In the biblical context, a "sign" often refers to a miraculous event or phenomenon that serves to confirm faith, authenticate a divine message, or reveal God's power and presence. Throughout Scripture, signs are employed by God to communicate with His people, validate His messengers, and demonstrate His sovereignty over creation.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, signs frequently accompany God's covenants and promises. One of the earliest examples is the rainbow, given as a sign of God's covenant with Noah that He would never again destroy the earth with a flood (Genesis 9:12-17). Signs also play a crucial role in the narrative of the Exodus. God provides Moses with signs to perform before Pharaoh to authenticate his divine commission and to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites from bondage. These signs include the transformation of Moses' staff into a serpent and the plagues that afflict Egypt (Exodus 4:1-9, 7:8-12).

The prophet Isaiah speaks of a sign given to King Ahaz: "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel" (Isaiah 7:14). This prophecy is later understood in the New Testament as a reference to the birth of Jesus Christ.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, signs are closely associated with the ministry of Jesus Christ and the apostles. Jesus performs numerous signs and wonders to reveal His divine identity and to foster belief among His followers. The Gospel of John particularly emphasizes signs as a means to inspire faith, stating, "Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name" (John 20:30-31).

Some of the notable signs performed by Jesus include turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana (John 2:1-11), feeding the five thousand (John 6:1-14), and raising Lazarus from the dead (John 11:1-44). These miracles serve not only as acts of compassion but also as demonstrations of Jesus' authority over nature, life, and death.

The apostles continue the tradition of signs in the early church, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles. Peter and John heal a lame man at the temple gate, leading to many believing in Jesus (Acts 3:1-10). The apostle Paul also performs signs, such as healing the sick and casting out demons, to confirm the gospel message he preaches (Acts 19:11-12).

Purpose and Interpretation

Signs in the Bible are not merely displays of power; they are purposeful acts intended to lead people to faith and obedience. They often accompany the proclamation of God's word, serving as divine endorsements of the message and the messenger. However, the Bible also warns against an overreliance on signs. Jesus rebukes those who demand signs as a prerequisite for belief, stating, "An evil and adulterous generation demands a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah" (Matthew 16:4). This underscores the importance of faith that does not solely depend on miraculous evidence.

In summary, signs in the biblical narrative function as divine interventions that confirm faith, authenticate God's messengers, and reveal His glory. They are integral to the unfolding of God's redemptive plan and serve as a testament to His power and faithfulness throughout history.Matthew 12:38
Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from you.
Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 16:4
A wicked and adulterous generation seeks after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed.
Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 24:3,30
And as he sat on the mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of your coming, and of the end of the world?
Nave's Topical Index

Mark 8:11,12
And the Pharisees came forth, and began to question with him, seeking of him a sign from heaven, tempting him.
Nave's Topical Index

Mark 13:4
Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled?
Nave's Topical Index

John 2:11
This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.
Nave's Topical Index

John 3:2
The same came to Jesus by night, and said to him, Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that you do, except God be with him.
Nave's Topical Index

John 4:48
Then said Jesus to him, Except you see signs and wonders, you will not believe.
Nave's Topical Index

Concluding Reflections. Faith and Criticism.
... from sin to holiness is a psychological miracle, as much so ... as a future event and
as the sign of the ... foundation of historical faith; for they confirm by direct ...
/.../section 102 concluding reflections faith.htm

The Miracles
... If miracles are done among them, it is not a sign of holiness ... is no schism and error
is in question, miracle decides ... Abraham and Gideon confirm faith by miracles ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pascal/pensees/section xiii the miracles.htm

"Except Ye See Signs and Wonders"
... Now tidings had come that seemed to confirm their brightest anticipations ... unbelief
with the simple faith of the Samaritans, who asked for no miracle or sign. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 20 except ye see.htm

In the Next Place, Miracles were Performed in all Countries...
... among the Jews alone, who say they are dedicated to the God of all things, there
was wrought no miracle or sign which might help to confirm their faith in the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/origen/origen against celsus/chapter iii in the next.htm

He Does Battle for the Faith; He Restores Peace among those who ...
... peace once more between them, and to confirm it when ... And Malachy, understanding that
it was a sign of the ... this story is again briefly told, the miracle is more ...
/.../chapter vii he does battle.htm

John iv. 40-43
... would have believed, since they had seen no sign, and had ... Methinks to confirm by
His presence the faith which had been implanted by His miracle, and to ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxxv john iv 40-43.htm

Christ in the Synagogue at Capernaum. (John, vi. )
... that he would work new wonders to confirm his Messiahship ... The miracle could produce
no faith in those who were ... sealed." Ye seek me, not because the sign of my ...
/.../section 178 christ in the.htm

The Open Grave at Bethany
... touch that cannot have been invented, and helps to confirm the simple ... The miracle
itself is told in the fewest words. ... It was but the sign of Christ's will acting ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/the open grave at bethany.htm

The True vision of God
... As a disciple he longed for some similar sign to confirm his faith ... threatenings,
are the speech of God, and that when He acts, whether it be by miracle or in ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/the true vision of god.htm

John ix. 29
... is a love of him, the heart will heed no sign or wonder ... speak God's will no less
clearly than a miracle, and may ... so far from undoing, was sent to confirm and to ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/arnold/the christian life/lecture xxxiii john ix 29.htm

What does INRI stand for? What was written on the sign nailed to the cross above Jesus' head? | GotQuestions.org

Is ISIS a sign of the end times? | GotQuestions.org

Does the Bible say that an increase in technology is a sign of the end times? | GotQuestions.org

Sign: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus