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Miracle

Culture & Society

âš¡ IN BRIEF (SUMMARY)

Miracles are extraordinary events attributed to divine agency, frequently appearing in Jewish and Christian texts to validate prophetic authority or reveal theological truths. While traditionally viewed as acts of God, historical analysis acknowledges that such phenomena were also attributed to other supernatural forces in ancient worldviews.

What is the meaning of Miracle in the Bible?

Miracles are extraordinary events attributed to divine agency, frequently appearing in Jewish and Christian texts to validate prophetic authority or reveal theological truths. While traditionally viewed as acts of God, historical analysis acknowledges that such phenomena were also attributed to other supernatural forces in ancient worldviews.

SIGNIFICANCE

Understanding miracles as literary and theological devices rather than merely historical reports allows readers to grasp how biblical authors used these narratives to establish the legitimacy of their message and the identity of their central figures.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Miracle. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
  • Why did the biblical author mention Miracle in this passage?
  • What cultural or historical assumption does Miracle clarify?

Source Attribution & Provenance

Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been editorially modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and formatted for fast contextual reference.

How to Cite This Entry

"Miracle." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/miracle/
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