### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek lemma σημεῖον (sēmeîon, `{{G4592}}`) is a neuter noun derived from the base of σημαίνω (sēmainō), meaning "to show by a sign, signify, indicate." At its core, σημεῖον denotes an "indication" or "mark." Its semantic range in the New Testament is rich and varied, encompassing:
1. **A distinguishing mark or token:** Something that serves to identify or differentiate, like a σημεῖον (sign) of an apostle's authority or a σημεῖον (mark) on a person.
2. **A sign or warning:** An event or phenomenon that points to future occurrences or serves as a call to attention, such as a σημεῖον (sign) of the times or a σημεῖον (warning) of danger.
3. **A miraculous sign or wonder:** This is the most prominent usage in the New Testament, referring to an extraordinary, often supernatural, event performed by divine power. Such a σημεῖον is not an end in itself but serves to attest to a divine message, validate a person's authority, or reveal God's nature and purpose. In this sense, it is closely related to δύναμις (dynamis, `{{G1411}}`, "power" or "miracle") and τέρας (teras, `{{G5059}}`, "wonder"). The crucial aspect of σημεῖον is its communicative function: it points beyond itself to a deeper truth or reality.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Σημεῖον appears frequently throughout the New Testament, playing a crucial role in the narrative of God's revelation through Christ and the early church.
In the **Synoptic Gospels** (Matthew, Mark, Luke), σημεῖον often appears in the context of demands for a sign from Jesus, usually by skeptical or hostile religious leaders. Jesus consistently rebukes these demands, stating that no σημεῖον will be given except the σημεῖον of Jonah ([[Matthew 12:39]], [[Matthew 16:4]], [[Luke 11:29]]), which prefigures His death and resurrection. This highlights that while Jesus performed many miraculous deeds, He did not do so merely to satisfy curiosity or compel belief through raw power, but as attestations to His identity and the arrival of the Kingdom, requiring a response of faith.
**John's Gospel** employs σημεῖον distinctively and prominently, using it seven times to describe specific miracles of Jesus (e.g., the turning of water into wine, [[John 2:11]]; the healing of the royal official's son, [[John 4:54]]; the feeding of the five thousand, [[John 6:14]]; the walking on water, [[John 6:19]]; the healing of the man born blind, [[John 9:16]]; the raising of Lazarus, [[John 11:47]]; and the miraculous catch of fish, [[John 21:14]]). For John, these are not just "miracles" but "signs" that reveal Jesus' glory, divine nature, and mission, inviting readers to believe that "Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name" ([[John 20:31]]).
In the **Book of Acts**, σημεῖα and τέρατα (signs and wonders) are frequently mentioned together, describing the powerful works performed by the apostles (e.g., [[Acts 2:43]], [[Acts 4:30]], [[Acts 5:12]], [[Acts 14:3]]). These σημεῖα serve to authenticate the apostles' message and ministry, confirm the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, and serve as catalysts for conversion and the growth of the early church.
**Pauline Epistles** also use σημεῖον. Paul notes that "Jews demand σημεῖα and Greeks seek wisdom" ([[1 Corinthians 1:22]]), contrasting this with the "cross of Christ," which is the true power and wisdom of God. He also warns against "lying σημεῖα and wonders" performed by the "man of lawlessness" ([[2 Thessalonians 2:9]]), emphasizing the need for spiritual discernment.
### Related Words & Concepts
1. τέρας (teras, `{{G5059}}`): Almost always paired with σημεῖον as "signs and wonders." While σημεῖον emphasizes the meaning or significance of an event, τέρας highlights its astonishing or awe-inspiring nature, something that causes wonder or amazement.
2. δύναμις (dynamis, `{{G1411}}`): Meaning "power" or "ability," and by extension, "miracle" or "powerful deed." Δύναμις focuses on the inherent power behind the act, whereas σημεῖον emphasizes its communicative purpose. A δύναμις can function as a σημεῖον, but not every powerful act necessarily carries the specific revelatory intent of a σημεῖον.
3. ἔργον (ergon, `{{G2041}}`): Meaning "work" or "deed." In John's Gospel, Jesus' ἔργα (works) are often synonymous with His σημεῖα (signs), both serving to reveal His identity and relationship with the Father ([[John 5:36]], [[John 10:25]]).
4. μαρτυρία (martyria, `{{G3142}}`): Meaning "testimony" or "witness." The σημεῖα performed by Jesus and His apostles function as a form of divine μαρτυρία, bearing witness to God's truth and presence in the world.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of σημεῖον is central to understanding God's self-revelation in the New Testament.
1. **Revelation of Divine Identity and Purpose:** The σημεῖα performed by Jesus were not random displays of power but purposeful acts demonstrating His divine Sonship, authority over creation, sickness, and death, and the inauguration of the Kingdom of God. They validated His claims to be the Messiah.
2. **Call to Faith and Repentance:** A primary purpose of σημεῖα was to elicit faith in Jesus as the Christ. While some hardened their hearts despite witnessing signs, others were moved to belief ([[John 2:23]], [[John 10:41-42]]). The absence of σημεῖα in certain places could be attributed to a lack of faith ([[Mark 6:5-6]]).
3. **Authentication of Ministry:** For the apostles, σημεῖα served as divine authentication of their message and ministry. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, their performance of wonders confirmed that their proclamation of the Gospel was from God ([[Hebrews 2:4]]).
4. **Discerning True from False:** The New Testament warns of "false Christs and false prophets" who will perform "great σημεῖα and wonders" to deceive, if possible, even the elect ([[Matthew 24:24]], [[2 Thessalonians 2:9]]). This necessitates spiritual discernment, as the mere presence of a σημεῖον does not guarantee its divine origin or truthfulness. Discernment requires testing the σημεῖον against the revealed Word of God and the person of Christ.
5. **Eschatological Indicators:** Σημεῖα are also used in an eschatological context, referring to indicators of the end times or Christ's second coming ([[Matthew 24:3]], [[Luke 21:7]]). These signs serve as warnings and calls to vigilance and readiness for believers.
### Summary
Σημεῖον (sēmeîon, `{{G4592}}`) is a crucial Greek term signifying a "sign," "indication," or "miracle" that inherently points beyond itself. In the New Testament, it predominantly refers to extraordinary, often supernatural, events that serve a revelatory purpose. Jesus' miracles are consistently portrayed as σημεῖα, particularly in John's Gospel, revealing His divine glory and calling humanity to faith. While Jesus performed many σημεῖα, He often rebuked the demand for them as a prerequisite for belief, emphasizing the ultimate σημεῖον of His resurrection. The ministries of the apostles were similarly authenticated by σημεῖα and wonders, confirming the divine origin of their Gospel message. The term also carries a vital cautionary note, as the New Testament warns of deceptive "lying σημεῖα" performed by evil forces. Fundamentally, σημεῖον underscores God's active and purposeful self-revelation in history, providing compelling evidence for His presence, power, and redemptive plan, thereby calling humanity to faith, discernment, and a response of worship.
TRV