Leviathan by Thomas Hobbes, Chapter 37 summary
Chapter 37 of 65 · Part 3: Of a Christian Commonwealth · 12 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 37, miracles are defined as direct works of God that identify extraordinary ministers to those he chooses to save, rather than merely events that cause wonder. The argument distinguishes divine signs from natural effects and deception, then assigns public judgment about miracle reports to the lawful religious sovereign while preserving freedom of inward belief.
What happens
- Wonder depends on rarity, unfamiliar causes, and the observer’s knowledge, so the same event can impress people differently.
- Moses’s signs illustrate how miracles establish trust in divine messengers rather than simply display extraordinary power.
- The definition reserves miracles for God’s immediate action and denies independent miraculous power to prophets or created spirits.
- Supposed enchantments deceive spectators through tricks, secret information, and coordinated false testimony rather than supernatural words.
- Religious teaching, fulfilled predictions, and careful examination help distinguish genuine claims from deception.
- Public profession must follow the sovereign’s judgment, although individuals remain free to believe or disbelieve inwardly.
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In this chapter
What to notice
The sentence states the distinction between inward freedom and public religious obedience. It makes sovereign authority decisive when belief becomes public profession.
Quick check
What distinguishes a genuine miracle from an ordinary extraordinary event?
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