### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb κατασφραγίζω (transliterated as *katasphragízō*) `{{G2696}}` is a compound word formed from the preposition κατά (*kata*) and the verb σφραγίζω (*sphragízō*) `{{G4972}}`. The base verb σφραγίζω means "to seal," implying the act of marking with a signet, authenticating, securing, or preserving. The prefix κατά can function in various ways, often indicating intensity, completion, or a downward motion. In the context of sealing, κατά intensifies the action of σφραγίζω, conveying a sense of "sealing closely," "sealing down," "sealing completely," or "sealing securely." This suggests an act of sealing that is thorough, definitive, and designed to ensure absolute security or inaccessibility. The semantic range thus points to an irreversible or highly protected state, emphasizing the profound security and divine control over that which is sealed.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb κατασφραγίζω `{{G2696}}` appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in the book of Revelation:
* **[[Revelation 5:1]]**: "And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals."
In this singular occurrence, the scroll is described as "κατεσφραγισμένον σφραγῖσιν ἑπτά" (katsphragismenon sphragisin hepta), meaning "having been sealed down with seven seals." The use of the perfect passive participle "κατεσφραγισμένον" emphasizes a completed state of being thoroughly and decisively sealed. The addition of "seven seals" further amplifies the concept of absolute security and divine inaccessibility. This scroll, held in the right hand of God, represents His sovereign plan, particularly regarding the unfolding of eschatological events, judgments, and the establishment of His kingdom. The intensive sealing signifies that its contents are divinely protected and hidden, inaccessible to all creation until the appointed time and by the appointed agent. The subsequent verses reveal that only the Lamb, Jesus Christ, is found worthy to open this scroll and break its seals ([[Revelation 5:2-5]]), underscoring His unique authority and role in enacting God's redemptive and judgmental purposes.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the base verb σφραγίζω (*sphragízō*) `{{G4972}}`, which is used extensively throughout the New Testament. Its usages include:
* Marking for ownership or authenticity (e.g., God sealing believers with the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of their inheritance, [[Ephesians 1:13]], [[Ephesians 4:30]]).
* Confirming or attesting to truth (e.g., Jesus being sealed by the Father, [[John 6:27]]).
* Securing or preserving (e.g., the tomb of Jesus being sealed, [[Matthew 27:66]]).
* Concealing or rendering inaccessible (e.g., prophetic words sealed until the time of the end, [[Daniel 12:4]], [[Daniel 12:9]]).
The related noun is σφραγίς (*sphragís*) `{{G4973}}`, meaning "seal" or "signet ring." This noun is used frequently in Revelation to refer to the literal seals on the scroll ([[Revelation 5:1]], [[Revelation 6:1]], etc.) and metaphorically as a mark of ownership or authentication.
Concepts closely associated with κατασφραγίζω include:
* **Divine Sovereignty:** God's absolute control over His plans and their execution.
* **Divine Mystery:** The hiddenness of God's purposes until their appointed time of revelation.
* **Eschatology:** The study of end times, as the scroll's contents pertain to final events.
* **Authority and Worthiness:** Particularly Christ's unique authority to unveil and enact God's plan.
* **Security and Preservation:** The impenetrable nature of God's counsel.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of κατασφραγίζω `{{G2696}}` in [[Revelation 5:1]] carries profound theological weight. The scroll, sealed so thoroughly with seven seals, symbolizes the entirety of God's redemptive and judgmental purposes for human history, particularly concerning the culmination of all things. The intensive nature of the sealing (κατασφραγίζω) emphasizes that these divine plans are utterly secure, unalterable, and inaccessible to any created being. This highlights God's absolute sovereignty and meticulous control over the unfolding of His will.
The inability of anyone in heaven or on earth to open the scroll underscores the unique position and worthiness of Jesus Christ, the Lamb who was slain ([[Revelation 5:2-5]]). Only He, through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, possesses the authority and power to break these seals and implement God's ultimate plan. This signifies that Christ is not merely an instrument, but the central, indispensable agent in the divine drama of salvation and judgment.
Furthermore, the sealed nature of the scroll speaks to the concept of divine wisdom and timing. God's ultimate purposes are not revealed haphazardly but are unveiled according to His perfect schedule and through His chosen means. The κατασφραγισμένον scroll represents the hidden counsel of God, gradually revealed through the progressive breaking of the seals, culminating in the establishment of His eternal kingdom. It serves as a powerful reminder that while much of God's future work remains veiled, it is nonetheless secure in His hands and will be fulfilled through His Son.
### Summary
κατασφραγίζω `{{G2696}}` is a powerful Greek verb, an intensive form of "to seal," meaning "to seal closely," "to seal completely," or "to seal down." Its sole occurrence in [[Revelation 5:1]] describes a scroll in God's hand, "sealed down with seven seals." This unique usage underscores the absolute security, divine authority, and preordained nature of God's eschatological plan contained within the scroll. The intensive sealing signifies that its contents are divinely protected and inaccessible to all but the worthy Lamb, Jesus Christ, who alone possesses the authority to unseal and enact God's ultimate purposes. The word thus encapsulates profound theological themes of divine sovereignty, hidden wisdom, and the unfolding of God's redemptive history according to His perfect timing and through His Son.
TRV