τέρας

a wonder, portent

Definition

τέρας refers to a supernatural wonder or portent, a sign that points beyond itself to divine activity. In the New Testament, it is almost always paired with 'σημεῖον' (sēmeion, sign) to form the phrase 'signs and wonders' (e.g., Acts 2:22, 43), indicating miraculous events that authenticate a divine message or messenger. These wonders are not mere spectacles but serve as evidence of God's power and authority, as seen in the works of Jesus (Acts 2:22) and the apostles (Acts 5:12). However, the word can also denote deceptive wonders performed by false prophets in the end times (Matthew 24:24, Mark 13:22), highlighting that the phenomenon itself requires discernment of its source.

Biblical Usage

The word is used exclusively in the phrase 'signs and wonders' (σημεῖα καὶ τέρατα) in the New Testament, except in John 4:48 where Jesus critiques an over-reliance on such phenomena for belief. This pairing appears predominantly in Acts (2:19, 22, 43; 4:30; 5:12; 6:8; 7:36; 14:3; 15:12) to describe the miracles that accompanied the gospel proclamation in the early church, establishing its divine origin. The usage underscores that these wonders were not random but were intentional acts confirming God's word and work.

Etymology

The Greek word τέρας is of uncertain origin but carries the inherent sense of something extraordinary, prodigious, or ominous. In classical Greek, it often referred to a portent or omen, typically from the gods, which could be either positive or threatening. This background informs its New Testament usage, where it retains the sense of an awe-inspiring, supernatural event that demands interpretation and points to a transcendent cause.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it anchors the reality of God's intervention in history. 'Signs and wonders' are a hallmark of God's redemptive acts, from the Exodus (alluded to in Acts 7:36) to the ministry of Jesus and the early church. They authenticate divine revelation and call for a response of faith, though faith must not be based solely on them (John 4:48). Understanding τέρας helps distinguish true, God-authenticating miracles from satanic counterfeits (2 Thessalonians 2:9), emphasizing the need for discernment and the primacy of God's word over spectacular displays.

In the Greco-Roman world, reports of 'wonders' (τέρατα) were common in both religious and historical writings, often seen as omens or displays of divine power. The New Testament's pairing with 'signs' (σημεῖα) adapts this concept, framing these events not as ambiguous omens but as clear pointers to the God of Israel acting through Jesus and the Holy Spirit. This reframing challenged pagan understandings by giving these wonders a specific, covenantal context within salvation history.

σημεῖον (sēmeion, G4592) — A sign or distinguishing mark; more focused on the meaning or message the miracle conveys, whereas τέρας emphasizes the awe-inspiring, wondrous nature of the event itself. δύναμις (dynamis, G1411) — A miracle, emphasizing the power behind the act. ἔργον (ergon, G2041) — A work; can refer to miracles as the 'works' of God or Christ, focusing on the activity rather than the wondrous effect.

Word Details

Scripture References