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SIGN.—Any outward fact which serves as a pledge of a Divine word or a proof of a Divine deed is a sign, whether it be natural or supernatural in its character. The rainbow served as the sign of the Noahic, as the rite of circumcision of the Abrahamic, covenant (Gen_9:12; Gen_17:11 ‘token,’ Rom_4:11). That God was with, and worked for, the Israelites was shown in the plagues of Egypt (Exo_10:2). Gideon asks for and receives a sign that it is Jehovah who speaks with him (Jdg_6:17), and Saul also receives signs to confirm the words of Samuel (1Sa_10:7). The prophetic word is thus proved from God (Isa_7:14; Isa_38:7, Jer_44:29, Eze_14:8). The sign need not be supernatural (1Sa_2:34, Isa_8:18; Isa_20:3); but the Jews in the time of Christ desired miracles as proofs of Divine power (Mat_12:38; Mat_16:1, Joh_4:48, 1Co_1:22), a request which Jesus refused and condemned. The message of the Baptist, though not confirmed by any sign, was seen to be true (Joh_10:41). It is Jonah’s preaching that is probably referred to when Jesus speaks of him as a sign to his generation (Mat_12:39). The ‘babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, and lying in a manger,’ is the simple and humble sign to the shepherds of the birth of a Saviour, Christ the Lord (Luk_2:12); and He is welcomed by Simeon as ‘a sign which is spoken against’ (Luk_2:34). The Fourth Gospel frequently describes the miracles of Jesus as signs (Luk_3:2, Luk_4:44), and attributes to them an evidential value which is not prominent in Jesus’ own intention. This confirmation of the gospel was found in the Apostolic Church (Mar_16:20, Act_4:16; Act_6:3; Act_8:6; Act_8:13; Act_15:12, 2Co_12:12). The last things will be ushered in by extraordinary signs (Mat_24:30, Luk_21:25, 2Th_2:9—the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, Rev_12:1; Rev_13:13 etc.). The faith that depends on signs, if not altogether condemned (Joh_6:26), is by Jesus deprecated (Joh_4:48, cf. 1Co_1:22). Cf. also p. 568b.
Alfred E. Garvie.