### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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.
TRV