were the o.t. prophets filled with the holy spirit?

In the Old Testament dispensation, the prophets were "moved by the Holy Ghost" (2 Peter 1:21) for a time and purpose, just as when "the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters" (Genesis 1:2). Certainly, the Holy Spirit did not regenerate or indwell "the waters." Although the Spirit of God used those brethren, neither the New Testament conversion nor the type of infilling available under this new economy was available to them.

It is important to recognize the words translated into English as "filled" do not always mean the same thing. There are five different Hebrew words translated in our English as "filled." One instance is found in Exodus 28:3, 31:3, and 35:31. The expression "filled [or 'filled him'] with the spirit" is the Hebrew word "male" (maylay), which has numerous definitions. Among them, according to Strong's With Vine's, are: "satisfied ... to confirm ... endow ... consecrate." Thus, what we have commonly associated with the word "filled" is not the true meaning.

In the New Testament, there are nine different Greek words all rendered in our English as "filled." Again, they do not all have the meaning we commonly associate with them. John the Baptizer was "filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb" (Luke 1:15). The Greek word pletho used in this verse has several meanings, among them "imbue, influence, supply."  

Yet John never experienced New Testament regeneration. That is why Jesus said, "Among them that are born of women [a natural birth] there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist," but then He continued, "Notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he" (Matthew 11:11). Those who are the "least in the kingdom" are "born again" (John 3:3, 7), or have had a spiritual birth. All John had was a natural birth.
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Many times, when the King James Version speaks of "filled," it is not speaking of the regenerating quality or indwelling reality that we experience in this New Testament dispensation. The Holy Ghost was not an availability to all men until the Day of Pentecost in A.D. 33. In Acts 2:16-17, Peter preached that what was occurring on that day was the fulfillment of the Prophet Joel's prophecy—"I will pour out my spirit upon ALL FLESH" (Joel 2:28). This was not available until Jesus paid ransom's cost, ascended back to Heaven, and sent the Holy Spirit. John 16:7 substantiates that. Jesus said, "It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you." Jesus taught "regeneration" was not possible until "the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory" (Matthew 19:28), or until after His Ascension.

The answer to the question is, they were not "filled" in the Old Testament with the Holy Ghost, such as is available in this New Testament dispensation. They did not enjoy the regenerating power, deliverance from sin, and ability to live in "righteousness and true holiness" (Ephesians 4:24).

Earl R. Borders

From the  February 2025 issue of The Gospel Trumpeter