Oracles
In Scripture, “oracles” usually means divine utterances or messages from God. The term can refer broadly to God’s revealed words, especially those entrusted to His people.
At a Glance
In Scripture, “oracles” usually means divine utterances or messages from God. The term can refer broadly to God’s revealed words, especially those entrusted to His people.
Description
“Oracles” in biblical usage refers to divine utterances—words that come from God and carry His authority. In the Old Testament context, this includes prophetic messages and the revealed words God gave to His covenant people. In the New Testament, the term can point to the “oracles of God,” meaning the sacred words entrusted to Israel, and it can also describe speaking in a way that faithfully communicates God’s truth. Because English readers may associate “oracle” with pagan divination, a dictionary entry should make clear that biblical usage concerns the true God’s revelation, not occult practice. The safest conclusion is that “oracles” is a general term for authoritative divine speech, with its exact nuance determined by context.