69 If, as seems probable, the “prophecy” mentioned here is to be identified with the “prophecy of scripture” mentioned in the previous verse, then the Greek term ἄνθρωποι (anthrōpoi, “men”) would refer specifically to the human authors of scripture, who (as far as we know) were all men. Thus “men” has been used here in the translation. If, on the other hand, the “prophecy” mentioned in the present verse is not limited to scripture but refers to oral prophecy as well, then women would be included, since Joel 2:20 specifically mentions “sons and daughters” as having the ability to prophesy, and the NT clearly mentions prophetesses (Luke 2:36; Acts 21:9).

In other versions

For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

because no prophecy ever came by the will of man; instead, men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God.

for no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men carried along by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.

For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

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