Prophecy vs. Prediction — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Published on October 18, 2023
Prophecy refers to a divinely-inspired revelation or message, often about the future, while prediction is a general forecast based on evidence, data, or intuition.
Difference Between Prophecy and Prediction
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Prophecy, as a term, primarily carries a spiritual or religious connotation. It often points to messages believed to have been received from a divine source. These messages, when related to future events, are not just forecasts but are perceived as certain realities that will come to pass. Prophecy can also encompass messages that provide guidance or insight, not necessarily future-oriented.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 18, 2023
Prediction, on the other hand, is broader in scope and doesn't necessarily rely on divine inspiration. Predictions are commonly based on evidence, patterns, data, or even individual intuition. For instance, meteorologists make predictions about the weather using patterns and data. No divine intervention is claimed.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 18, 2023
When considering the source, prophecy claims a higher authority, often God or some divine entity. The person receiving or conveying the prophecy is typically considered a prophet. Predictions can be made by anyone with enough information or insight on a particular subject.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 18, 2023
In certain contexts, especially outside religious ones, prophecy and prediction can be used interchangeably. However, the divine undertone of prophecy differentiates it from the more secular and data-driven prediction.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 18, 2023
Though both words revolve around the concept of telling beforehand, their basis and perceived reliability differ. Prophecies are often accepted as truth within the religious or spiritual circles from which they originate, while predictions, especially in scientific or secular fields, are tested and verified against outcomes.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 18, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A divinely inspired revelation or message.
A forecast based on evidence, data, or intuition.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 18, 2023
Source
Divine or spiritual source.
Information, patterns, or personal insight.
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Oct 18, 2023
Common Context
Religious or spiritual settings.
Scientific, analytical, or everyday contexts.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 18, 2023
Authority
Often considered undeniable within its religious context.
Can be questioned, tested, and verified.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 18, 2023
Reliability
Accepted as truth within its origin's belief system.
As reliable as the data or method used for forecasting.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 18, 2023
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Definitions
Prophecy
A revelation about the future from a divine source.
The ancient scrolls contained a prophecy about the end times.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Prediction
A statement forecasting an outcome.
His prediction about the game's result was accurate.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Prophecy
God's message delivered through chosen individuals.
The prophet delivered a prophecy of hope and redemption.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Prediction
A foretelling without divine connotation.
The economist's prediction about the market was bleak.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Prophecy
A spiritual forecast or announcement.
The seer shared a prophecy about the town's prosperity.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Prediction
An anticipation based on patterns or data.
Based on sales data, her prediction for next quarter is optimistic.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Prophecy
A divinely inspired message.
The prophecy foretold of a great upheaval in the kingdom.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Prediction
An educated guess about a future event.
The weather forecast gave a prediction of rain tomorrow.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Prophecy
A divine vision or dream indicating future events.
Her dream was not just a vision; it was a prophecy.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Prediction
An outcome expected based on current knowledge.
The scientist made a prediction on the experiment's result.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Prophecy
An inspired utterance of a prophet, viewed as a revelation of divine will.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 29, 2023
Prophecy
Such an inspired message or prediction transmitted orally or in writing.
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Sep 29, 2023
Prediction
(statistics) A probability estimation based on statistical methods.
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Sep 29, 2023
Prediction
The act of foretelling; also, that which is foretold; prophecy.
The predictions of cold and long winters.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 29, 2023
Prophecy
A prediction, especially one made by a prophet or under divine inspiration.
French writer Nostradamus made a prophecy in his book.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 29, 2023
Prophecy
A declaration of something to come; a foretelling; a prediction; esp., an inspired foretelling.
He hearkens after prophecies and dreams.
Prophecy came not in old time by the will of man.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 29, 2023
Prophecy
Public interpretation of Scripture; preaching; exhortation or instruction.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 29, 2023
Prophecy
Knowledge of the future (usually said to be obtained from a divine source)
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 29, 2023
FAQs
Do predictions always come true?
No, predictions can be inaccurate, especially if based on incomplete or faulty data.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 18, 2023
Can a prediction be considered a prophecy?
Only if it's believed to have a divine or spiritual origin. Otherwise, it remains a prediction.
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Oct 18, 2023
Who typically makes predictions?
Anyone with enough information on a topic, from scientists to laypeople, can make predictions.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 18, 2023
Are prophecies always positive?
No, prophecies can be both positive and negative, offering hope or warning.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 18, 2023
Is every prophecy about the future?
Not necessarily. While many prophecies relate to the future, some offer guidance or insight for the present.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 18, 2023
Are prophecies restricted to religious texts?
While many prophecies are found in religious texts, they can also appear in other spiritual contexts.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 18, 2023
Can predictions change?
Yes, predictions can change based on new data or changing circumstances.
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Oct 18, 2023
Why are predictions important in science?
Predictions allow scientists to test hypotheses and validate or refine theories.
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Oct 18, 2023
Can a prophecy be tested?
While some prophecies may come to pass and be "validated", they often operate outside the realm of empirical testing.
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Oct 18, 2023
Can anyone give a prophecy?
Typically, prophecy is believed to be given by divine intervention through chosen individuals, often called prophets.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 18, 2023
How reliable are predictions?
The reliability of predictions varies based on the data and method used.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 18, 2023
Can prophecies be interpreted in multiple ways?
Often, yes. Prophecies, especially those in ancient texts, can be open to interpretation.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 18, 2023
Is a horoscope a prediction or prophecy?
Horoscopes are generally considered predictions, as they are not typically viewed as divinely inspired.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 18, 2023
Are prophecies limited to certain cultures or religions?
No, many cultures and religions around the world have their own prophetic traditions.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 18, 2023
Is a prediction about the weather a prophecy?
No, weather forecasts are predictions based on meteorological data, not divine revelations.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 18, 2023
Author Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content editor at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
