Supernatural Signs: τέρας (Strong’s G5059: teras) Reveals Divine Authority

Strong’s G5059: A neuter noun meaning “wonder” or “portent,” often paired with σημεῖον (sign) in the New Testament. Used to describe supernatural manifestations that authenticate divine authority and message, though can also indicate deceptive wonders in false teachings.

U – Unveiling the Word

τέρας represents extraordinary phenomena that provoke wonder and amazement. In the New Testament, it frequently appears paired with “signs” (σημεῖα), particularly in describing the miraculous works that authenticated divine messengers. Its first appearance in Matthew 24:24 warns of false wonders, while in Acts it often describes the authentic miracles of the apostles. The early church understood τέρας as evidence of God’s power working through His servants, while also recognizing the need for discernment against counterfeit wonders. Today, this word reminds us that while God’s power is demonstrated through supernatural acts, true authentication comes through alignment with His word and character.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: τέρας, teras, ter’-as
• Phonetic Guide: ter (as in “tear”) + as (as in “us”)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• From Proto-Indo-European *kwer- (to make, form)
• Root word standing alone
• Often appears in plural form τέρατα (terata)

D – Defining Meanings

• Wonder
• Portent
• Marvel
• Prodigy
• Supernatural sign

Translation Options:

• “wonder” – emphasizes the awe-inspiring aspect
• “portent” – captures supernatural significance
• “marvel” – highlights extraordinary nature

E – Exploring Similar Words

• σημεῖον (sēmeion) – sign See G4592
• δύναμις (dynamis) – power, miracle See G1411
• θαῦμα (thauma) – marvel See G2295

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Nominal Features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Neuter
• Declension: Third declension

Examples:

• Nominative singular: τέρας (wonder)
• Genitive singular: τέρατος (of a wonder)
• Nominative plural: τέρατα (wonders)
• Accusative plural: τέρατα (wonders as object)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The lexical sources provide rich insights into τέρας. BDAG emphasizes its use for extraordinary phenomena that generate wonder. Thayer’s notes its frequent pairing with “signs” in biblical contexts. LSJ traces its classical usage for portents and omens. Vine’s highlights its distinction from σημεῖον as emphasizing the wonder-producing aspect. Strong’s connects it to the concept of something strange or extraordinary. Moulton and Milligan document its use in descriptions of divine manifestations in Hellenistic literature. The combined evidence suggests τέρας represented awe-inspiring phenomena that demanded attention and interpretation.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“For false messiahs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders [τέρατα] so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect.” Matthew 24:24

Additional References:
Mark 13:22, John 4:48, Acts 2:19, Acts 2:22, Acts 2:43, Acts 4:30, Romans 15:19, 2 Corinthians 12:12

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

τέρας reminds us that God’s power manifests in ways that provoke wonder and amazement, yet requires spiritual discernment. While false wonders can deceive, genuine τέρατα authenticate God’s messengers and message. The good news is that the greatest wonder is not in supernatural displays but in the Messiah Himself, who performed signs and wonders not for show but to reveal God’s kingdom and love. His resurrection stands as the ultimate τέρας, proving His divine authority and offering salvation to all who believe.

D – Did You Know?

• τέρας appears 16 times in the New Testament, always in plural form
• It never appears alone but always paired with “signs” or other miracle terms
• Ancient Greeks used this word for astronomical phenomena and birth abnormalities

Strong’s G5059: A neuter noun meaning “wonder” or “portent,” often paired with σημεῖον (sign) in the New Testament. Used to describe supernatural manifestations that authenticate divine authority and message, though can also indicate deceptive wonders in false teachings.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: wonder, miracle, sign, supernatural, portent, authentication, apostles, discernment, divine-power, manifestation​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​