Sign

[2] The nature of signs and symbols and significations, their definition, elements, and types, is mainly established by Aristotle, Augustine, and Aquinas.

In addition to exegetical knowledge (Quintilian, Institutio Oratoria 1.4.1-3 and 1.8.1-21) which follows the order of reading (lectio), textual criticism (emendatio), explanation (enarratio), and judgment (iudicium), one needs to know the original language (Hebrew and Greek) and broad background information on Scripture (DDC 2.9.14-2.40.60).

Third, the heart of interpreter should be founded, rooted, and built up in love which is the final goal of the entire Scriptures (DDC 2.42.63).

The sign does not function as its own goal, but its purpose lies in its role as a signification (res significans, DDC 3.9.13).

God gave signs as a means to reveal himself; Christians need to exercise hermeneutical principles in order to understand that divine revelation.

Moreover, he introduces the seven rules of Tyconius the Donatist to interpret the obscure meaning of the Bible, which demonstrates his understanding that all truth belongs to God (DDC 3.3.42-3.37.56).

In order to apply Augustine's hermeneutics of the sign appropriately in modern times, every division of theology must be involved and interdisciplinary approaches must be taken.

Biohazard sign with a conventional symbol having no inherent relationship to what it represents
An airport sign at La Guardia Airport
A natural sign in the environment indicating recent human activity
The western zodiac signs
A signboard on a beach in Durban in apartheid -era South Africa indicates a racially segregated beach.
Raven sitting on a parking lot sign. A raven is a spiritual sign in many traditions.