Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical times, seals were significant symbols of authority, authenticity, and ownership. They were used to secure documents, mark possessions, and signify agreements. The use of seals is mentioned throughout the Bible, reflecting their importance in ancient Near Eastern culture.
Old Testament ReferencesSeals in the Old Testament were often made of stone, metal, or clay and were engraved with distinctive designs or inscriptions. These seals were typically worn as signet rings or carried on a cord around the neck. One of the earliest references to a seal is found in
Genesis 38:18, where Judah gives his seal, along with his cord and staff, to Tamar as a pledge: "He asked, 'What pledge should I give you?' She answered, 'Your seal and its cord, and the staff in your hand.' So he gave them to her and slept with her, and she conceived by him."
Seals were also used to secure important documents. In the book of Esther, King Ahasuerus uses his signet ring to seal decrees, ensuring their authenticity and authority (
Esther 3:10, 8:8). Similarly, in
Jeremiah 32:10, the prophet Jeremiah seals a deed of purchase, demonstrating the legal and binding nature of the transaction: "I signed and sealed the deed, called in witnesses, and weighed out the silver on the scales."
New Testament ReferencesIn the New Testament, seals continue to symbolize authority and authenticity. The most notable reference is found in the book of Revelation, where seals are used to secure a scroll containing divine judgments.
Revelation 5:1 describes a scroll with seven seals: "Then I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals." The breaking of these seals by the Lamb, who is Christ, signifies the unfolding of God's plan for the end times (
Revelation 6:1-17).
The Apostle Paul also uses the concept of a seal metaphorically to describe the Holy Spirit's role in the life of believers. In
Ephesians 1:13, he writes, "And in Him, having heard and believed the word of truth—the gospel of your salvation—you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit." This sealing signifies God's ownership and the security of the believer's salvation.
Symbolism and SignificanceSeals in the Bible symbolize authority, authenticity, and protection. They represent the authority of the one who owns the seal and the authenticity of the document or item being sealed. In a spiritual sense, the seal of the Holy Spirit signifies God's ownership and the believer's secure position in Christ.
The imagery of seals also conveys the idea of protection and preservation. In
Revelation 7:3, the servants of God are sealed on their foreheads, indicating divine protection during the tribulation: "Do not harm the land or sea or trees until we have sealed the foreheads of the servants of our God."
Cultural and Historical ContextIn the ancient Near East, seals were essential for conducting business and legal transactions. They served as a signature, ensuring that documents were genuine and unaltered. The use of seals was widespread among various cultures, including the Egyptians, Babylonians, and Persians, and this practice is reflected in the biblical narrative.
Seals were often personalized with unique designs, such as symbols, names, or images, making them easily identifiable. The process of sealing involved pressing the engraved seal into soft clay or wax, leaving an impression that could not be easily duplicated or tampered with.
ConclusionSeals in the Bible carry deep symbolic meaning, representing authority, authenticity, and divine protection. They serve as a powerful reminder of God's ownership and the security of His promises to His people. Through the imagery of seals, the Bible communicates the assurance and certainty of God's covenantal relationship with His followers.
Greek
4973. sphragis -- a seal, a signet... Great Tribulation.". Word Origin a prim. word Definition a seal, a signet NASB
Word Usage seal (11),
seals (5). seal. Probably strengthened
...3089. luo -- to loose, to release, to dissolve
... let go; release (unbind) so something no longer holds together; (figuratively) release
what has been held back (like Christ "releasing" the sevenseals in the...
5480. charagma -- a stamp, impress
... unique "brand-mark"). [Ancient documents were validated by such stamps or
seals (see Plutarch, , 15:6; 16:2, , 2, 574).]. Word Origin...
Strong's Hebrew
2856. chatham -- to seal, affix a seal, seal up... Word Origin a prim. root Definition to seal, affix a seal, seal up NASB Word Usage
obstructs (1), seal (6), sealed (15),
seals (2), sets a seal (1), shut (1).
...Library
Of the First Prophecy, which is that of theSeals; and in the...
... THE FIRST PART Of the first Prophecy, which is that of theSeals; and in the
first place, of the events signified by the six firstSeals....
Of the contemporary term of the Interior Court, and the Battle...
... Of the contemporary term of the Interior Court, and the Battle between the Dragon
and Michael concerning the Man Child, with the first SixSeals....
Covenanting Enforced by the Grant of Covenant Signs andSeals.
... CHAPTER XI. COVENANTING ENFORCED BY THE GRANT OF COVENANT SIGNS ANDSEALS.
To declare emphatically that the people of God are a...
The Sealed Book.
... The Sealed Book. "And I saw in the right hand of Him seated on the throne,
a book written within and without, sealed with sevenseals....
part ii.
... I have completed the First Part in Seven Synchronisms: The other Part, that of the
Seals, follows, in which I will demonstrate the connexion of all the...
The Cardinal Point of the Synchronisms; Or, the Synchronism
... It is beyond all doubt that the conclusion and termination of the sixth seal is
the beginning of the seventh, since the series of theseals with respect to...
From the Fifth Chapter.
... 1. "And I saw in the right hand of Him that sat upon the throne, a book written
within and without, sealed with sevenseals."] This book signifies the Old...
The Illusion of the Sealed Letters; Object in Detailing These...
... of knowledge, [256] neither are we disposed to be silent on the following point,
which is a necessary one,"how that, loosing theseals, they restore the...
The Glory and Honor that Jesus Has Won
... Then I saw, lying at the right hand of him who was seated on the throne,
a book sealed with sevenseals. And I saw a mighty angel...
The Gospel Day Seen in Prophecy.
... He saw the book of life"tree of life"to be sealed with sevenseals, and he saw a
strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, "Who is worthy to open the book...
Thesaurus
Seals (10 Occurrences)...Seals (10 Occurrences). Revelation 5:1 I saw, in the right hand of him who sat on
the throne, a book written inside and outside, sealed shut with seven
seals.
...Scroll (70 Occurrences)
... Revelation 5:1 And I saw upon the right hand of Him who is sitting upon the throne
a scroll, written within and on the back, sealed with sevenseals; (YLT RSV...
Seal (47 Occurrences)
... Jezebel "wrote letters in Ahab's name, and sealed them with his seal" (1 Kings
21:8).Seals are frequently mentioned in Jewish history (Deuteronomy 32:34...
Opens (30 Occurrences)
... Behold, the Lion who is of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome;
he who opens the book and its sevenseals." (WEB)....
Printed (2 Occurrences)
... The use ofseals is a true printing process, whether they are used with color, as
they were both in Crete and Egypt almost from the beginning of history, or...
Apostle (25 Occurrences)
... apostle (Romans 1:1 1 Corinthians 1:1, etc.; Galatians 2:7; compare Acts 13:2; Acts
22:21); but, above all, that he could point to the signs andseals of his...
Printing
... The use ofseals is a true printing process, whether they are used with color, as
they were both in Crete and Egypt almost from the beginning of history, or...
Seven (404 Occurrences)
... trumpets and the seven priests who sounded them; the seven days' siege of Jericho;
the seven churches, seven spirits, seven stars, sevenseals, seven vials...
Print (3 Occurrences)
... The use ofseals is a true printing process, whether they are used with color, as
they were both in Crete and Egypt almost from the beginning of history, or...
Thereof (845 Occurrences)
... (KJV ASV). Revelation 5:2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice,
Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose theseals thereof? (KJV ASV)....
Resources
What are the seven seals of Revelation? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the seven seals, seven trumpets, and seven bowls in the Book of Revelation? | GotQuestions.orgWhy is there silence in heaven for half an hour in Revelation 8:1? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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