τέρας (teras)
teras
wonders
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 16 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun teras refers to a wonder or marvel, specifically something that inspires awe because it defies normal explanation. In the New Testament, the word always appears in the plural form and is almost exclusively paired with semeion ("signs") as a fixed phrase: "signs and wonders." This combination describes miraculous events that serve as divine authentication, particularly those performed by prophets or apostles to confirm their message.
The term carries a sense of portent or prodigy, suggesting an event so extraordinary it demands attention. The sources note its frequent use in Acts to describe the miracles accompanying the early church’s expansion, such as those done by Peter and John (Acts 4:30) or Paul (Romans 15:19). While semeion points to the meaning behind the act, teras emphasizes the visible, astonishing nature of the event itself, marking it as a supernatural intervention.
Its root is of uncertain origin, but its usage in the Septuagint often translates the Hebrew mophet, linking New Testament miracles to the great signs of Exodus. Translators typically render the pair "signs and wonders" to preserve this dual emphasis on both purpose and power. The phrase underscores that these acts were not mere spectacles but deliberate divine markers intended to validate the gospel message in a tangible way.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word teras describes events that stop us in our tracks. It points to moments where the ordinary boundaries of life are lifted, revealing a power far greater than ourselves. In Scripture, this term rarely stands alone. It travels alongside semeion, creating the phrase "signs and wonders." This pairing reminds us that miracles are not random spectacles. They are deliberate markers intended to capture our attention and direct it toward God.
When we encounter these accounts in Acts or the Gospels, we see a pattern. The extraordinary events served as divine authentication for the message being shared. They were tangible proofs that the gospel was not merely human philosophy but a living reality. This connection helps us understand that faith is often strengthened by seeing God’s hand at work in history and in our own lives.
For your daily walk, this word offers a gentle invitation to look up. When challenges arise or when you witness acts of grace that seem too good to be chance, remember the purpose behind such wonders. They are meant to anchor your trust in God’s character. You can rest in the knowledge that the same power that moved mountains in ancient times is available to sustain your spirit today.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 16 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- wonders11×
- in wonders2×
- by wonders2×
- wonders,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- τέρατα11×
- τέρασιν4×
- τεράτων,1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 2:22
“Men of Israel, hear these words! Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved by God to you by mighty works and wonders and signs which God did by him among you, even as you yourselves know,
Peter uses this term to remind the crowd that Jesus was already validated by God through these visible acts before his crucifixion.
-
Acts 4:30
while you stretch out your hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of your holy Servant Jesus.”
The early church prays specifically for these wonders to continue as a means of healing and divine testimony through Jesus.
-
Hebrews 2:4
God also testifying with them, both by signs and wonders, by various works of power, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to his own will?
The author explains that God confirmed the salvation message by distributing various works of power alongside these signs.
-
II Thessalonians 2:9
even he whose coming is according to the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
This verse warns that deceptive forces can mimic this phenomenon, showing that the presence of wonders alone does not guarantee truth.