### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **sēmeîon**, represented by `{{G4592}}`, is a term for **an indication**. It appears 77 times across 69 unique verses. Its definition highlights its use as an indication that can be either ceremonial or supernatural, translated as **miracle**, **sign**, **token**, or **wonder**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G4592}}` is used in several key contexts. It refers to the **miracles** performed by Jesus, which served to manifest his **glory** `{{G1391}}` and lead his disciples to believe [[John 2:11]]. Nicodemus recognized that no one could do these **miracles** `{{G4592}}` unless God was with him [[John 3:2]]. In contrast, the Pharisees and **Sadducees** `{{G4523}}` repeatedly tempted Jesus, asking for a **sign** from **heaven** `{{G3772}}` [[Matthew 16:1]]. Jesus rebuked this "wicked and adulterous generation" [[Matthew 12:39]], stating that the only **sign** `{{G4592}}` given would be that of the **prophet** `{{G4396}}` **Jonas** `{{G2495}}`. The word also functions as a prophetic marker, pointing to future events such as the great **signs** `{{G4592}}` in the **sun** `{{G2246}}`, **moon** `{{G4582}}`, and **stars** `{{G798}}` [[Luke 21:25]] and the **sign** of the Son of man's **coming** `{{G3952}}` [[Matthew 24:30]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of supernatural indications:
* `{{G5059}}` **téras**: This word, meaning a **prodigy or omen:--wonder**, is frequently paired with **sēmeîon** to describe supernatural events, whether they are from God [[Acts 2:43]] or from deceptive sources [[Matthew 24:24]].
* `{{G1411}}` **dýnamis**: Defined as **force... specially, miraculous power**, this term is often used with `{{G4592}}` to describe the mighty deeds that prove a work is from God, such as those performed by the apostles [[2 Corinthians 12:12]] or by Jesus himself [[Acts 2:22]].
* `{{G4973}}` **sphragís**: Meaning **a signet... the stamp impressed**, this word is directly linked to `{{G4592}}` in [[Romans 4:11]], where the **sign** of **circumcision** `{{G4061}}` is called a **seal** of the **righteousness** `{{G1343}}` of **faith** `{{G4102}}`.
* `{{G5578}}` **pseudoprophḗtēs**: A **spurious prophet, i.e. pretended foreteller or religious impostor**. These figures are explicitly noted for showing great **signs** `{{G4592}}` and **wonders** `{{G5059}}` in order to deceive the **elect** `{{G1588}}` if **possible** `{{G1415}}` [[Mark 13:22]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4592}}` is significant and multifaceted.
* **Authenticating Divine Mission:** **Signs** serve to confirm God's word and messengers. Jesus' works were **miracles** `{{G4592}}` that manifested his **glory** `{{G1391}}` [[John 2:11]]. The Lord confirmed the apostles' preaching with "**signs** following" [[Mark 16:20]], and God himself bore witness with **signs** and **wonders** `{{G5059}}` [[Hebrews 2:4]].
* **Faith and Unbelief:** The sight of **miracles** `{{G4592}}` led many to believe in Jesus [[John 6:14]]. However, Jesus also rebuked those whose faith depended on seeing **signs** and **wonders** `{{G5059}}` [[John 4:48]], and he criticized those who saw the **miracles** yet only sought him for physical bread [[John 6:26]].
* **Apocalyptic Indicators:** `{{G4592}}` is crucial to eschatology. It describes the cosmic disturbances that signal future events [[Luke 21:25]], great **wonders** `{{G4592}}` in **heaven** `{{G3772}}` like the **woman** `{{G1135}}` clothed with the **sun** `{{G2246}}` [[Revelation 12:1]], and the ultimate **sign** of the Son of man appearing in the clouds [[Matthew 24:30]].
* **The Reality of Deception:** Scripture warns that supernatural **signs** `{{G4592}}` are not exclusively divine. The coming of the lawless one is marked by the **working** `{{G1753}}` of Satan with **power** `{{G1411}}`, **signs** `{{G4592}}`, and lying **wonders** `{{G5059}}` [[2 Thessalonians 2:9]]. The **false prophet** `{{G5578}}` also works **miracles** `{{G4592}}` to deceive those who dwell on the earth [[Revelation 13:14]].
### Summary
In summary, **sēmeîon** `{{G4592}}` is a multifaceted term that extends beyond a simple **miracle**. It functions as a divine indication to authenticate God's message and messengers, as seen in the ministry of Jesus and the apostles [[Acts 2:22]]. It also serves as a prophetic pointer to eschatological events and can be a tangible **token**, like the **sign** of circumcision [[Romans 4:11]] or a personal salutation [[2 Thessalonians 3:17]]. Critically, the Bible warns that **signs** can also be instruments of deception, wielded by false prophets and the beast to lead people astray [[Matthew 24:24]]. Therefore, a **sēmeîon** is an indication that requires discernment, pointing to either divine truth or a powerful lie.
TRV