The Greek word téras, represented by G5059, is a term for a prodigy or omen, commonly translated as wonder. It appears 16 times across 16 unique verses in the Bible. The word consistently denotes a supernatural event intended to provoke astonishment, almost always appearing alongside other words for miraculous acts.
In biblical usage, G5059 is almost invariably paired with "signs" G4592 to describe astounding events. These events serve to authenticate God's messengers, as when Jesus was "approved of God" through "miracles and wonders and signs" Acts 2:22 or when God bore witness to the apostles with "signs and wonders" Hebrews 2:4. The term is also used to describe the historical miracles of the Exodus Acts 7:36. However, wonders are not exclusively divine; they can be deceptive. False Christs are prophesied to show "great signs and wonders" to mislead the elect Matthew 24:24, and the coming of the lawless one is associated with "lying wonders" from Satan 2 Thessalonians 2:9.
Several related words provide a fuller context for the concept of divine manifestations:
- G4592 sēmeîon (an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally:--miracle, sign, token, wonder): This word is the most frequent companion to téras. The pairing "signs and wonders" appears throughout the provided scriptures, suggesting that a wonder is an event that functions as a sign, pointing to a supernatural source or truth John 4:48.
- G1411 dýnamis (force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power): This term often appears with téras and sēmeîon, referring to the power behind the event. It is used to describe God's "mighty deeds" 2 Corinthians 12:12 and the "miracles" that, along with wonders and signs, validated Jesus' ministry Acts 2:22.
The theological weight of G5059 is significant, highlighting the nature and purpose of supernatural acts.
- Divine Authentication: Wonders serve as God's stamp of approval on His servants and His message. They were "signs of an apostle" 2 Corinthians 12:12 and were granted so the Lord could give "testimony unto the word of his grace" Acts 14:3.
- A Call to Discernment: The Bible shows that not all wonders are from God. False prophets and Satan can produce "lying wonders" 2 Thessalonians 2:9, forcing believers to discern the source of supernatural power rather than being amazed by the event alone Mark 13:22.
- Prophetic Significance: Wonders are presented as markers of eschatological events. God promises to "shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath" as part of future events Acts 2:19.
In summary, G5059 refers to a prodigy or omen that captures human attention. It rarely stands alone, typically forming the tandem "signs and wonders" to describe events that validate a message or messenger. Whether performed by the apostles to confirm the gospel Acts 5:12 or by false prophets to deceive Matthew 24:24, a téras is a powerful spectacle that points beyond itself, demanding a response from all who witness it.
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