Sign

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SIGN.—Any outward fact which serves as a pledge of a Divine word or a proof of a Divine deed is a sign, whether it be natural or supernatural in its character. The rainbow served as the sign of the Noahic, as the rite of circumcision of the Abrahamic, covenant (Gen_9:12; Gen_17:11 ‘token,’ Rom_4:11). That God was with, and worked for, the Israelites was shown in the plagues of Egypt (Exo_10:2). Gideon asks for and receives a sign that it is Jehovah who speaks with him (Jdg_6:17), and Saul also receives signs to confirm the words of Samuel (1Sa_10:7). The prophetic word is thus proved from God (Isa_7:14; Isa_38:7, Jer_44:29, Eze_14:8). The sign need not be supernatural (1Sa_2:34, Isa_8:18; Isa_20:3); but the Jews in the time of Christ desired miracles as proofs of Divine power (Mat_12:38; Mat_16:1, Joh_4:48, 1Co_1:22), a request which Jesus refused and condemned. The message of the Baptist, though not confirmed by any sign, was seen to be true (Joh_10:41). It is Jonah’s preaching that is probably referred to when Jesus speaks of him as a sign to his generation (Mat_12:39). The ‘babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, and lying in a manger,’ is the simple and humble sign to the shepherds of the birth of a Saviour, Christ the Lord (Luk_2:12); and He is welcomed by Simeon as ‘a sign which is spoken against’ (Luk_2:34). The Fourth Gospel frequently describes the miracles of Jesus as signs (Luk_3:2, Luk_4:44), and attributes to them an evidential value which is not prominent in Jesus’ own intention. This confirmation of the gospel was found in the Apostolic Church (Mar_16:20, Act_4:16; Act_6:3; Act_8:6; Act_8:13; Act_15:12, 2Co_12:12). The last things will be ushered in by extraordinary signs (Mat_24:30, Luk_21:25, 2Th_2:9—the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, Rev_12:1; Rev_13:13 etc.). The faith that depends on signs, if not altogether condemned (Joh_6:26), is by Jesus deprecated (Joh_4:48, cf. 1Co_1:22). Cf. also p. 568b.
Alfred E. Garvie.
Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible
Edited by James Hastings, D.D. Published in 1909


This word is used in the sense of token and pledge; as, when the Lord gave to Noah the rainbow, as a sign of his covenant, Gen_9:12-13; and when he appointed to Abraham the use of circumcision, as the seal of the covenant he had made with him and his posterity, Gen_17:11. Sign is also put for a miracle: “Thou shalt do these signs and wonders in the midst of Egypt,” Exo_4:7-9, &c. A sign or token is often put for the proof or evidence of a thing: For example, “This shall be a token or sign unto thee, that I have sent thee,” Exo_3:12.
“Shew me a sign, that thou talkest with me,” Jdg_6:17, that is a proof. “What shall be the sign,” or evidence, “that the Lord will heal me?” 2Ki_20:8. This acceptation agrees with the first above mentioned; as also what is said in Gen_4:15, “And the Lord set a mark or sign upon Cain;” he gave him a pledge that his life should not be taken away. The signs of heaven, and the signs of the magicians, are the phenomena of the heavens, and the impostures of magicians, which they made use of for the purposes of deception: “The Lord frustrateth the tokens or signs of the liars, and maketh diviners mad,” Isa_44:25. “Be not dismayed at the signs of heaven, for the Heathen are dismayed at them,” Jer_10:2. To be a sign was farther to be a type, or prediction, of what should happen. Thus the Prophet Isa_8:18, “Behold, I and the children whom the Lord hath given me, are for signs and for wonders in Israel.” See also Eze_4:3.
Biblical and Theological Dictionary by Richard Watson
PRINTER 1849.


