Prophecy facts for kids
A prophecy is like a special guess about what might happen in the future. It's not based on normal information, like weather forecasts or news reports. Instead, some people believe prophecies come from a higher power or a god.
Prophecies are often a bit mysterious and can be hard to understand. They usually need someone to explain what they mean. Often, a prophecy talks about one very specific event.
People who make prophecies are called prophets. Long ago, in Ancient Greece, people who made prophecies were called oracles. The most famous one was the Oracle of Delphi. Later, people like Nostradamus also became known for their prophecies.
The word prophesy is a verb, which means it's an action word. It means "to make a prophecy." The word prophecy is a noun, which is a naming word.
Contents
What is Prophecy?
A prophecy is a claim about what the future will be like. It is not based on facts or science that we know today. Some people believe prophecies come from a divine source. This means they think the information comes from God or a god.
Prophecies are often quite difficult to understand. They might use symbolic language or riddles. Because of this, they often need someone to explain their true meaning.
Who Makes Prophecies?
People who make prophecies are called prophets. In ancient times, prophets were important figures in many cultures. They were believed to have a special connection to the divine.
Famous Prophets and Oracles
In Ancient Greece, people who made prophecies were called oracles. The most famous oracle was at Delphi. Here, a priestess would deliver messages believed to be from the god Apollo. People would travel from far away to ask questions about their future.
Another well-known person who made prophecies was Nostradamus. He was a French astrologer and physician from the 16th century. He wrote a book of prophecies that many people still study today.
Belief in Prophecy
Not everyone believes in prophecy. Some people see it as a form of superstition or storytelling. Others believe strongly that prophecies are real messages about future events.
In some ways, prophecies are similar to religion. Many religions include stories of prophets and prophecies. These stories often guide people's beliefs and actions.
Images for kids
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16th century woodcut of a soothsayer delivering a prophecy to a king, deriving it from stars, fishes, and noises from the mountains
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David and Saul, detail from an 1878 oil painting, Nationalmuseum, Stockholm
See also
In Spanish: Profecía para niños
