What the Bible Signifies: Understanding Its Definitions and Meanings

In the Bible, “signify” means to indicate or demonstrate something, often through symbols or prophetic messages. It is frequently used in the context of conveying deeper spiritual truths or revelations, as seen in the Book of Revelation where visions and symbols signal future events or divine truths (Revelation 1:1).

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Scripture

25 Then Joseph said to Pharaoh, “The dreams of Pharaoh are one; God has revealed to Pharaoh what he is about to do.
26 The seven good cows are seven years, and the seven good ears are seven years; the dreams are one.
27 The seven lean and ugly cows that came up after them are seven years, and the seven empty ears blighted by the east wind are also seven years of famine.
28 It is as I told Pharaoh; God has shown to Pharaoh what he is about to do.
29 Seven years of great abundance are coming throughout the land of Egypt,
30 but after them there will arise seven years of famine, and all the plenty will be forgotten in the land of Egypt. The famine will consume the land,
31 and the plenty will be forgotten in the land of Egypt.
32 And the doubling of Pharaoh’s dream means that the thing is fixed by God, and God will shortly bring it about.

Genesis 41:25-32

Biblical Significance of “Signify”

The concept of “signify” in the Bible encompasses the idea of communication beyond the surface level, whereby spiritual truths or divine purposes are revealed through symbols, prophecies, and signs. In Revelation 1:1, the very first verse emphasizes that the entire narrative is a revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave to Him to “show to His servants” what must soon take place. Here, “signify” suggests that the content is not merely a straightforward account of events but rather a deeper unveiling of God’s will and the cosmic order. Similarly, in Isaiah 7:14, the prophecy about the virgin birth of Jesus serves as a significant sign: “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” This prophesied sign points to a divine intervention in human history, symbolizing hope and redemption.

Moreover, the act of signifying serves as a reminder of God’s sovereignty and illustrative power in guiding believers. Throughout Scripture, signs and wonders (e.g., the plagues in Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, or the miracles performed by Jesus) are not random occurrences but intentional signs meant to evoke faith, awe, or a call to repentance (Exodus 7:3; John 20:30-31). They enrich the faith journey of believers by encouraging them to seek the underlying meaning and purpose behind God’s actions in the world. Ultimately, to “signify” in the biblical context encourages believers to look beyond the immediate and to discern the divine messages embedded within historical and prophetic frameworks, fostering a deeper relationship with God and understanding of His plans for humanity.

The term “signify” in biblical texts often points to a deeper layer of meaning that transcends mere words or actions, engaging the faithful to contemplate the spiritual truths these elements reflect. For instance, in the Gospels, parables are utilized to signify profound concepts about the Kingdom of God, revealing spiritual truths through everyday scenarios and objects. These teaching methods demonstrate how God communicates complex ideas in ways that challenge listeners to delve deeper into their significance and application in their own lives. Parables like the Good Samaritan or the Prodigal Son serve as means of signification, urging believers to reflect on moral and ethical dimensions as they relate to divine love, forgiveness, and neighborly compassion.

Furthermore, the sacrificial system in the Old Testament is infused with the notion of signification, where rites and rituals symbolize the broader themes of atonement, sacrifice, and redemption. The sacrifices offered in the temple were not merely acts of worship; they pointed to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, capturing the essence of God’s plan for reconciliation. The lamb’s blood, in particular, serves as a significant foreshadowing of Christ as the Lamb of God, whose sacrifice embodies the fulfillment of the law and the prophets. Each element within these practices signifies a multilayered connection between God’s dealings with His people and His overarching purpose for salvation, encouraging believers to recognize and appreciate the divinely orchestrated narrative unfolding throughout Scripture. Therefore, to “signify” encourages a posture of contemplative engagement, urging believers to seek understanding and insight into the multifaceted messages of faith woven throughout biblical history.

The Conveyance of Divine Messages

In the biblical context, “signify” often refers to the act of conveying messages from God to humanity. This can involve the use of signs, symbols, or prophetic visions that serve to communicate divine truths or future events. The significance of these messages lies in their ability to guide, warn, or encourage believers, emphasizing the importance of understanding and interpreting these signs within the framework of faith.

The Revelation of Spiritual Truths

“Signify” also encompasses the idea of revealing deeper spiritual truths that may not be immediately apparent. This can involve the use of parables, metaphors, or allegorical language that invites readers to explore the underlying meanings of the text. In this sense, to signify is to unlock layers of understanding that point to the nature of God, the human condition, and the moral imperatives that govern life.

The Affirmation of God’s Sovereignty

Additionally, the term “signify” can reflect God’s sovereignty over creation and history. When events or phenomena are signified, they often serve as reminders of God’s control and purpose in the world. This aspect highlights the belief that nothing occurs outside of God’s will, and that signs can affirm His presence and authority in the unfolding narrative of human existence.