sı̄n (אות, 'ōth ?a sign? ?mark? מופת, mōphēth, ?wonder?' σημεῖον, sēmeı́on, ?a sign,? ?signal,? ?mark?): A mark by which persons or things are distinguished and made known. In Scripture used generally of an address to the senses to attest the existence of supersensible and therefore divine power. Thus the plagues of Egypt were ?signs? of divine displeasure against the Egyptians (Exo_4:8 ff; Jos_24:17, and often); and the miracles of Jesus were ?signs? to attest His unique relationship with God (Mat_12:38; Joh_2:18; Act_2:22). Naturally, therefore, both in the Old Testament and the New Testament, ?signs? are assimilated to the miraculous, and prevailingly associated with immediate divine interference. The popular belief in this manner of communication between the visible and the invisible worlds has always been, and is now, widespread. So-called ?natural? explanations, however ingenious or cogent, fail with the great majority of people to explain anything. Wesley and Spurgeon were as firm believers in the validity of such methods of intercourse between man and God as were Moses and Gideon, Peter and John.
The faith that walks by signs is not by any means to be lightly esteemed. It has been allied with the highest nobility of character and with the most signal achievement. Moses accepted the leadership of his people in response to a succession of signs: e.g. the burning bush, the rod which became a serpent, the leprous hand, etc. (Ex 3 and 4); so, too, did Gideon, who was not above making proof of God in the sign of the fleece of wool (Jdg_6:36-40). In the training of the Twelve, Jesus did not disdain the use of signs (Luk_5:1-11, and often); and the visions by which Peter and Paul were led to the evangelization of the Gentiles were interpreted by them as signs of the divine purpose (Acts 10 and 16).
The sacramental use of the sign dates from the earliest period, and the character of the sign is as diverse as the occasion. The rainbow furnishes radiant suggestion of God's overarching love and assurance that the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy the earth (Gen_9:13; compare Gen_4:15); the Feast of Unleavened Bread is a reminder of God's care in bringing His people out of bondage (Exo_13:3); the Sabbath is an oft-recurring proclamation of God's gracious thought for the well-being of man (Exo_31:13; Eze_20:12); the brazen serpent, an early foreshadowing of the cross, perpetuates the imperishable promise of forgiveness and redemption (Num_21:9); circumcision is made the seal of the special covenant under which Israel became a people set apart (Gen_17:11); baptism, the Christian equivalent of circumcision, becomes the sign and seal of the dedicated life and the mark of those avowedly seeking to share in the blessedness of the Kingdom of God (Luk_3:12-14; Act_2:41, and often); bread and wine, a symbol of the spiritual manna by which soul and body are preserved unto everlasting life, is the hallowed memorial of the Lord's death until His coming again (Luk_22:14-20; 1Co_11:23-28). Most common of all were the local altars and mounds consecrated in simple and sincere fashion to a belief in God's ruling and overruling providence (Jos_4:1-10).
Signs were offered in proof of the divine commission of prophet (Isa_20:3) and apostle (2Co_12:12), and of the Messiah Himself (Joh_20:30; Act_2:22); and they were submitted in demonstration of the divine character of their message (2Ki_20:9; Isa_38:1; Acts 3:1-16). By anticipation the child to be born of a young woman (Isa_7:10-16; compare Luk_2:12) is to certify the prophet's pledge of a deliverer for a captive people. See IMMANUEL.
With increase of faith the necessity for signs will gradually decrease. Jesus hints at this (Joh_4:48), as does also Paul (1Co_1:22). Nevertheless ?signs,? in the sense of displays of miraculous powers, are to accompany the faith of believers (Mar_16:17 f), usher in and forthwith characterize the dispensation of the Holy Spirit, and mark the consummation of the ages (Rev_15:1). See also MIRACLE.
For ?sign? of a ship (παράσημος, parásēmos, ?ensign,? Act_28:11). See DIOSCURI; SHIPS AND BOATS, III., 2.

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
PRINTER 1915.


The word is used as a type to represent or express some great truth. Here are some of the signs mentioned in Scripture:

Exo_4:8 (a) Moses, taking the serpent by the tail, represents the power of GOD over Satan and the power of the servant of GOD over the evil powers of earth. Moses' hand in his bosom became leprous. Upon removing it from his bosom it became well. This indicates that man is first wicked within and then through the command and work of GOD he becomes right within.

Exo_8:23 (a) The plague of flies demonstrated the power of GOD over nature and the purpose of GOD to punish His enemies.

Exo_13:9 (a) Evidently this refers to the Word of the Lord which was to be bound both upon the hand and the head as a constant reminder of the fulfillment of GOD's Word in delivering Israel from the bondage of Egypt. (See also Deu_6:8).

Exo_31:13 (a) The Sabbath was a sign of that blessed rest which would be offered in its fullness through the Lord JESUS and in His blessed Person when He came and said, "I will give you rest."

Num_16:38 (a) The brazen censers (of the rebels). which were beaten into broad plates were to remind Israel and also us today that it is fatal to rebel against the Word and the plan of GOD.

Num_26:10 (a) The disaster sent upon Korah and his company was ever to remind Israel and us, too, of the punishment of GOD upon those who rebel against His order.

Jdg_6:17 (a) GOD saw the genuine desire of Gideon to really know His will and therefore granted him the evidence he requested. It is not always so. Very few servants of GOD ever have asked for a sign to confirm the Word of GOD. JESUS said about this matter. "An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign." (Mar_8:12). We should believe GOD's Word without signs.

Isa_7:14 (a) The coming of CHRIST was a sign to the world that no other remedy for sin would avail.

