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Agabus

Biblical
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

A New Testament prophet who foretold a widespread famine and later warned Paul of his impending arrest in Jerusalem.

Detailed Definition
Agabus, a New Testament prophet, foretold a widespread famine (Acts 11:28) and dramatically enacted Paul’s coming imprisonment (Acts 21:10–11). His prophecies underscore divine foreknowledge. In poetry, Agabus represents the cost of truth-telling, the burden of foresight, and the tension between free will and destiny—often depicted as a solitary voice warning of inevitable suffering, embodying prophetic courage and sorrow.
Example
Example in poetry:
In John Milton’s "Paradise Lost," Agabus’s prophecies are part of the apostolic witness to divine truth; In George Herbert’s "The Church-porch," Agabus exemplifies the gift of prophecy; In Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s "The Seraphim," Agabus’s warnings echo angelic messages; In Christina Rossetti’s "Later Life," Agabus symbolizes faithful foretelling; In John Keble’s "Lyra Apostolica," Agabus’s fasting and prophecy model ascetic devotion; In T.S. Eliot’s "Ash-Wednesday," prophetic figures like Agabus herald repentance.
Additional Notes
Agabus: Prophet who predicted famine (Acts 11:28) and Paul’s arrest (Acts 21:10–11); known for dramatic, symbolic actions (binding himself with Paul’s belt). In poetry, Agabus represents prophetic urgency, embodied revelation, and the cost of truth-telling. His performative prophecies invite ekphrastic treatment or serve as models for poetic witness in times of crisis.
Also Known As
Agabus the Prophet
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