To gain a more precise understanding of the word נס/NES in Biblical Hebrew, we need to investigate the text itself and not simply rely on loose translations, i.e. miracle.
Depending on the context of the verse it has 3 definitions that are all related to meaning and/or representing something that stands out of the ordinary.
1- Pole, rod, staff – “Then God said to Moses, “Make a serpent figure and mount it on a Nes/pole.” (Bemidbar/Numbers 21:8-9)
2- Banner, flag – “And Moses built an altar and named it Adonai-Nissi/is My Banner.” (Shemot/Exodus 17:15)
3- Wonder, sign – “Whereupon the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up with Korah—when that band died, when the fire consumed the two hundred and fifty men—and they became a Nes/Wonder.” (Bemidbar/Numbers 26:10)
The word NES indicates a recognition of an object, event, experience, which stands out, has deep meaning for the observer(s) for what it represents that significantly impacts and connects to those present. In other words, it is the process of interpreting what it means and signifies since it is imprinted on one’s mind/soul and transforms into something very personal as well as national if witnessed by a public. Since it’s a matter of interpretation, it is strictly upon one’s subjective view as to whether an event/experience is a NES, a wonder. For example, there are people who are convinced (interpret) it was a NES that President Trump turned his head at the exact moment before the bullet hit his ear and wasn’t killed. And there are those who are convinced (interpret) that it was simply a mere coincidence. In the same manner, there are people who view certain wonderous narratives in the Torah either way.
In relation to an event, the word NES is an improbable event which stands out due to its infrequent improbable nature, and timing plays a crucial role which alters the ordinary/frequent to the extraordinary/infrequent. Since the universe is designed this way (probability/improbability) and we are subject to it, we can categorize (interpret) events, occurrences, objects, people, etc., be it ordinary or extraordinary.
As for us, the Jewish People, we chose and still choose as a nation to interpret certain wonderous narratives in the Tora as a Nes or not. This should not stop us from inquiring as to how it actually occurred within the laws of nature, to gain a better understanding as to how our Creator designed and placed infrequencies in nature leading us to appreciate His boundless intelligence everywhere in the universe to increase our reverence of Him.
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