Lexical Summary sphragis: Seal Original Word: σφραγίς Strong's Exhaustive Concordance seal. Probably strengthened from phrasso; a signet (as fencing in or protecting from misappropriation); by implication, the stamp impressed (as a mark of privacy, or genuineness), literally or figuratively -- seal. see GREEK phrasso HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 4973 sphragís – an etched (engraved) object pressed into soft wax or clay to seal a document (letter); a "seal." "Seal" is often used metaphorically (Ro 4:11; 1 Cor 9:2; 2 Tim 2:19; Rev 9:4). For more discussion see 4972 (sphragízō), and the HELPS prophecy-guide at "the Great Tribulation." NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. word Definition a seal, a signet NASB Translation seal (11), seals (5). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4973: σφραγίςσφραγίς, σφραγῖδος, ἡ (akin, apparently, to the verb φράσσω or φράγνυμι), from Herodotus down, the Sept. for חותָם, a seal; i. e. a. the seal placed upon books (cf. B. D., under the word b. a signet-ring: Revelation 7:2. c. the inscription or impression made by a seal: Revelation 9:4 (the name of God and Christ stamped upon their foreheads must be meant here, as is evident from d. that by which anything is confirmed, proved, authenticated, as by a seal (a token or proof): Romans 4:11; 1 Corinthians 9:2. (Cf. BB. DD. under the word STRONGS NT 4973a: σφυδρόνσφυδρόν, σφυδρου, τό, equivalent to σφυρόν, which see: Acts 3:7 T WH. (Hesychius σφυδρά. ἡ περιφέρεια τῶν ποδῶν.) In Scripture a seal functions as the visible or enacted mark of ownership, authenticity, security and completed transaction. Whether impressed on wax, engraved on a signet ring, or metaphorically applied to people and covenants, it testifies that what bears the seal is under the authority and protection of the one who seals. Old Testament Background Royal edicts were sealed with a signet (Esther 8:8), and prophetic scrolls were sealed until the appointed time (Daniel 12:4). These precedents establish the divine right both to conceal revelation and to unveil it. Seal as Assurance of Divine Promise Romans 4:11 applies the imagery to Abraham: “And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith…”. Circumcision did not create righteousness but attested to a prior work of God. By extension, every ordinance that God institutes confirms—never replaces—saving faith. Seal as Authentication of Apostolic Ministry Paul appeals to living converts in Corinth as tangible proof of his God-given office: “For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 9:2). Their transformed lives stamp divine legitimacy on his preaching and reinforce that genuine ministry is ratified by the fruit it bears. Seal as Cosmic and Eschatological Control Revelation 5–8 centers on a scroll sealed seven times. No one can break it until “the Lion of the tribe of Judah” appears (Revelation 5:5). The Lamb’s worthiness to open each seal discloses that history unfolds only as the crucified and risen Christ permits. War, famine, pestilence, martyrdom and cosmic upheaval (Revelation 6:1-12) are not random but regulated events beneath His sovereignty. The seventh seal ushers in hushed awe: “When He opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour” (Revelation 8:1), underscoring both finality and sacred anticipation. Seal as Protection for the Faithful Before judgment intensifies, an angel ascends “having the seal of the living God” (Revelation 7:2). One hundred forty-four thousand servants are marked so that “they were told not to harm… those who have the seal of God on their foreheads” (Revelation 9:4). The seal distinguishes God’s own, shielding them from wrath directed at the unbelieving world. Though 4973 is not used in Ephesians 1:13, the Spirit’s sealing there parallels this protective pledge. Seal and Worship Whenever a seal is opened in Revelation 5–6, worship erupts: “And they sang a new song: ‘Worthy are You to take the scroll and to open its seals’” (Revelation 5:9). The act of breaking seals therefore drives both the unfolding plan of redemption and the adoration of heaven, linking doctrine and doxology. Pastoral and Practical Implications 1. Assurance: As a seal secures a document, God’s promises to believers are irrevocable. Historical Usage in the Early Church Early Christians adapted the metaphor in baptismal liturgies, referring to the rite as the “seal of the Lord,” not as a saving work but as an outward confirmation of inward grace. Signet rings bearing Christian symbols circulated among leaders, perpetuating the biblical notion of sealed ownership by Christ. Theological Summary The seal in biblical theology unites covenant assurance, apostolic authentication, eschatological control and divine protection. From Abraham’s circumcision to the Lamb’s scroll, the motif underscores that salvation history is authored, guarded and fulfilled by God, who impresses His authoritative mark on both His Word and His people. Englishman's Concordance Romans 4:11 N-AFSGRK: ἔλαβεν περιτομῆς σφραγῖδα τῆς δικαιοσύνης NAS: of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness KJV: of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness INT: he received of circumcision [as] a seal of the righteousness 1 Corinthians 9:2 N-NFS 2 Timothy 2:19 N-AFS Revelation 5:1 N-DFP Revelation 5:2 N-AFP Revelation 5:5 N-AFP Revelation 5:9 N-AFP Revelation 6:1 N-GFP Revelation 6:3 N-AFS Revelation 6:5 N-AFS Revelation 6:7 N-AFS Revelation 6:9 N-AFS Revelation 6:12 N-AFS Revelation 7:2 N-AFS Revelation 8:1 N-AFS Revelation 9:4 N-AFS Strong's Greek 4973 |
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