σημεῖον (sēmeion)
sēmeion
sign
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 69 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek noun sēmeion refers to a sign, mark, or token that serves as evidence of something else. In the New Testament, it most frequently denotes miracles and wonders performed by Jesus or the apostles, which functioned as divine authentication of their message. For instance, John records that Jesus did many signs in Jerusalem so that people might believe (John 2:23), while Paul lists signs, wonders, and mighty acts as the marks of a true apostle (2 Corinthians 12:12).
Beyond miracles, the word carries distinct nuances depending on context. It can describe a distinguishing mark, such as the kiss Jesus identifies to Judas in Matthew 26:48, or the sign given to Mary in Luke 2:12. It also appears in prophetic contexts to indicate portents of future events, like the signs in the sun and moon mentioned in Acts 2:19. Notably, the same term is used for deceptive miracles performed by false prophets (Matthew 24:24), showing that the word itself is neutral regarding truth or falsehood.
A key feature of sēmeion is its frequent pairing with other terms to emphasize supernatural power. It often appears alongside terata ("wonders") and dynameis ("mighty acts"), creating a comprehensive description of God’s intervention in history. This combination underscores that these signs were not merely displays of power but authoritative tokens pointing to the presence of God’s kingdom.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sēmeion points to something that reveals a deeper reality beyond itself. In the New Testament, it often describes miracles that authenticate Jesus’ message, but it also appears in everyday contexts like the sign given to Joseph and Mary or the signal Judas used to identify Jesus. This breadth reminds us that God uses ordinary moments and extraordinary events alike to make His presence known.
When we encounter signs, they are invitations to trust rather than demands for proof. The Pharisees asked for a sign to test Jesus, yet He offered Himself as the ultimate sign through Jonah’s story. We can find comfort in knowing that faith does not require constant spectacular displays; it grows by recognizing God’s work in both the dramatic and the quiet parts of our lives.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 69 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- signs29×
- sign16×
- a sign15×
- by signs2×
- the signs1×
- signs.1×
- signs,1×
- signs!1×
- sign:1×
- sign.1×
- of signs1×
- in signs1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- σημεῖον32×
- σημεῖα29×
- σημείοις4×
- σημείων2×
- σημεῖόν1×
- σημεῖον·1×
- σημεῖον;1×
- σημεῖον.¶1×
- σημεῖον.1×
- σημεῖον,1×
- σημεῖα;1×
- σημεῖα,1×
Key Verses
-
John 2:11
This beginning of his signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.
This verse highlights how signs reveal Jesus' glory and lead directly to belief.
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Luke 2:12
This is the sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a feeding trough.”
Here the sign is a humble baby, showing God's choice of the lowly to reveal divine truth.
-
Matthew 16:4
An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and there will be no sign given to it, except the sign of the prophet Jonah.” He left them and departed.
Jesus identifies Jonah as the only sign given to a demanding generation, pointing to resurrection hope.
-
Luke 21:11
There will be great earthquakes, famines, and plagues in various places. There will be terrors and great signs from heaven.
This occurrence connects cosmic disturbances with divine communication during times of upheaval.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word sēmeion mean?
Is sēmeion always a miracle?
Why did Jesus refuse to give signs to some people?
Every Occurrence (69 verses across 11 books)
Matthew 9 verses
Then certain of the scribes and Pharisees answered, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from you.”
Matthew 12:39But he answered them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, but no sign will be given to it but the…
Matthew 16:1The Pharisees and Sadducees came, and testing him, asked him to show them a sign from heaven.
Matthew 16:3In the morning, ‘It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ Hypocrites! You know how to…
Matthew 16:4An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and there will be no sign given to it, except the sign of the…
Matthew 24:3As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be?…
Matthew 24:24For false christs and false prophets will arise, and they will show great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if…
Matthew 24:30and then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky. Then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will…
Matthew 26:48Now he who betrayed him had given them a sign, saying, “Whoever I kiss, he is the one. Seize him.”