How to Embrace Divine Purpose in Daily Life

Embracing divine purpose in our daily lives is a beautiful journey that invites us to align our actions with God’s will. Start by cultivating a heart of prayer and reflection, asking God to reveal His purpose for you in the small, everyday moments. This could mean being more present with your family, showing kindness to a stranger, or using your unique gifts to serve others. Remember, divine purpose isn’t always about grand gestures; it often unfolds in the quiet acts of love and service that reflect Christ’s heart. As you go about your day, look for opportunities to be a light in the world, trusting that each step you take in faith brings you closer to fulfilling the unique calling God has placed on your life. Embrace the idea that every moment is a chance to glorify Him, and you’ll find that your daily routine transforms into a sacred journey.

Bible References to the Meaning of “Signify”:

Exodus 4:1-9: 1 Then Moses answered, “But behold, they will not believe me or listen to my voice, for they will say, ‘The Lord did not appear to you.’”
2 The Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?” He said, “A staff.”
3 Then he said, “Throw it on the ground.” So he threw it on the ground, and it became a serpent, and Moses ran from it.
4 But the Lord said to Moses, “Put out your hand and catch it by the tail”—so he put out his hand and caught it, and it became a staff in his hand—
5 “that they may believe that the Lord, the God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has appeared to you.”
6 The Lord said furthermore to him, “Now put your hand inside your cloak.” So he put his hand inside his cloak, and when he took it out, his hand was leprous like snow.
7 Then he said, “Put your hand back inside your cloak.” So he put his hand back inside his cloak, and when he took it out, behold, it was restored like the rest of his flesh.
8 Then the Lord said to Moses, “If they will not believe you or listen to the first sign, they may believe the latter sign.
9 But if they will not believe even these two signs or listen to your voice, you shall take some water from the Nile and pour it on the dry ground, and the water that you shall take from the Nile will become blood on the dry ground.”

Daniel 2:19-23: 19 Then the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision of the night.
20 Daniel answered and said: “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might.
21 He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding;
22 he reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him.
23 To you, O God of my fathers, I give thanks and praise, for you have given me wisdom and might, and have now made known to me what we asked of you, for you have made known to us the king’s matter.

Daniel 5:25-28: 25 “And this is the writing that was inscribed: Mene, Mene, Tekel, and Parsin.
26 This is the interpretation of the matter: Mene, God has numbered the days of your kingdom and brought it to an end;
27 Tekel, you have been weighed in the balances and found wanting.
28 Peres, your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians.”

Matthew 12:38-42: 38 Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered him, saying, “Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you.”
39 But he answered them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.
40 For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
41 The men of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here.
42 The queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here.

Matthew 16:1-4: 1 And the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and to test him they asked him to show them a sign from heaven.
2 He answered them, “When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’
3 And in the morning, ‘It will be stormy today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.
4 An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah.” So he left them and departed.

John 2:18-22: 18 So the Jews said to him, “What sign do you show us for doing these things?”
19 Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”
20 The Jews then said, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will you raise it up in three days?”
21 But he was speaking about the temple of his body.
22 When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the Scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.

John 6:26-29: 26 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves.
27 Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.”
28 Then they said to him, “What must we do, to be doing the works of God?”
29 Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.”

John 12:27-33: 27 “Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour.”
28 Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.”
29 The crowd that stood there and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.”
30 Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not mine.
31 Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out.
32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”
33 He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die.

John 21:18-19: 18 Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.”
19 (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”

Acts 2:16-21: 16 But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel:
17 “‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams;”
18 even on my male servants and female servants
in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy.
19 And I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke;
20 the sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the day of the Lord comes, the great and magnificent day.
21 And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Acts 10:9-16: 9 The next day, as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the housetop about the sixth hour to pray.
10 And he became hungry and wanted something to eat, but while they were preparing it, he fell into a trance.
11 and saw the heavens opened and something like a great sheet descending, being let down by its four corners upon the earth.
12 In it were all kinds of four-footed animals and reptiles and birds of the air.
10 And there came a voice to him: “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.”
14 But Peter said, “By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean.”
15 And the voice came to him again a second time, “What God has made clean, do not call common.”
19 And while Peter was pondering the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are looking for you.

1 Corinthians 14:22-25: 22 Thus tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers, while prophecy is a sign not for unbelievers but for believers.
23 If, therefore, the whole church comes together and all speak in tongues, and outsiders or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are out of your minds?
24 But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or outsider enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all,
25 the secrets of his heart are disclosed, and so, falling on his face, he will worship God and declare that God is really among you.

Revelation 1:1-3: 1 The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John,
2 who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw.
3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.

Revelation 12:1-6: 1 And a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.
2 She was pregnant and was crying out in birth pains and the agony of giving birth.
3 And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads seven diadems.
4 His tail swept down a third of the stars of heaven and cast them to the earth.
5 She gave birth to a male child, one who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron, but her child was caught up to God and to his throne.
6 and the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, in which she is to be nourished for 1,260 days.