Miracles

Scripture has no single word that is translated “miracle.” The English word “miracle” comes from the Latin term miraculum, which merely refers to something that evokes wonder.

There are four primary Greek words translated as miracle: works (ergon), wonders (teras), powers (dunamis), and signs (semeion). These various terms are used because no single term can possibly exhaust all the significance of a miracle. These words do not depict different kinds of miracles. They portray the miracles from different perspectives. Miracles in the New Testament: (1) are not associated with spells or incantations (the power was in Jesus); (2) were not performed to punish, but to rescue people from physical and spiritual forces; (3) provide testimony to Jesus’ supernatural power and authority. The “Grand Miracle” is the Incarnation and is at the very heart of the message of Scripture.

Miracles, as an integral part of the Bible, provide evidence that it is God’s divinely-inspired Word. Miracles are both the official and authoritative seal of God and the insignia of Christ’s deity. Miracles were performed directly by God, by Christ, the Holy Spirit, angels, servants of God, and evil agents.

Miracles serve several purposes: (1) accredit God's messengers; (2) confirm God’s message; (3) bring glory to God and Jesus; (4) demonstrate the presence of God’s Kingdom; (5) promote faith; (6) demonstrate God’s sovereignty; and (7) help people in need.

Ron Rhodes’ definition of a miracle is: “a unique and extraordinary event awakening wonder (teras), wrought by divine power (dunamis), accomplishing some practical and benevolent work (ergon), and authenticating or signifying [as a sign] a messenger and his message as from God (semeion).”

[SEE individual word studies on: powers, signs, wonders, and works.]