What is the definition of a miracle?

Answer

The biblical definition of a miracle could be described as follows: “an event that involves the direct and powerful action of God, surpassing the ordinary laws of nature and challenging common expectations of behavior.” Miracles are remarkable occurrences that can solely be credited to the supernatural intervention of God and showcase His engagement in human history. God utilizes miracles in the Bible to disclose Himself, His character, and His intentions to humans through phenomena that are otherwise inexplicable (Exodus 3:1-6).

Miracles offer proof of God’s existence and authority in the world and exhibit His power on behalf of His servants. A miracle can be carried out directly by God or through a human agent. Other terms used to depict miracles in the Bible include signs and wonders (often used together), powers, and mighty works.

One of the most remarkable miracles is God’s creation of the world and everything within it (Genesis 1:1—3:24). Equally astonishing is the miracle of the Incarnation—that the eternal Son of God assumed human form (John 1:14;Philippians 2:7) and then, through the remarkable miracle of the resurrection, conquered death and the forces of hell so that those who believe in Him could attain eternal life (Romans 4:24-25;10:9;Hebrews 2:14;Revelation 1:18).

The Bible presents various types of miracles. The Old Testament documents extraordinary celestial occurrences, such as when the Lord made the sun and moon stand still to assist Joshua’s army at Gibeon in their triumph over the Amorite kings (Joshua 10:9-15). Several instances of God’s divine control over nature—such as the parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21-22) and the crossing of the Jordan River (Joshua 3:14-17)(Numbers 22:22-35;2 Kings 6:5-7). Miracles of instantaneous healing, such as when Naaman is cured of leprosy “Then he went down, and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.”, (2 Kings 5:14) or when Jesus heals two blind men (Matthew 9:27-31), appear in both the Old and New Testament.

Miracles in the New Testament are performed through human intermediaries such as the apostles, but most significantly through Jesus Christ. In all four Gospels, miracles play a critical role in Jesus’ ministry (Mark 1:32-34;3:7-10). Jesus performs miracles of healing (John 4:46-53), provision of food (Mark 6:30-44), and control over nature (Matthew 14:32-33). New Testament miracles consistently display God’s power and either confirm or demonstrate the message of salvation in Jesus Christ (John 11:38-46), the Gospels document around 37 miracles performed by Jesus. However, the apostle John emphasizes that these miracles only touch the surface of all that our Savior accomplished. He states, “And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.” (John 21:25).

The miracles chronicled in the Bible served various purposes. Some miracles validated God’s supremacy over false deities (1 Kings 18:20-40), while others confirmed God’s message (Isaiah 38:7-8). Some miracles brought about punishment, in addition to fulfilling other roles, such as the wonders displayed before Pharaoh (Exodus 7:1—11:10). God’s miracles of provision met human needs by providing manna in the wilderness to eat (Exodus 16:11-21) and feeding the hungry crowds (Matthew 15:32-39). Miracles of communication conveyed crucial messages from God (Daniel 5:1-12). Miracles of judgment brought about punishment and correction (Exodus 32:35;1 Samuel 5:6-12). Miracles of exorcism liberated individuals from demonic influence and spread the gospel of Jesus (Luke 4:31-37). Miracles of resurrection showcased God’s sovereignty and omnipotent power.

ible?s=1+Kings+17%3A17-24%3BLuke+7%3A11-17″>(1 Kings 17:17-24; Luke 7:11-17).

In essence, a miracle is a divine work of God that surpasses human comprehension, evokes amazement, demonstrates the magnificence of God, and prompts individuals to acknowledge that God is actively involved in the world.