"a prodigy, portent, Acts 2:19; a signal act, wonder, miracle, Mt. 13:22; Jn. 4:48; Acts 2:43"
Definition and meaning
a prodigy, portent, Acts 2:19; a signal act, wonder, miracle, Mt. 13:22; Jn. 4:48; Acts 2:43
In the original Greek the word is written: τέρας
Historical context
Rome had controlled Judea since 63 BC. Herod the Great rebuilt the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world — and simultaneously murdered members of his own family. The common people paid multiple layers of taxation and were politically powerless. Into that world a carpenter from Galilee began teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of teras (G5059) across the King James Bible.
For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.
Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.
And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:
Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:
And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.
And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people;(and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch.
And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.
He brought them out, after that he had shewed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, and in the Red sea, and in the wilderness forty years.
Refiner gives you the full lexicon entry, AI-powered verse insight, historical commentary, cross-references, and voice study — all in one place.
Free to start · Disciple $4.99/mo · Shepherd $9.99/mo
Common questions
Strong's G5059 (teras) is a Greek word that means: a prodigy, portent, Acts 2:19; a signal act, wonder, miracle, Mt. 13:22; Jn. 4:48; Acts 2:43 It appears 16 times in the King James Bible.
The word teras (G5059) appears 16 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G5059 is teras, a Greek word defined as: a prodigy, portent, Acts 2:19; a signal act, wonder, miracle, Mt. 13:22; Jn. 4:48; Acts 2:43. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
teras is a Greek word found in the New Testament.