Topical Encyclopedia
The term "signify" in the biblical context often refers to the act of making something known or conveying a message through signs, symbols, or other means. It is a way in which God communicates His will, intentions, or revelations to humanity. The concept of signifying is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, where God uses various methods to reveal His divine purposes.
Old Testament UsageIn the Old Testament, God frequently uses signs to signify His covenant, promises, and judgments. For instance, the rainbow is a sign that signifies God's covenant with Noah, promising that He would never again destroy the earth with a flood (
Genesis 9:12-17). Similarly, the plagues in Egypt were signs that signified God's power and His demand for the release of the Israelites (
Exodus 7:3-5).
Prophets often used symbolic actions to signify God's messages. For example, in
Ezekiel 4:1-3, the prophet is instructed to create a model of Jerusalem and lay siege to it, signifying the impending siege and destruction of the city. These symbolic acts were meant to convey God's messages in a tangible and understandable way.
New Testament UsageIn the New Testament, the concept of signifying is closely associated with the revelation of Jesus Christ and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. The miracles performed by Jesus are often referred to as "signs" that signify His divine authority and identity as the Son of God. In the Gospel of John, these signs are pivotal in revealing Jesus' glory and leading people to faith.
John 2:11 states, "Jesus performed this first sign at Cana in Galilee. He thus revealed His glory, and His disciples believed in Him."
The Book of Revelation is another significant example where the term "signify" is used.
Revelation 1:1 states, "The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants what must soon come to pass. He made it known by sending His angel to His servant John." Here, the phrase "made it known" is translated from the Greek word "sēmainō," which means to signify or to indicate by a sign. The entire book is filled with symbolic imagery and visions that signify future events and divine truths.
Theological ImplicationsThe act of signifying in the Bible underscores the importance of divine communication and revelation. It highlights God's desire to make His will known to humanity in ways that are both profound and accessible. Through signs, God not only reveals His power and authority but also His love, mercy, and plan for salvation.
In a broader theological sense, the use of signs and symbols in the Bible points to the sacramental nature of God's interaction with the world. Just as the sacraments signify and convey grace, biblical signs serve as tangible expressions of God's invisible realities. They invite believers to discern and respond to God's presence and action in their lives.
Practical ApplicationFor believers, understanding the concept of signifying in the Bible encourages a deeper appreciation for the ways God communicates with His people. It calls for attentiveness to the signs of God's presence and activity in the world today. By recognizing and interpreting these signs through the lens of Scripture, believers can grow in faith and align their lives with God's purposes.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) To show by a sign; to communicate by any conventional token, as words, gestures, signals, or the like; to announce; to make known; to declare; to express; as, a signified his desire to be present.
2. (n.) To mean; to import; to denote; to betoken.
Greek
4591. semaino -- to give a sign... to give a sign. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: semaino Phonetic Spelling:
(say-mah'-ee-no) Short Definition: I
signify, indicate Definition: I
signify...1229. diaggello -- to publish abroad, proclaim
... declare, preach,signify. From dia and the base of aggelos; to herald thoroughly --
declare, preach,signify. see GREEK dia. see GREEK aggelos....
1213. deloo -- to make plain, declare
... declare, show,signify. From delos; to make plain (by words) -- declare, shew,signify.
see GREEK delos. (deloi) -- 1 Occurrence. (delountos) -- 1 Occurrence....
1718. emphanizo -- to exhibit, appear (in person), to declare
... From emphanes; to exhibit (in person) or disclose (by words) -- appear, declare
(plainly), inform, (will) manifest, shew,signify. see GREEK emphanes....
5440. phulakterion -- an outpost, fortification, an amulet
... They are also strapped on the and tosignify how the Word of God should regulate
all and . Word Origin from the same as phulasso and -terion (suff....
Library
What Does the Word "Amen"Signify?
... Lord's Day 52 Question 129 What does the word "Amen"signify? What does
the word "Amen"signify? "Amen" signifies, it shall truly...
The Same Word Does not AlwaysSignify the Same Thing.
... Book III. Chapter 25."The Same Word Does Not AlwaysSignify the Same Thing.
And when it is shown to be figurative, the words in...
That Passage of David Explained; what the Harps Hung Upon the...
... Chapter III."That Passage of David Explained; What the Harps Hung Upon the Willows
Signify; The Willow a Symbol of Chastity; The Willows Watered by Streams....
[Shewing] that Common and Saving Grace Differ, not Only in Degree...
... So that sometimes the phrase common grace, is used tosignify that kind of action
or influence of the Spirit of God, to which are owing those religious or...
Thus Much in Proof of the Profession which we Make in the Creed...
... What else does Jobsignify in the place which we explained above, "He will raise
again my skin, which is now draining this cup of suffering," that is, which is...
The Summary of Its Contents (I. 19).
... Having seen all these things the command is - "Write therefore the things which
thou sawest, and what they are (ie, what theysignify), [42] even the things...
The Mystic Meaning of the Tabernacle and Its Furniture.
... [3026]. And the things recorded of the sacred arksignify the properties of
the world of thought, which is hidden and closed to the many....
Its Meaning
... That to justify cannot possiblysignify to make a person inherently righteous or
good is most clearly to be seen from the usage of the term itself in Scripture...
From the Fourth Chapter.
... burning."] And the lightnings, and voices, and thunders proceeding from the throne
of God, and the seven torches of fire burning,signify announcements, and...
The Mysteries of Christ's Mediatorial Work (48-49) and...
... day, his ascension into heaven, his being seated at the Father's right hand"all
these things were done thus, that they might not onlysignify their mystical...
Thesaurus
Signify (6 Occurrences)... be present. 2. (n.) To mean; to import; to denote; to betoken. Multi-Version
Concordance
Signify (6 Occurrences). Acts 11:28 and
...Keys (2 Occurrences)
... Numerous examples could be cited of the use of these terms tosignify forbidding
(binding) and permitting (loosing) conduct as legitimate under the law of the...
View (86 Occurrences)
... verb is used to denote the ceremonial purification of the Jews before eating, by
pouring water on the hands (Luke 11:38 Mark 7:4); tosignify the sufferings of...
Nonimmersionist
... verb is used to denote the ceremonial purification of the Jews before eating, by
pouring water on the hands (Luke 11:38 Mark 7:4); tosignify the sufferings of...
Non-immersionist
... verb is used to denote the ceremonial purification of the Jews before eating, by
pouring water on the hands (Luke 11:38 Mark 7:4); tosignify the sufferings of...
Import (2 Occurrences)
... etc. 2. (vt) To carry or include, as meaning or intention; to imply; tosignify.
3... concern. 4. (vi) Tosignify; to purport; to be of moment. 5...
Denote (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (vt) To mark out plainly; tosignify by a visible
sign; to indicate; as, the hands of the clock denote the hour....
Isaac (127 Occurrences)
... In Hebrew both tsachaq and sachaq have their cognate nouns, andsignify, in the
simple stem, "to laugh," in the intensive stem, "to jest, play, dance, fondle...
Mean (93 Occurrences)
... mean to do ? 2. (vt) Tosignify; to indicate; to import; to denote. 3.
(vi) To have a purpose or intention. 4. (superl.) Destitute...
Power (862 Occurrences)
... Numerous examples could be cited of the use of these terms tosignify forbidding
(binding) and permitting (loosing) conduct as legitimate under the law of the...
Resources
What did the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night signify? (Exodus 13:21-22) | GotQuestions.orgHow is Satan god of this world (2 Corinthians 4:4)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about halos? | GotQuestions.orgSignify: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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