Brief Overview of σημεῖον (Strong’s G4592: sēmeion)

Strong’s G4592: A sign, mark, or token indicating divine activity or authentication. In the New Testament, it often refers to miraculous demonstrations of God’s power, particularly in Jesus’ ministry, serving as evidence of His divine identity and mission. The term carries significant theological weight in discussions of faith and verification.

U- Unveiling the Word

σημεῖον represents a divine indicator or authenticating mark that points to spiritual truth. First appearing in Matthew 12:38, where religious leaders demand a sign from Jesus, it becomes a key term in discussions about faith and evidence. The word appears frequently in John’s Gospel, where signs reveal Jesus’ glory and identity. Early church writers emphasized that signs should lead to faith rather than replace it. Today, it reminds us that God provides evidence for faith while calling us beyond mere sign-seeking to genuine trust in Christ.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σημεῖον, sēmeion, say-MAY-on
• Detailed pronunciation: stress on second syllable: ‘say’ as in say, ‘MAY’ as in may, ‘on’ as in on
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• From σῆμα (sēma) – sign, mark
• -εῖον (-eion): Noun-forming suffix indicating result or product

D – Defining Meanings

• Miraculous sign
• Authentication mark
• Divine indicator
• Prophetic signal

For compound words:
Not applicable as σημεῖον is a primary noun with suffix

Translation Options:

• “Sign” – Emphasizes indicative function
• “Miracle” – Stresses supernatural aspect
• “Wonder” – Highlights extraordinary nature

E – Exploring Similar Words

• τέρας (teras, TAIR-as) – wonder, portent See G5059
• δύναμις (dunamis, DOO-na-mis) – power, mighty work See G1411
• ἔνδειξις (endeixis, en-DAYK-sis) – proof, demonstration See G1732

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Noun Features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Neuter
• Declension: 2nd

Examples:
Singular: σημεῖον (nom/acc), σημείου (gen), σημείῳ (dat)
Plural: σημεῖα (nom/acc), σημείων (gen), σημείοις (dat)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes σημεῖον’s role in authenticating divine activity. Thayer’s notes its use for miraculous demonstrations. LSJ documents its evolution from simple mark to miraculous sign. Vine’s highlights its significance in John’s Gospel. Strong’s connects it to supernatural authentication. Moulton-Milligan shows its use in both religious and secular contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee.” Matthew 12:38

Additional References:
Matthew 16:1, John 2:11, John 4:48, John 20:30, Acts 2:19, 1 Corinthians 1:22, Revelation 12:1

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

σημεῖον reveals God’s gracious provision of evidence while challenging us to move beyond sign-seeking to genuine faith. Jesus’ signs point to His identity as the Son of God and invite us to trust Him. This word reminds us that while God provides confirmation of His truth, the ultimate sign is Christ Himself, calling us to faith that transcends mere physical demonstrations.

D – Did You Know?

1. John’s Gospel specifically selects seven major signs of Jesus.
2. Early Christians used σημεῖον to describe both miracles and martyrdom testimonies.
3. The word influenced modern scientific terms like “semiotics.”

Strong’s G4592: A sign, mark, or token indicating divine activity or authentication. In the New Testament, it often refers to miraculous demonstrations of God’s power, particularly in Jesus’ ministry, serving as evidence of His divine identity and mission. The term carries significant theological weight in discussions of faith and verification.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: signs, miracles, divine authentication, Jesus’ ministry, John’s Gospel, faith, evidence, supernatural manifestations, divine power, miraculous signs, prophetic signs, authentication​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​