# sign, proof, reminder #

## Definition: ##

A sign is an object, event, or action that communicates a special meaning.

* Signs can be reminders of something that was promised:\\
   * The rainbow God created in the sky was a sign to remind people that he would never again destroy all life with a worldwide flood.\\
   * God commanded the Israelites to circumcise their sons as a sign of his covenant with them.
* Signs can reveal or point to something:\\
   * An angel told shepherds a sign that would help them know which baby in Bethlehem was the newborn Messiah.\\
   * Judas kissed Jesus as a sign to the religious leaders that Jesus was the one they should arrest.\\
* Signs can prove that something is true:\\
   * The miracles done by the prophets and apostles were signs that proved they were speaking God's message.\\
   * The miracles that Jesus performed were signs that proved he was truly the Messiah.

## Translation Suggestions: ##

* Depending on its context, "sign" could also be translated as "signal" or "symbol" or "mark" or "evidence" or "proof" or "gesture."
* To "make signs with the hands" could also be translated as, "motion with the hands" or "gesture with the hands" or "make gestures."
* In some languages, there may be one word for a "sign" that proves something and a different word for a "sign" that is a miracle.

(See also: [miracle](../kt/miracle.md) **·** [apostle](../kt/apostle.md) **·** [christ](../kt/christ.md) **·** [covenant](../kt/covenant.md) **·** [circumcise](../kt/circumcise.md))

## Bible References: ##

* [Acts 02:18-19](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/act/02/18)
* [Exodus 04:8-9](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/exo/04/08)
* [Exodus 31:12-15](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/exo/31/12)
* [Genesis 01:14-15](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/gen/01/14)
* [Genesis 09:11-13](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/gen/09/11)
* [John 02:17-19](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/jhn/02/17)
* [Luke 02:10-12](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/luk/02/10)
* [Mark 08:11-13](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/mrk/08/11)
* [Psalms 089:5-6](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/psa/089/005)