The Aramaic noun nebi is the Aramaic equivalent of the Hebrew nabi (H5030), meaning prophet. It designates one who speaks on behalf of God, serving as a divinely appointed spokesperson and messenger. In the Aramaic portions of Scripture, this word identifies the prophetic office that played a crucial role in Israel's restoration.
This Aramaic form appears in the book of Ezra, where Haggai and Zechariah are identified as prophets who motivated the Jewish community to rebuild the temple. The prophetic office in the post-exilic period was essential for providing divine direction during a time of uncertainty. The prophets spoke God's word to encourage, guide, and correct the returning exiles, demonstrating that God had not abandoned His people despite the judgment of exile.