What are the three Greek words often translated as 'miracles' and why is that practice unfortunate?
The three Greek words are semaion (sign), dunamis (power), and teros (wonders). Translating all three as “miracles” is unfortunate because it obscures their distinct meanings: semaion should always be rendered “signs,” dunamis denotes supernatural power, and teros simply means wonders.
Les explains that Hebrews 2:4 contains all three Greek words, and he says the Spirit simplified things for the translators. These words are translated throughout the New Testament most of the time as “miracles,” but Les calls that unfortunate because it blurs their meanings. Semaion is always a sign and should always be translated “signs.” Dunamis, from which we get dynamo, refers to power, supernatural power—the power He had being God when He performed His miracles. Teros merely meant wonders. So the three terms carry the ideas of signs, power, and wonders, not one generic category of miracles.
God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?
More Questions
Why is it unfortunate that translators use the word 'miracles' for these Greek terms?
It is unfortunate that all three Greek words are covered by 'miracles,' because semaion is always a sign and should be translated as signs.
Why is it unfortunate that translators call most biblical signs and wonders "miracles"?
Translators mingle the distinct Greek words for signs, wonders, and miracles and call most of the signs and wonders "miracles," which is unfortunate because it blurs the biblical distinction.
How should the Greek word semaion be translated?
The Greek word 'semaion' is always a sign and should always be translated as 'signs', not 'miracles'.