The Two Signs: Miracles (Dynamis) vs. Markers (Sēmeion) 💡
The Gospel of John uniquely focuses on seven specific “signs” that Jesus performed, but the Greek word used for “sign” reveals that John was emphasizing the meaning of the act, not just the raw power.
1. The Raw Power: Dynamis (δυˊναμις)
- Meaning: This is the Greek word for raw, inherent strength, capability, or power (as we discussed previously). It is often translated as “miracle” or “mighty work.”
- Theological Focus: Dynamis describes the active, supernatural force operating in the world. The Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) frequently use this word to emphasize the power of Jesus’s works.
- The Shocking Distinction: The Gospel of John rarely uses dynamis for Jesus’s miracles. John wants the reader to look beyond the raw power.
Dynamis is the raw ability to perform the miracle.
2. The Interpretive Marker: Sēmeion (σημϵι~ον)
- Meaning: This is the primary Greek word John uses for Jesus’s miracles. It means a sign, signal, or marker. It is an act that points to a greater truth beyond itself.
- Theological Focus:Sēmeion emphasizes the interpretive purpose of the miracle. The miracle itself is secondary; its function as a pointer to Jesus’s divinity and identity is primary.
- Example: Jesus turning water into wine (John 2:11) is called a sēmeion. The miracle isn’t the point; the fact that He performed the miracle manifested His glory, leading His disciples to believe in Him. The miracle is a signpost.
- The Final Purpose: John concludes his gospel by saying that the signs (sēmeion) were written “so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God” (John 20:30-31).
The Eschatological Conclusion
The final witness and the final deception are defined by this distinction:
- The Antichrist’s Deception: The false prophet will perform great signs and wonders (likely dynamis and teras—wonders) to deceive, demonstrating raw, supernatural power that mimics God’s.
- The Believer’s Discernment: The believer is called to look past the power (dynamis) of the act and ask: “What does this act signify (sēmeion)? Does it point to the true Christ, or does it point to the deceiver?”
The ultimate shocking truth is that the final test is not a contest of power, but a test of interpretation—discerning the meaning behind the supernatural.
The Return Question
If the final test requires discernment of the sēmeion (the meaning of the sign) rather than the dynamis (the power of the miracle), what specific supernatural manifestation (in the media, culture, or even the church) are you currently interpreting based on its external power rather than its intended direction toward Christ?