Meaning
An oracle is a person, place, or message associated with the giving or receiving of divine or supernatural knowledge.
The word may refer to:
- A person believed to communicate divine or supernatural knowledge.
- A place where divine or supernatural answers are sought.
- A message or answer believed to come from a deity or supernatural source.
Biblical Usage
In Scripture, oracle refers primarily to a divine message, utterance, or declaration.
The New Testament uses the expression “oracles of God” for the words entrusted to God’s people.
The KJV also uses “oracle” for the inner sanctuary or most holy place of the temple in certain Old Testament passages.
In Numbers, Balaam spoke words that he received from God, but the Scripture does not identify Balaam himself as an “oracle.”
Key References
- Numbers 24:4
- Numbers 24:16
- 2 Samuel 16:23
- 1 Kings 6:5
- 1 Kings 6:16
- 1 Kings 6:19-23
- 1 Kings 8:6
- Psalm 28:2
- Acts 7:38
- Romans 3:2
- Hebrews 5:12
- 1 Peter 4:11
Related Terms
- Prophecy
- Revelation
- Word
- Scripture
- Sanctuary
- Holy Place
- Temple