### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **katasphragízō**, represented by `{{G2696}}`, is a specific term meaning **to seal closely**. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible. The word is formed from κατά and σφραγίζω, conveying the idea of sealing something securely or completely.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single use of `{{G2696}}` occurs in a pivotal apocalyptic vision. It is used to describe a **book** `{{G975}}` held in the **right hand** `{{G1188}}` of him that **sat** `{{G2521}}` on the **throne** `{{G2362}}`. This book, **written** `{{G1125}}` **within** `{{G2081}}` and on the **backside** `{{G3693}}`, is described as being "**sealed** with seven seals" [[Revelation 5:1]], indicating that its contents are completely secured and inaccessible.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its sole context in [[Revelation 5:1]] provide a fuller picture of its meaning:
* `{{G4973}}` **sphragís** (a signet... seal): This is the noun form for the **seals** used to secure the book, representing a mark of privacy or genuineness [[Revelation 5:1]].
* `{{G975}}` **biblíon** (a roll:--bill, book, scroll, writing): This is the object being sealed, a **book** or scroll containing divine revelations that are kept hidden until the proper time [[Revelation 5:1]].
* `{{G2362}}` **thrónos** (a stately seat ("throne"); by implication, power or... a potentate): The sealing is associated with ultimate authority, as the book is held by the one who sits on the **throne** [[Revelation 5:1]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G2696}}` is concentrated in its single, dramatic appearance.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The act of being **sealed** `{{G2696}}` signifies that the contents of the scroll are under absolute divine authority and control, held by Him who sits on the **throne** [[Revelation 5:1]].
* **Inaccessibility of God's Plan:** The secure sealing of the book highlights a central theme: the initial inability of anyone in creation to access or enact God's redemptive plan. This sets the stage for the search for one who is worthy to open the **book** and loose its **seven** `{{G2033}}` **seals** `{{G4973}}` [[Revelation 5:5]].
* **Profound and Guarded Revelation:** The use of **katasphragízō** emphasizes that the knowledge within the scroll is not common, but deeply profound and divinely guarded. Its contents are protected until the one who has "prevailed" is revealed [[Revelation 5:5]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2696}}` is more than a simple verb for sealing. In its single use, it is a key element of apocalyptic imagery, defining the complete security and inaccessibility of God's sovereign plan. It illustrates how one word can establish a critical theological problem—a **book** `{{G975}}` that no one can open—which finds its solution only in the one who is worthy to break its **seals** `{{G4973}}` [[Revelation 5:5]].
TRV