Sign
σημεῖον (sēmeion)
A miraculous act that reveals God's identity and purposes.
Sēmeion is the Greek word for sign, referring to a miraculous event that serves as evidence of divine power and reveals God's character. John's Gospel calls Jesus' miracles 'signs' because they point beyond themselves to His identity.
"And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ." — John 20:30-31 (KJV)
Key Verses
John 20:30-31
“And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ.”Read in context
John 2:11
“This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.”Read in context
Acts 2:22
“Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs.”Read in context
Etymology and Original Meaning
Sēmeion comes from a root meaning 'to mark' or 'to indicate.' A sign is not merely a wonder to amaze but a pointer to deeper reality. In John's Gospel, this distinction is deliberate — Jesus' miracles are called signs because they reveal His identity as the Son of God and invite faith, not just amazement.
Signs in the Old Testament
God gave signs throughout the Old Testament: the rainbow to Noah (Genesis 9:13), circumcision to Abraham (Genesis 17:11), the plagues in Egypt (Exodus 7-12), and the sign of Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14). Each sign communicated divine truth — God's covenant faithfulness, His power over creation, or His promised deliverance.
The Seven Signs in John
John structures his Gospel around seven signs: water to wine (John 2), healing the official's son (John 4), healing at Bethesda (John 5), feeding 5,000 (John 6), walking on water (John 6), healing the blind man (John 9), and raising Lazarus (John 11). Each reveals a facet of Jesus' divine glory and invites belief.
Signs, Faith, and Discernment
Jesus warned against sign-seeking as a substitute for genuine faith (Matthew 12:39). He commended those who believe without seeing (John 20:29). Paul notes that Jews seek signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but the gospel preaches Christ crucified (1 Corinthians 1:22-23). True signs confirm the Word; they never replace it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a sign in the Bible?
A sign (sēmeion) is a miraculous act that reveals God's identity and purposes. In John's Gospel, Jesus' miracles are called signs because they point to His divine nature and invite faith.
How many signs are in the Gospel of John?
John records seven signs: turning water to wine, two healings, feeding 5,000, walking on water, healing the blind, and raising Lazarus. These are selected to demonstrate that Jesus is the Christ (John 20:31).
Which Bible verse uses the word "Sign"?
John 20:30-31 — "And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ" (KJV). It also appears in John 2:11, Acts 2:22.
Why does the Greek word behind "Sign" matter?
Sēmeion comes from a root meaning 'to mark' or 'to indicate.' A sign is not merely a wonder to amaze but a pointer to deeper reality. English uses one word, "Sign", where the Greek σημεῖον (sēmeion) carries the fuller sense: a miraculous act that reveals god's identity and purposes.
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