- The Nabi (The Bubbling Spring)
- The Roeh (The Seer)
- The Chozeh (The Visionary)
- The Burden Bearer (The Intercessor)
- The Herald (The Prophetic Preacher)
- The Oracle (The Spokesperson)
Why Learn the Types of Prophets?
First, a word of caution. This teaching is not about giving you a title. It is about function. It helps you understand what kind of prophetic person you are as a believer, so you can flow freely in it. Every true prophetic word has one source:“…for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” 2 Peter 1:21 (NKJV)The Holy Spirit is one. But He moves on people in different ways. That is why the Bible uses different Hebrew words to describe different types of prophets. And remember, the main job of a prophet is to speak the mind of God. It is not fortune-telling. It is not just calling out names and addresses. It is carrying God’s heart to His people.
The 6 Types of Prophets in the Bible
1. The Nabi Prophet (The Bubbling Spring)
Hebrew: nabi (Strong’s H5030), linked to the idea of bubbling up and pouring forth speech. The Nabi is the first of the types of prophets. The Nabi is like water springing up from deep inside. When the prophetic grace comes, the Nabi suddenly starts to prophesy. It often comes without warning. That is what happened to King Saul.“When they came there to the hill, there was a group of prophets to meet him; then the Spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied among them.” 1 Samuel 10:10 (NKJV)Saul had not planned to prophesy. The Spirit came, and the word bubbled out. The good news is that every New Testament believer can flow in this stream.
“For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged.” 1 Corinthians 14:31 (NKJV)You may be a Nabi if: words rise up in you during worship or prayer, and you feel you must speak them.
2. The Roeh Prophet (The Seer)
Hebrew: ro’eh (Strong’s H7203), “one who sees.” Among all the types of prophets, the Seer receives from God through pictures. They have inner visions, open visions and closed visions. They see into the spirit realm and discern what is happening there. In fact, this was the first name Israel used for a prophet.“(Formerly in Israel, when a man went to inquire of God, he spoke thus: ‘Come, let us go to the seer’; for he who is now called a prophet was formerly called a seer.)” 1 Samuel 9:9 (NKJV)Samuel was a Seer. He could see big things, like who would be king. He could also see small things, like where Saul’s lost donkeys were.
“But as for your donkeys that were lost three days ago, do not be anxious about them, for they have been found.” 1 Samuel 9:20 (NKJV)You may be a Seer if: God often speaks to you through pictures, visions and images. Want to grow in this? Read: 5 Things You Will Start Seeing When Your Spiritual Eyes Open.
3. The Chozeh Prophet (The Visionary)
Hebrew: chozeh (Strong’s H2374), “to perceive in vision.” The Visionary is like the Seer, with one more dimension. They don’t only see what is happening now. They also see what is coming. Of all the types of prophets, the Chozeh is the clearest foreteller. The prophet Gad was called a chozeh.“Now when David arose in the morning, the word of the LORD came to the prophet Gad, David’s seer, saying…” 2 Samuel 24:11 (NKJV)The word “seer” in this verse is chozeh. Gad then went to David and laid out what was coming: famine, war or plague, and David had to choose (2 Samuel 24:13). He saw the present sin and the future judgment. You may be a Visionary if: God shows you things before they happen, and you understand the season you are in.
4. The Burden Bearer (The Intercessor)
Hebrew: massa (Strong’s H4853), “a burden” or “a load.” It is also used for a weighty prophetic message. Of the types of prophets, Burden Bearers receive God’s word as a weight on their heart. They feel what God feels about a person, a city or a nation.“The burden against Babylon which Isaiah the son of Amoz saw.” Isaiah 13:1 (NKJV)
“The burden which the prophet Habakkuk saw.” Habakkuk 1:1 (NKJV)Jeremiah carried this weight so deeply that he wept.
“Oh, that my head were waters, And my eyes a fountain of tears, That I might weep day and night For the slain of the daughter of my people!” Jeremiah 9:1 (NKJV)Burden Bearers are prophetic intercessors. When they see someone heading toward danger, they pray. They stand in the gap against accidents, attacks and loss before those things happen. You may be a Burden Bearer if: you feel a sudden weight to pray for someone, and you can’t rest until you do.
5. The Herald (The Prophetic Preacher)
Greek: kēryssō (Strong’s G2784), “to proclaim as a herald.” Among the types of prophets, the Herald is a preacher whose message is fully inspired by the Holy Spirit. Their preaching turns people from sin to God. They can sense the hidden condition of a heart and preach right into it. God gave Ezekiel this kind of assignment.“Son of man, set your face toward Jerusalem, preach against the holy places, and prophesy against the land of Israel.” Ezekiel 21:2 (NKJV)John the Baptist was a Herald.
“In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!'” Matthew 3:1-2 (NKJV)You may be a Herald if: when you preach, people are convicted, they repent, and souls are won.
6. The Oracle (The Spokesperson)
The last of the six types of prophets is the Oracle. The Oracle speaks out God’s agenda with clarity and power. They are highly vocal. When God speaks to them, they cannot keep quiet.“A lion has roared! Who will not fear? The Lord GOD has spoken! Who can but prophesy?” Amos 3:8 (NKJV)Peter told believers to speak like this.
