sign, proof, reminder

Definition

The term “sign” usually refers an object, event, or action that communicates a special meaning.

• In the Bible, signs are sometimes given in connection to a promise or covenant that God has made:

• The book of Genesis describes the rainbow God created in the sky as a sign (or reminder) to himself that he has promised he will never again destroy all life with a worldwide flood.
• In the book of Genesis, God commanded the Israelites to circumcise their sons as a sign (or indicator) of the fact that he had made his covenant with them.

• Signs can reveal or point to something:

• The book of Luke describes that an angel gave shepherds a sign that would help them know which baby in Bethlehem was the newborn Messiah.
• Judas kissed Jesus as a sign to the religious leaders that Jesus was the one they should arrest.

• Signs can prove that something is true:
• The book of Exodus describes the plagues that destroyed Egypt as signs that showed who Yahweh was and proved that he was greater than Pharaoh and the Egyptian gods.
• The book of Acts describes the miracles performed by the prophets and apostles as signs that proved they were speaking God’s message.
• The book of John describes the miracles that Jesus performed as signs that proved he was truly the Messiah.

Translation Suggestions

• The frequent expression “signs and wonders” could be translated as “proofs and miracles” or “miraculous works that prove God’s power” or “amazing miracles that show how great God is.”
• Depending on its context, “sign” could also be translated as “signal” or “symbol” or “mark” or “evidence” or “proof” or “gesture.”
• To “make signs with the hands” could also be translated as “motion with the hands” or “gesture with the hands” or “make gestures.”
• In some languages, there may be one word for a “sign” that proves something and a different word for a “sign” that is a miracle.

(See also: miracle, apostle, Christ, covenant, circumcise)

Bible References

• Acts 2:18-19
• Exodus 4:8-9
• Exodus 31:12-15
• Genesis 1:14
• Genesis 9:12
• John 2:18
• Luke 2:12
• Mark 8:12
• Psalms 89:5-6

Word Data

• Strong’s: H0226, H0852, H2368, H2858, H4150, H4159, H4864, H5251, H5824, H6161, H6725, H6734, H7560, G03640, G08800, G12130, G12290, G17180, G17300, G17320, G17700, G39020, G41020, G45910, G45920, G49530, G49730, G52800