Category:Oracle

Or"a*cle, n. Etym: [f., fr. L. oraculum, fr. orare to speak, utter, Pray, fr. os, oris, mouth. See oral.]

1. The answer of a god, or some person reputed to be a god, to an Inquiry respecting some affair or future event, as the success of an Enterprise or battle. Whatso'er she saith, for oracles must stand. Drayton.

2. Hence: the deity who was supposed to give the answer; also, the Place where it was given. The oracles are dumb; no voice or hideous hum runs through the arched Roof in words deceiving. Milton.

3. The communications, revelations, or messages delivered by god to The prophets; also, the entire sacred scriptures -- usually in the Plural. The first principles of the oracles of god. Heb. v. 12.

4. (jewish antiq.)

Defn: the sanctuary, or most holy place in the temple; also, the Temple itself. 1 kings vi. 19. Siloa's brook, that flow'd fast by the oracle of god. Milton.

5. One who communicates a divine command; an angel; a prophet. God hath now sent his living oracle into the world to teach his final Will. Milton.

6. Any person reputed uncommonly wise; one whose decisions are Regarded as of great authority; as, a literary oracle. "oracles of Mode." Tennyson. The country rectors. . . thought him an oracle on points of Learning. Macaulay.

7. A wise sentence or decision of great authority.

Oracle Or"a*cle, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Oracled; p. pr. & vb. n. Oracling.]

Defn: to utter oracles. [obs.]

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---excerpt from the Illustrated Bible Dictionary

Oracle - In the Old Testament used in every case, except 2 Samuel 16:23, to denote the most holy place in the temple (1 Kings 6:5, 1 Kings 6:19; 1 Kings 8:6). In 2 Samuel 16:23 it means the Word of God. A man inquired "at the oracle of God" by means of the Urim and Thummim in the breastplate on the high priest's ephod. In the New Testament it is used only in the plural, and always denotes the Word of God (Romans 3:2; Hebrews 5:12, etc.). The Scriptures are called "living oracles" (Compare Hebrews 4:12) because of their quickening power (Acts 7:38).