Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical terminology, the concept of being "sealed" carries significant theological and spiritual implications. The term is used in various contexts throughout Scripture, often symbolizing ownership, protection, authenticity, and the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers.
Old Testament UsageIn the Old Testament, seals were commonly used to denote ownership and authority. For instance, in the account of Jezebel's plot against Naboth, she used Ahab's seal to authenticate letters (
1 Kings 21:8). Seals were also used to secure documents, as seen in the case of the sealed decree of the Medes and Persians, which could not be altered (
Esther 8:8).
New Testament UsageThe New Testament expands on the concept of sealing, particularly in relation to the Holy Spirit. In
Ephesians 1:13-14 , Paul 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, who is the pledge of our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession, to the praise of His glory." Here, the sealing of the Holy Spirit signifies God's ownership and the guarantee of the believer's future inheritance.
Similarly, in
Ephesians 4:30 , Paul admonishes believers, "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." This sealing is a mark of divine protection and assurance of salvation, emphasizing the believer's secure position in Christ.
Symbolism and SignificanceThe act of sealing in biblical times often involved a signet ring or a stamp pressed into clay or wax, leaving an impression that signified authority and authenticity. In a spiritual sense, being sealed by the Holy Spirit indicates that believers are marked as belonging to God, set apart for His purposes.
In Revelation, the concept of sealing is also associated with protection and divine authority.
Revelation 7:3 describes the sealing of the servants of God on their foreheads, signifying divine protection during times of judgment: "Do not harm the land or sea or trees until we have sealed the foreheads of the servants of our God."
Theological ImplicationsTheologically, the sealing of the Holy Spirit is a profound assurance of the believer's salvation and eternal security. It is a testament to God's faithfulness and the irrevocable nature of His promises. The seal of the Holy Spirit is both a present reality and a future guarantee, affirming the believer's identity in Christ and the hope of eternal life.
Practical ApplicationFor believers, understanding the concept of being sealed by the Holy Spirit encourages a life of holiness and gratitude. It serves as a reminder of God's ownership and the call to live in a manner worthy of the gospel. The seal is a source of comfort and confidence, knowing that nothing can separate the believer from the love of God in Christ Jesus (
Romans 8:38-39).
In summary, the biblical concept of being "sealed" encompasses themes of ownership, protection, and divine assurance, with the Holy Spirit's seal serving as a testament to the believer's secure position in Christ and the promise of eternal life.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
imp. & p. p.) of Seal.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
SEALED, FOUNTAINseld, These words, applied to the bride (Songs 4:12), find their explanation under SEAL (which see). Anything that was to be authoritatively protected was sealed. Where water was one of the most precious things, as in the East, fountains and wells were often sealed (Genesis 29:3Proverbs 5:15-18).
Greek
4972. sphragizo -- to seal... 4972 (from 4973 , "a seal") -- properly, to seal (affix) with a signet ring or other
instrument to stamp (a roller or seal), ie to , () what is
sealed.
...2696. katasphragizo -- to seal up
... Word Origin from kata and sphragizo Definition to seal up NASB Word Usagesealed
(1). seal. From kata and sphragizo; to seal closely -- seal. see GREEK kata....
Strong's Hebrew
2857. chatham -- to seal... 2856, 2857. chatham. 2858 . to seal. Transliteration: chatham Phonetic
Spelling: (khath-am') Short Definition:
sealed. Word Origin
...2856. chatham -- to seal, affix a seal, seal up
... chatham. 2857 . to seal, affix a seal, seal up. Transliteration: chatham Phonetic
Spelling: (khaw-tham') Short Definition:sealed. Word Origin a prim....
Library
TheSealed Book.
... TheSealed Book. "And I saw in the right hand of Him seated on the throne,
a book written within and without,sealed with seven seals....
The 144,000Sealed in the Apocalypse are Converts to Christ from...
... Book I. 2. The 144,000Sealed in the Apocalypse are Converts to Christ from
the Gentile World. These, then, who aresealed on their...
The Illusion of theSealed Letters; Object in Detailing These...
... Book IV. Chapter XXXIV."The Illusion of theSealed Letters; Object in Detailing
These Juggleries. After, then, [255] we have succinctly...
That Thy Resurrection Might be Believed among the Gainsayers, they...
... Hymn VIII. That Thy Resurrection might be believed among the gainsayers,
theysealed Thee up within the sepulchre, and set guards....
Of the Hundred and Forty-four ThousandSealed, who were virgins...
... PART I. SYNCHRONISM IV. Of the Hundred and Forty-four ThousandSealed, who
were Virgins, with the Babylonian Harlot and the Beast....
The New Testament in the Blood of Christ; Or, the New Covenant...
... Hymns, Book II HYMN 3 The new testament in the blood of Christ; or, The
new covenantsealed. CM... Andsealed the grace with blood....
A Garden Enclosed is My Sister Spouse; a Garden Enclosed, a...
... CHAPTER IV. 12. A garden enclosed is my sister Spouse; a garden enclosed,
a fountainsealed. The holy Bridegroom becomes the eulogist...
The New Testament in the Blood of Christ; Or, the New Covenant...
... Hymns. Book 3. Prepared for the Lord's Supper. Hymn 3:3. The new testament
in the blood of Christ; or, The new covenantsealed....
The Sealing of the Servants of God.
... four angels, to whom it was given to injure the earth and the sea, saying, Injure
not the earth, nor the sea, nor the trees, till we havesealed the servants...
Although we are Baptized with Water and the Spirit...
... 78. Do we live in the water or in the Spirit? Are wesealed in the water
or in the Spirit. For in Him we live and He Himself is...
Thesaurus
Sealed (31 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Seal. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
SEALED, FOUNTAIN.
... Anything that was to be authoritatively protected was
sealed.
...Thousand (405 Occurrences)
... Revelation 7:4 I heard the number of those who weresealed, one hundred forty-four
thousand,sealed out of every tribe of the children of Israel: (WEB KJV ASV...
Seal (47 Occurrences)
... Jezebel "wrote letters in Ahab's name, andsealed them with his seal" (1 Kings
21:8). Seals are frequently mentioned in Jewish history (Deuteronomy 32:34...
Signet (21 Occurrences)
... province, according to its writing, and people and people according to its tongue,
in the name of the king Ahasuerus it hath been written andsealed with the...
Tribe (250 Occurrences)
... Revelation 7:4 I heard the number of those who weresealed, one hundred forty-four
thousand,sealed out of every tribe of the children of Israel: (WEB KJV WEY...
Finished (157 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Romans 15:28 Having finished this therefore, and havingsealed to them
this fruit, I will set off by you into Spain. (DBY YLT NAS)....
Ring (33 Occurrences)
... Such a ring Pharaoh gave Joseph as a symbol of authority (Genesis 41:42); and Ahasuerus
gave Haman (Esther 3:10); with it the royal missive wassealed (Esther 3...
12000 (7 Occurrences)
... Revelation 7:5 of the tribe of Judah weresealed twelve thousand, of the tribe of
Reuben twelve thousand, of the tribe of Gad twelve thousand, (See RSV)....
144000 (3 Occurrences)
... Revelation 7:4 And I heard the number of thosesealed, (144 thousands weresealed
out of all the tribes of the sons of Israel): (See RSV)....
Zidkijah (1 Occurrence)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary The Lord is righteous, one whosealed the covenant with
Nehemiah (Nehemiah 10:1). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ZID-KIJAH....
Resources
What is the seal of God? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of the Eastern Gate of Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.orgWho are the 144,000? | GotQuestions.orgSealed: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
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