25:18, Jeremiah 21:1, Jeremiah 29:25, Jeremiah 29:29, Jeremiah 37:3, Jeremiah 52:24, Zechariah 6:10, Zechariah 6:14, Zephaniah 1:1

22 entries. Reference counts are approximate, based on morphological analysis of the Westminster Leningrad Codex (Hebrew) and Open Greek New Testament.