- it was a sign of man's helplessness and inability to save himself.
- it was a sign of the miraculous gift of a Saviour without human means or device.
- it was a sign of GOD's plan and pleasure in sending one who could and would be the Mediator between GOD and men.
- It was a sign of GOD's loving interest in the needs of men.

Isa_19:20 (a) This prophecy indicates that at some time in the future GOD's rich grace will reach into the land of Egypt, and hearts will turn to the Lord in that country. The altar which shall be built there will be a testimony to the Egyptians and to the world that they no longer are followers of Mohammed and the Moslem philosophy, but that they have accepted the GOD of Israel as their GOD. The altar does not refer to the Pyramids. These are not altars, they are tombs of the dead.

Isa_20:3 (a) GOD used the prophet as a living sermon to Israel. What happened to him personally would happen to Israel nationally. The people were to look at Isaiah and learn the lesson of their own future. See that this happened also to Ezekiel in Eze_12:6; Eze_14:8; Eze_24:24.

Isa_55:13 (a) The thorn and the brier are types of wickedness and sinfulness that always work injury to men. They were to be replaced by the fir tree and the myrtle tree which are types of the joyful, beautiful Christian life. These latter growing instead of the former would be a constant testimony to the faithfulness of GOD and to his restoring power.

Isa_66:19 (a) Probably this refers to the Lord JESUS Himself ruling and reigning on Mount Zion as Governor of the world. The presence of the Son of GOD would prove to all men that CHRIST JESUS has the approval of GOD.

Jer_6:1 (b) This sign may represent a destructive fire at this suburb near Bethlehem which would be a warning to Israel that their country would be invaded by the forces of the north, and be destroyed by the local fire. Or, it may refer to the presence of the Lord JESUS CHRIST coming there, for He will sit one day as a refiner's fire to judge Israel and separate the dross from the silver, or the wicked from the just.

Jer_44:29 (a) In this exhibition of GOD's wrath against the people who went down to Egypt from the land of Israel, GOD is proving to His people His Word is not in vain, but that He will fulfill every promise, whether it be for punishment or for blessing.

Eze_4:3 (a) Our Lord used this object lesson as a type or a picture of the manner in which He would deal with the house of Israel in the time of His wrath. It particularly applied to His plan concerning Jerusalem, and was a picture of the destruction of that city.

Mat_12:39 (a) Wicked people do not usually believe GOD's Word. They require some kind of evidence. Even when the miracle is performed, the ungodly do not believe GOD, but raise questions and often show their hatred. GOD did give them a sign in the Old Testament which was Jonah's experience in the whale. He would repeat that sign in the New Testament by His own experience of going down into the heart of the earth for three days and three nights. That experience of Jonah was a sign that the Israelites represented by Jonah would be swallowed up by nations which are represented by the whale, and then would be thrust out to return to their own land.

Mat_24:3 (a) Our Lord does give evidences of His purposes, but sometimes we have difficulty in discerning them, or understanding them. The answer He gives to this question concerning the sign is a rather long one, and complicated. It does, however, include the existence of wars, troubles and the putting forth of the leaves of the fig tree. The fig tree is a type of Israel nationally, or politically. This is taking place at the present time. A complete nation has been born in one day. It is growing and flourishing, and shows that a new national existence has begun with this "tree" which has been dormant for a number of centuries.

Joh_2:11 (a) The word here translated "miracle" is really the word "sign." There are eight of these signs in the Gospel of John. These eight signs teach us four great lessons.

- in the first sign they had nothing to drink, and in the eighth one they had nothing to eat. Then JESUS came and their needs were satisfied.
- in the second sign the boy was ready to die, and in the seventh sign the man was dead. Then JESUS came and life, and life more abundant was present to defeat death.
- in the third sign the man could not walk and in the sixth one the man could not see.
Then JESUS came and both men were able to walk with CHRIST and to see His loveliness. Both of these signs happened on the sabbath day, telling us that those who walk with GOD and see GOD by faith, these have rest in their souls and hearts. Both of these signs were at pools. These represent the Word of GOD and the Spirit of GOD. They are always preeminent in the salvation of the individual.

- in the fourth sign and the fifth one reveal the presence of fear in the heart. In the fourth one they were afraid of dying of hunger, and in the fifth they were afraid of dying by drowning. Then JESUS came and the fear of death was removed. These eight signs are as follows:

Chapter 2 (b) Water into wine. The Lord can take the ordinary things of life and make them unusually profitable for His glory. There can be no joy in the sweetest scenes of earth unless He is present.

Chapter 4:54 (b) The young man was at the point of death but was not yet dead. The Lord JESUS is able to sustain and to support the life which He gives. He only can keep us from the second death.

Chapter 5:9 (b) This indicates that those who are unable to walk with GOD and have no power to change their condition need the Saviour to touch them and enable them to walk with GOD and to live for His glory.

