Dictionary of Bible Themes: 1449 signs, purposes of

◄ 1449 signs, purposes of ►

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Signs are given to confirm God's word. They may warn the rebellious or encourage the faithful. People may seek signs as a result of a genuine desire to serve God.

Deuteronomy 34:10-12

Signs are given to demonstrate God's power

pp Ps 105:4-5

Exodus 4:1-9

Signs demonstrate the authority of God's servants

See also

Moses and Aaron

Exodus 4:30-31; 7:8-12
Numbers 17:1-9
Acts 7:36
1 Kings 18:36-38

Elijah

2 Kings 2:13-14

Elisha

Acts 2:22

See also

Jesus Christ

John 2:23; 3:2; 7:21; 20:30
2 Corinthians 12:12

See also

The apostles

Acts 2:43; 5:12; 15:12
Hebrews 2:3-4

See also

Signs may accompany the preaching of the gospel

Mark 16:20
Acts 8:6; 14:3
Exodus 8:22-23

Signs may warn the ungodly of impending judgment

Isaiah 20:1-4
Ezekiel 4:1-3; 12:3-6,11; 24:15-24

The prophets often acted out their messages for greater effect:

Jeremiah 44:29-30
Luke 2:34
Philippians 1:28
Numbers 17:10

Signs may warn God's people against rebellion

Signs may encourage faith

See also

By giving guidance

Genesis 24:10-14
Exodus 13:21-22
2 Samuel 5:23-24
Matthew 2:9-10

pp 1Ch 14:14-15

Judges 6:17-22

See also

By giving assurance of God's presence

Genesis 28:10-17
Exodus 3:1-5
Isaiah 38:7-8

By encouraging the fearful and doubting

See also

pp 2Ki 20:8-11

Deuteronomy 7:17-19

pp 2Ch 32:24

Judges 6:36-40
2 Kings 6:15-17
Jeremiah 10:2

Signs need hold no terror for the godly

See also

Matthew 24:6

pp Mk 13:7

pp Lk 21:9

Isaiah 7:11

Seeking signs

See also

When seeking signs is acceptable to God

Judges 6:17
Isaiah 38:22
Matthew 16:1-4

When seeking signs is condemnned by God

See also

Matthew 12:38-39

pp Mk 8:11-12

Luke 11:16; 12:54-56; 23:8
John 2:18; 4:48; 6:30

pp Lk 11:29

1 Corinthians 1:22