from σφραγίς; to stamp (with a signet or private mark) for security or preservation (literally or figuratively); by implication, to keep secret, to attest:--(set a, set to) seal up, stop.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb sphragízō (`{{G4972}}`) is derived from the noun sphragís (`{{G4973}}`), meaning "a seal" or "a signet ring." At its most fundamental level, sphragízō means "to stamp" or "to apply a seal." This action carries a rich array of implications within its semantic range:
1. **Security and Preservation:** To secure something against tampering, unauthorized access, or decay. This involves placing a mark that signifies inviolability or protection.
2. **Ownership and Authentication:** To mark something as belonging to a specific person or authority, thereby authenticating its origin or validity. A seal serves as a signature or a mark of genuineness.
3. **Secrecy and Concealment:** To keep something hidden or secret, not to be opened or revealed until a designated time or by a specific authority.
4. **Confirmation and Ratification:** To confirm, attest to, or complete an action, promise, or document, giving it authoritative weight.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The usage of sphragízō in the New Testament spans both literal and profound theological applications:
* **Literal Application:** In the Gospels, the term is used literally concerning the tomb of Jesus. The Roman authorities "sealed" the stone covering the entrance to prevent the disciples from stealing the body, thereby ensuring security and preventing tampering ([[Matthew 27:66]]).
* **Authentication of Ministry:** Paul employs sphragízō to affirm the genuineness of his apostleship. He states that the Corinthian believers themselves are the "seal" of his apostleship in the Lord, meaning their conversion and spiritual growth serve as undeniable proof and authentication of his divinely appointed ministry ([[1 Corinthians 9:2]]).
* **Divine Ownership and Security (Holy Spirit):** A central theological application is found in the Pauline epistles regarding the Holy Spirit. Believers are said to be "sealed with the promised Holy Spirit" ([[Ephesians 1:13]], [[Ephesians 4:30]]). This signifies God's divine ownership, marking believers as His own, guaranteeing their salvation, and securing them for the "day of redemption." The Spirit serves as a divine "earnest" or "down payment" (cf. arrabōn `{{G728}}`) of the full inheritance to come. This sealing is an internal, spiritual mark of divine protection and belonging.
* **Divine Knowledge and Truth:** In [[2 Timothy 2:19]], the "firm foundation of God stands, having this seal: 'The Lord knows those who are His,' and, 'Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to depart from wickedness.'" Here, the seal represents God's unchangeable truth and certain knowledge concerning His elect, providing a sure foundation for faith and conduct.
* **Sovereignty over Revelation and Judgment (Revelation):** The book of Revelation frequently uses sphragízō to describe scrolls and visions that are "sealed." This emphasizes God's sovereign control over the timing and unfolding of eschatological events. The scroll with seven seals can only be opened by the Lamb ([[Revelation 5:1-5]], [[Revelation 6:1]], [[Revelation 8:1]]), signifying Christ's unique authority to bring about God's purposes. Furthermore, the sealing of the 144,000 on their foreheads by an angel signifies divine protection and preservation from the coming judgments ([[Revelation 7:2-4]]), marking them as God's own amidst tribulation. The command to "seal up the things which the seven thunders spoke, and do not write them down" ([[Revelation 10:4]]) indicates God's prerogative to withhold certain revelations until His appointed time. Conversely, John is told *not* to seal the words of the prophecy of the book, indicating their imminent fulfillment and the need for their immediate dissemination ([[Revelation 22:10]]).
* **Christ's Divine Authentication:** Jesus Himself states that the Son of Man is the one whom God the Father "has sealed" ([[John 6:27]]), signifying His divine authentication and authorization for His unique mission as the giver of eternal life.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **sphragís (`{{G4973}}`):** The noun from which sphragízō is derived. Understanding the physical "seal" as an instrument of authentication, security, or ownership is crucial for grasping the verb's meaning.
* **charagma (`{{G5480}}`):** While sphragízō emphasizes the *act* of sealing and its *purpose* (security, ownership), charagma refers more specifically to an "engraved mark" or "stamp," particularly notable in the context of the mark of the beast. Both involve an impression, but sphragízō carries a broader and often more positive theological connotation of divine action.
* **arrabōn (`{{G728}}`):** "Pledge," "earnest money," or "down payment." In the context of the Holy Spirit sealing believers, the Spirit is also described as the *arrabōn* of our inheritance ([[Ephesians 1:14]]). The seal signifies ownership and security, while the earnest money signifies a guarantee of the full future payment, working in tandem to assure the believer's salvation.
* **Covenant:** The concept of sealing aligns closely with covenant theology, where God's promises are guaranteed, and His people are marked as belonging to Him through His covenant faithfulness.
* **Divine Election and Predestination:** The sealing of believers by the Spirit points to God's sovereign choice and His unbreakable commitment to those He has called.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of sphragízō is profound and multifaceted:
1. **Divine Ownership and Security:** The sealing of believers with the Holy Spirit is a foundational doctrine, signifying God's absolute ownership and His unbreakable commitment to His people. This divine seal is an assurance of salvation, guaranteeing their preservation and protection until the day of redemption. It is a mark of belonging to Christ and a pledge of future glory.
2. **Authentication of Divine Truth and Ministry:** The concept of sealing validates both divine truth and legitimate ministry. God's truth is sealed by His immutable character and perfect knowledge. The transformed lives of believers serve as a seal of authenticity for true apostolic ministry.
3. **Sovereignty over Revelation and History:** In the apocalyptic context of Revelation, the sealed scrolls underscore God's complete and sovereign control over the unfolding of human history, judgment, and the timing of His ultimate revelation. Nothing occurs outside of His predetermined plan, and only He (through the Lamb) has the authority to initiate the final events.
4. **Divine Protection and Preservation:** The sealing of God's people in Revelation highlights His active protection amidst tribulation. This divine mark ensures their preservation for His purposes, setting them apart from those who receive the mark of the beast.
5. **Christ's Divine Authority:** The sealing of Christ by the Father underscores His unique divine authorization and commission for His redemptive work, affirming His identity as the true bread of life sent from heaven.
### Summary
Sphragízō (`{{G4972}}`) is a potent Greek verb meaning "to seal," derived from sphragís (`{{G4973}}`), "a seal." While literally used for securing tombs ([[Matthew 27:66]]), its primary biblical significance lies in its profound theological applications. It denotes the act of marking for security, preservation, authentication, and secrecy. Most notably, it describes God's act of "sealing" believers with the Holy Spirit, signifying divine ownership, an unbreakable guarantee of salvation, and future inheritance ([[Ephesians 1:13]], [[Ephesians 4:30]]). Sphragízō also authenticates apostolic ministry ([[1 Corinthians 9:2]]), God's unchangeable truth ([[2 Timothy 2:19]]), and Christ's divine commission ([[John 6:27]]). In the book of Revelation, it emphasizes God's sovereign control over hidden revelations and the timing of eschatological events ([[Revelation 5:1]], [[Revelation 10:4]]), as well as His protective marking of His people amidst judgment ([[Revelation 7:3]]). Theologically, sphragízō powerfully conveys God's unyielding commitment, protective care, and sovereign authority over His creation and His elect.
TRV