Chapter 6:11 (b) We learn the lesson from this sign that the hunger of the heart and the desires of the soul can only be satisfied and gratified by the presence and power of the Lord JESUS.

Chapter 6:21 (b) This sign teaches us that the storms of life and fears of the soul may be quickly and surely calmed by the presence and the word of the sovereign Lord.

Chapter 9:7 (b) This reveals that only the Lord JESUS can open blind eyes to see their need and to see the sufficiency of the Saviour. It is interesting to note that the lame man was by the pool and the blind man went to the pool. The pool may represent the Word of GOD or the Spirit of GOD or both. We should note also that both of these "signs" were given on the sabbath to teach us that when we are able to walk with GOD and are able to see the things of GOD as we should, then we have rest in our souls.

Chapter 11:44 (b) This is a blessed sign to teach us that only JESUS CHRIST can give life to a dead sinner and only the Word of CHRIST can break open the grave and cause a resurrection. As the young man in John 4 was about to die and needed to be kept alive, so in this case the man was already dead and needed to be restored to life. Only CHRIST JESUS can do either or both of these blessed miracles in our lives today.

Chapter 21:6 (c) This is to teach us that we cannot be successful in life in the true sense of the word unless the Lord directs our way. We learn also that in the ministry of preaching we shall not gather in a harvest for Him except as He directs both as to the manner and the place. In the first sign, they were lacking wine to drink. Only He could provide. In this, the last sign, they were lacking food to eat and only He could provide. So in these eight signs in John we are told that CHRIST JESUS is GOD's answer to every need of the human heart.

Rom_4:11 (a) The circumcision of the Old Testament was a constant testimony to Israel; first, that they belonged to GOD; and second, that they were not to live according to the lusts and desires of the flesh, but according to the will of GOD. (See also Gen_17:11).

1Co_14:22 (a) The gift of tongues was a gift in which the servants of GOD were enabled to instantly speak in a different language from the one they knew. The Spirit of GOD gave them immediately the power to preach the Gospel in foreign tongues which had never been learned. This has never been repeated since the apostles' day. Those who today claim to have that "gift" must always learn the language of the country to which they go as missionaries. The message was always an intelligent message, and understandable to those to whom it was addressed. The gift was not given for Christians, but for the heathen. If today those from this country could go to China or Russia and immediately speak freely and fluently in the language of those countries, though they had never learned those languages, that would be a sign to the natives of that country that GOD was working.

Rev_15:1 (a) In almost every case the Lord forewarned the earth of impending judgment. He did so in this case. When John saw those seven angels with the seven plagues he knew there was trouble ahead for the inhabitants of the earth. This is written in the Scripture so that all men everywhere will today take heed to this sign and repent and turn to GOD.
Wilson's Dictionary of Bible Types
press 1957.



is the rendering in the A. V. of several Heb. and Gr. words, especially אות, 6th, σημεῖον, which usually denote a miraculous or, at least, divine or extraordinary token of an event, generally in the future. SEE MIRACLE. In Biblical language a sign is a token, or whatever serves to express or represent another thing. Thus the Lord gave to Noah the rainbow as a sign of his covenant (Gen_9:12-13), and for the same purpose he appointed circumcision to Abraham (Gen_17:11; see also Exo_3:12; Jdg_6:17). In Isa_7:18 the word is used for a prophetic similitude Behold, I and the children whom the Lord hath given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel" (see also Eze_4:3).Signs and wonders, as they are usually connected, sometimes denote those proofs or demonstrations of power and authority which were furnished by miracles, and by other tokens of the divine presence (Joh_4:48; Mat_12:38; Act_2:22); sometimes those unusual appearances which betoken the approach of great events (Luk_21:11; Luk_21:25), and at other times tokens or pledges as evidences of fulfilment (Luk_2:12; 1Co_1:22). This word is emphatically used in Scripture for a miraculous appearance, which would attest the divine authority of a prophet or teacher. The Jews asked our Lord for "a sign from heaven" (Mat_16:1),' meaning, thereby, the appearance of the Messiah coming in the clouds of heaven, which Daniel had foretold (Dan_7:13), and which ,"the traditions of the elders," as appears from the Talmud, had declared to be the only certain sign of the advent of the promised inheritor of David's throne and deliverer of the Jewish nation. So our Lord refers to "the sign of the Son of man" (Mat_24:30), as prefigured by the national overthrow of the Jews (see Zettner, De Astre. Judceis quondam Ominoso [Alt. 1724], and the monographs cited by Hase, Leben Jesu, p. 187). SEE ESCHATOLOGY.



CYCLOPEDIA OF BIBLICAL, THEOLOGICAL AND ECCLESIASTICAL
press 1895.





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