The following 20 minute video by Dr. Duane Spencer defines the biblical purpose of miracles and signs.
One Bible verse from the KJV+ Strong’s concordance, and the definition from Strong’s concordance of Greek and Hebrew words are given below, to help readers understand how Dr. Spencer arrived at his explanation.
The Strong’s definition is included mostly because it differs from commonly held beliefs about the biblical purpose of miracles and signs, especially among Pentecostals (as seen clearly in, e.g., Hinn’s rallies).
[The numbers next to many of the words in the following verse, correspond to a definition in Strong’s concordance. On a pc, if the cursor is rested on the number, a box with a definition pops up. I pasted in, after the verse, the definition for H226.]
Gen 1:14 And GodH430 said,H559 Let there beH1961 lightsH3974 in the firmamentH7549 of the heavenH8064 to divideH914 H996 the dayH3117 fromH996 the night;H3915 and let them beH1961 for signs,H226 and for seasons,H4150 and for days,H3117 and years:H8141
אוֹת
‘ôth
oth
Probably from H225 (in the sense of appearing); a signal (literally or figuratively), as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence, etc.: – mark, miracle, (en-) sign, token.
Total KJV occurrences: 79
As you listen to the following video, you will note that Dr. Spenser has used Strong’s in his word study.
STUDY RECOMMENDATIONS:
Download the free Bible software at esword.net so that you might be able to do your own investigation into Greek and Hebrew definitions of any text of scripture under consideration. E Sword offers up to a dozen or so Bible versions; a half-dozen or so of each commentaries and dictionaries. You may also add commentaries at a reasonable price. It is an excellent study tool and is free. Also, iphone app store sells a version for iphone for $2 or $3; E-sword is not available for android.