Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Significance In the biblical context, "marvels" refer to extraordinary events or acts that inspire awe and wonder, often attributed to the divine intervention of God. These events serve as signs of God's power, presence, and purpose, demonstrating His sovereignty over creation and His ability to intervene in human history. Marvels are often synonymous with miracles and wonders, and they play a crucial role in the narrative of Scripture, affirming the faith of believers and challenging the unbelief of skeptics.
Old Testament References The Old Testament is replete with accounts of marvels performed by God, particularly in the context of His covenant relationship with Israel. One of the most significant examples is the series of plagues in Egypt, culminating in the parting of the Red Sea, which allowed the Israelites to escape from Pharaoh's army. In
Exodus 15:11, Moses and the Israelites sing, "Who among the gods is like You, O LORD? Who is like You—majestic in holiness, revered with praises, performing wonders?"
The Psalms frequently recount God's marvelous deeds as a source of encouragement and worship.
Psalm 77:14 declares, "You are the God who works wonders; You display Your strength among the peoples." These marvels serve as reminders of God's faithfulness and His ability to deliver His people from adversity.
New Testament References In the New Testament, marvels are prominently associated with the ministry of Jesus Christ. His miracles, such as healing the sick, raising the dead, and calming storms, are described as signs that reveal His divine authority and identity as the Son of God. In
John 2:11, after Jesus turns water into wine at the wedding in Cana, it is noted, "This, the first of His signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and He manifested His glory, and His disciples believed in Him."
The apostles also performed marvels through the power of the Holy Spirit, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles. These acts served to authenticate their message and demonstrate the continued presence of God's power in the early Church.
Acts 2:43 states, "A sense of awe came over everyone, and the apostles performed many wonders and signs."
Purpose and Function Marvels in the Bible serve multiple purposes. They are a testament to God's power and a means of revelation, providing insight into His character and will. They also function as a catalyst for faith, encouraging belief and trust in God. In some instances, marvels serve as a form of judgment, as seen in the plagues of Egypt, while in others, they are acts of compassion and mercy, such as Jesus' healings.
Furthermore, marvels often serve as a call to repentance and a reminder of God's ultimate authority over creation. They challenge human understanding and invite individuals to recognize the limitations of human power in contrast to the omnipotence of God.
Theological Implications The occurrence of marvels in the biblical narrative underscores the belief in a God who is actively involved in the world. They affirm the doctrine of divine providence, suggesting that God not only created the universe but continues to sustain and govern it. Marvels also highlight the eschatological hope of believers, pointing to the ultimate restoration and renewal of creation when God's kingdom is fully realized.
In summary, marvels in the Bible are profound expressions of God's power and presence, serving as signs that reveal His glory and purpose throughout history. They invite believers to respond in faith, worship, and obedience, acknowledging the wondrous works of the Lord.
Strong's Hebrew
4159. mopheth -- a wonder, sign, portent... Word Origin from an unused word Definition a wonder, sign, portent NASB Word Usage
marvel (1),
marvels (3), miracle (1), miracles (1), sign (8), symbol (1
... Library
That all Marvels are not of Nature's Production, but that Some are ...
... Book XXI. Chapter 6."That All Marvels are Not of Nature's Production, But that Some
are Due to Human Ingenuity and Others to Diabolic Contrivance. ...
The Marvels of Holy Scripture, --Moral and Physical. --Jael's Deed ...
... Seven Sermons. SERMON VII. THE MARVELS OF HOLY SCRIPTURE,"MORAL AND
PHYSICAL."JAEL'S DEED DEFENDED."MIRACLES VINDICATED. Mark 12:24. ...
"I Will, However, Still Further Give You an Account of Two ...
... Dialogues of Sulpitius Severus. Chapter XX. "I will, however, still further
give you an account of two extraordinary marvels.? ...
For with what Purpose in view did Providence Accomplish the ...
... Chapter XXVIII. For with what purpose in view did Providence accomplish
the marvels related of Aristeas? And? For with what purpose ...
For the Law and the Prophets are Full of Marvels Similar to those ...
... Chapter XLVI. For the law and the prophets are full of marvels similar
to those recorded of? For the law and the prophets are ...
That There are Many Things which Reason Cannot Account For, and ...
... God has wrought, or will yet work, and which we cannot bring under the very eyes
of men, sceptics keep demanding that we shall explain these marvels to reason. ...
That the Ultimate Reason for Believing Miracles is the Omnipotence ...
... world full of countless miracles in sky, earth, air, and waters, while itself is
a miracle unquestionably greater and more admirable than all the marvels it is ...
Psalm IX.
... "I will tell all Thy marvels." He tells all God's marvels, who sees them performed
not only openly on the body, but invisibly indeed too in the soul, but far ...
Synopsis. --A Clearer Conception of Miracle Approached. --Works of ...
... There will always be a Beyond, in which dwells the secret of laws still undiscovered,
that underlie mysteries unrevealed and marvels unexplained. ...
The Kingdom Undivided
... 139. The Psalm of Marvels. 146 to 150. ... IX. An Analytic Study of Psalm 139:/i>. 1.
Name carefully the marvels in the following passages: (a) Verses 1 to 6. ...
Thesaurus
Marvels (21 Occurrences)...Marvels (21 Occurrences). John 4:48 "Unless you and others see miracles and
marvels,"
said Jesus, "nothing will induce you to believe." (WEY).
...Miracles (65 Occurrences)
... (KJV WEY WBS). John 4:48 "Unless you and others see miracles and marvels,"
said Jesus, "nothing will induce you to believe." (WEY). ...
Tokens (11 Occurrences)
... 12:12 The signs that characterize the true Apostle have been done among you,
accompanied by unwearied fortitude, and by tokens and marvels and displays of power ...
Bore (221 Occurrences)
... there for a considerable time, speaking freely and relying on the Lord, while He
bore witness to the Message of His grace by permitting signs and marvels to be ...
Perform (155 Occurrences)
... Revelation 13:14 And his power of leading astray the inhabitants of the earth is
due to the marvels which he has been permitted to work in the presence of the ...
Semites
... nature and presence. Simile, parable and Nature-marvels cover the pages
and tablets of their records. Unfortunately this poetic ...
Semitic
... nature and presence. Simile, parable and Nature-marvels cover the pages
and tablets of their records. Unfortunately this poetic ...
Unwearied (5 Occurrences)
... 12:12 The signs that characterize the true Apostle have been done among you,
accompanied by unwearied fortitude, and by tokens and marvels and displays of power ...
Outlying (4 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Outlying (4 Occurrences). Romans 15:19 with power manifested
in signs and marvels, and through the power of the Holy Spirit. ...
Lawless (16 Occurrences)
... 2 Thessalonians 2:9 The appearing of the Lawless one will be attended by various
miracles and tokens and delusive marvels--for so Satan works-- (WEY RSV NIV). ...
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