“If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God.” 1 Peter 4:11 (NKJV)The word “oracles” is logion (Strong’s G3051). It means a divine utterance, words that come straight from God. You may be an Oracle if: God gives you clear words to declare, and you speak His plans over people and nations.
How to Know Which of the Types of Prophets You Are
1. Notice your spiritual senses
The different types of prophets receive in different ways:- Some see visions.
- Some hear God’s voice clearly.
- Some feel burdens deeply.
- Some receive messages to preach.
2. Look at your assignment
Your stream shapes your work. You may be called to teach prophetically, write, intercede for nations, preach repentance, foretell events or interpret signs.3. Avoid these mistakes
- Don’t force yourself into a stream you are not called to.
- Don’t reduce all prophecy to word of knowledge.
- Don’t try to function like a prophet whose stream is different from yours.
- Don’t confuse prophecy with divination or fortune-telling.
4. Develop your stream
- Study the prophets in the Bible who flowed like you.
- Practice your gift.
- Get mentored by mature prophets.
- Stay sensitive to the Holy Spirit.
Why God Gave Us Different Types of Prophets
All the types of prophets build the church.“But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men.” 1 Corinthians 14:3 (NKJV)
“And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” Ephesians 4:11-12 (NKJV)God did not make all prophets the same, because the church does not need just one thing. It needs seers and intercessors. It needs heralds and oracles. It needs all of them.
Questions About the Types of Prophets
What are the types of prophets in the Bible?
The Bible uses different words for prophets. Six types of prophets, or prophetic streams, are the Nabi (bubbling spring), the Roeh (seer), the Chozeh (visionary), the Burden Bearer (intercessor), the Herald (prophetic preacher) and the Oracle (spokesperson).What is the difference between a Roeh and a Chozeh?
Both see in the spirit. The Roeh mainly perceives what is happening now. The Chozeh also sees and declares what is coming (1 Samuel 9:9; 2 Samuel 24:11).Can I flow in more than one stream?
Yes. Many prophets flow in more than one. But most have one main stream. Knowing yours helps you grow in it.Is every believer a prophet?
Not every believer stands in the office of a prophet. But every believer can prophesy (1 Corinthians 14:31; Joel 2:28).All Types of Prophets Are Needed
Your greatest limit in the prophetic is not knowing who you are and trying to be someone else. When you know which of the types of prophets you are, you can flow with ease. You can grow your capacity. You can fulfill your assignment. Whether you bubble up like a Nabi, see like a Roeh, carry burdens like an intercessor or preach like a Herald, the body of Christ needs what God put in you.“And it shall come to pass afterward That I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your old men shall dream dreams, Your young men shall see visions.” Joel 2:28 (NKJV)If you have been blessed by this teaching and desire to go deeper in your understanding of the prophetic, I invite you to check out some of my other resources:
“Forensic Prophets: Activate Your Prophetic Anointing and See Names, Numbers, Addresses, and Details in the Spirit” trains believers to move beyond vague impressions into specific, verifiable revelation, equipping them with five prophetic codes, a clear process for delivering accurate words, and the discernment to recognize and reject counterfeit practices like cold reading and staged prophecy.
“47 Prophetic Codes” unpacks 47 ways God speaks to His people, from inner visions and dreams to His still small voice, equipping believers with Scripture-grounded tools to receive, interpret, test, and steward prophetic revelation with accuracy and maturity.
“How to Prophesy Accurately: 13 Keys to Receive and Release a Prophetic Word” walks believers through the full prophetic process, from receiving a revelation to interpreting it and releasing it correctly, equipping them with 13 practical, Scripture-based keys to minister God’s word with greater clarity, confidence, and accuracy.
“Mind Fasting: Unlock Your Spiritual Vision and See Clearly in the Spirit Realm” reveals how clearing the mind of clutter and distraction sharpens a believer’s spiritual sight, equipping readers with practical biblical disciplines to see clearly in the spirit and walk in deeper intimacy with God.
“30 Mistakes of Novice Prophets: A Training Guide for Growing Prophets, Ministers, and Spirit-Filled Believers” exposes the common errors that hinder emerging prophetic voices, equipping growing prophets and ministers to avoid costly pitfalls, mature in character and accuracy, and steward their gift with wisdom and integrity.
“How to Hear From God in a Noisy World: Learn to Know His Voice and Make Right Decisions” explores the essential but often challenging art of discerning God’s authentic voice amid life’s constant noise and distractions, equipping believers with proven biblical methods and practical tools to confidently recognize divine guidance and make Spirit-led decisions in every area of life.
My prayer is that as you dive deep into the Scriptures, you will encounter afresh the beauty and power of God’s prophetic Word. May you hear His voice with greater clarity, walk in the fullness of your prophetic calling, and bear witness to the unfolding of His marvelous purposes in the earth.
Hungry for more of the prophetic? Visit PropheticBibleSchool.com to enroll in my Prophetic Masterclass today! Gratefully yours, Prophet Kum Eric Tso