Hebrews 2:4 God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost… 1. Signs, according to the notation of the word, imply such external visible things as signify and declare some memorable matter which otherwise could not be so well discerned, nor would be believed. "We would see a sign from Thee" say the Pharisees to Christ (Matthew 12:38). And they desired Him that He would "show them a sign" (Matthew 16:1). These two words, "see," "show," imply that a sign is of some external visible thing that may be showed and seen. And extraordinary it must be, because it useth to be for confirmation of s me secret and Divine matter. Thus the Pharisees would have a sign from heaven (Matthew 16:1), which must needs be extraordinary. Thereupon signs and wonders arc oft joined together (John 4:48; Acts 2:43; Acts 4:30; Acts 7:36). 2. The word translated "wonder" is used by all sorts of authors for some strange thing, that may seem to foretell some other thing to come. "I will shew wonders in heaven," saith the Lord (Acts 2:19). Those strange things which by the ministry of Moses were done in Egypt, in the Red Sea, and in the wilderness, are set out under this word "wonders" (Acts 7:36). Our English doth fitly translate the Greek word "wonders," by reason of the effect, they cause wonder; and by reason of the strangeness of them, they are wonderful (Matthew 15:31; Mark 6:51; Acts 3:10). Our English word "miracle," according to the notation of the Latin word, whence it is taken, signifieth a matter of wonder. 3. The Greek word here translated "miracles," properly signifieth powers. It is derived from a verb that signifieth to be able. This word in the singular number is put for a man's ability (Matthew 25:15); for his strength (2 Corinthians 1:8); and also for strength in the sun (Revelation 1:16); and in sin (1 Corinthians 15:56). It is also put for virtue in one (Mark 5:30); and for the power or man (1 Corinthians 4:19); of a prophet (Luke 1:17); of the Spirit (Ephesians 3:16); of Christ (2 Corinthians 12:9); and of God (Matthew 22:29). In the plural number it is put, for angels (Romans 8:38; 1 Peter 3:32), which excel in strength(Psalm 103:20). And for the firm and stable things in heaven (Matthew 24:29); and for extraordinary works. Hereupon they are styled in our English, "mighty deeds" (2 Corinthians 12:12) "mighty works" (Matthew 11:20, 21, 23); "wonderful works" (Matthew 7:21); and frequently, as here in this text "miracles" (Acts 2:22; Acts 19:11; 1 Corinthians 12:10, 28, 29). For miracles cannot be wrought but by an extraordinary power, even the power of God Himself. Fitly, therefore, is this word "powers" used to set out miracles, and fitly is it here, and in other places, translated "miracles." (W. Gouge.) Parallel Verses KJV: God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will? |
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