Nabiyy
/naˈbiːj/noun
An Arabic term meaning a prophet, especially one who receives divine revelation.
Did you know?In Islamic theology, a nabiyy receives revelation from God, while the related term rasūl—“messenger”—often emphasizes being sent with a mission or message to a community.
Etymological Timeline
2nd–1st Millennium BCE
Akkadian
nabû
“The name of the Mesopotamian god associated with writing, wisdom, and the act of announcing or proclaiming.”
1st Millennium BCE
Biblical Hebrew
nāḇīʾ
“A prophet or spokesperson who delivers a divine message.”
1st Millennium BCE
Aramaic
nəḇiyyā
“A prophet or inspired messenger; a related Semitic form used in Jewish and Christian contexts.”
7th Century CE
Quranic Arabic
nabīyy
“A prophet—one chosen to receive divine revelation.”
Medieval Period
Arabic
nabī
“The standard Arabic form for a prophet, used in Islamic theological and literary writing.”
Modern English
English
nabiyy
“A transliterated Arabic religious term meaning prophet.”
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