### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **châtham**, represented by `{{H2856}}`, is a primitive root meaning to **close up**, **seal**, **make an end**, **mark**, or **stop**. It appears 27 times across 24 unique verses in the Bible. Its usage conveys concepts of authentication, security, finality, and concealment, applying to everything from legal documents to divine mysteries.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H2856}}` is frequently used in official and legal contexts. When Jeremiah purchased a field, he "subscribed the evidence, and **sealed** it" to finalize the transaction [[Jeremiah 32:10]]. Similarly, royal decrees were given irreversible authority by being **sealed** with the king's ring, as seen in the story of Esther [[Esther 8:8]]. The word also carries a strong prophetic weight. Daniel was commanded to "**seal** the book" until the time of the end, preserving its contents [[Daniel 12:4]]. Metaphorically, it can describe exclusivity, as in the Song of Solomon where the bride is a "fountain **sealed**" [[Song of Solomon 4:12]], or divine judgment, as when Job speaks of his transgression being "**sealed up** in a bag" [[Job 14:17]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller picture of the act of sealing and its implications:
* `{{H2368}}` **chôwthâm** (seal, signet): This noun, derived from `{{H2856}}`, is the object or mark of the seal itself. It was used to impart authority, as when Jezebel wrote letters in Ahab's name and sealed them with his **seal** [[1 Kings 21:8]].
* `{{H2885}}` **ṭabbaʻath** (ring): This term refers to the signet ring used to make the impression. Royal edicts were made official when **sealed** with the king's **ring** [[Esther 3:12]].
* `{{H3789}}` **kâthab** (to write): This action often precedes sealing. An official document or covenant would first be **written** and then sealed to authenticate it [[Nehemiah 9:38]].
* `{{H5640}}` **çâtham** (to keep secret, closed up): This word is used in parallel with `{{H2856}}` to emphasize the concealment of prophetic revelation. Daniel is told that the words are **closed up** and sealed until the end time [[Daniel 12:9]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H2856}}` is profound, touching on themes of divine authority, sovereignty, and fulfillment.
* **Authentication and Authority:** Sealing was the ancient equivalent of a binding signature. When leaders in Nehemiah's time made a sure covenant, they **seal** it to affirm their commitment, making it official and binding [[Nehemiah 9:38]].
* **Preservation and Concealment:** God uses sealing to preserve prophetic truth for its appointed time. The command to **seal** up the vision in Daniel shows that God controls the timing and understanding of His revelation [[Daniel 12:4]].
* **Finality and Fulfillment:** The act of sealing can signify a conclusion. The prophecy in Daniel speaks of a time to "make an end of sins" and to "**seal up** the vision and prophecy," indicating their ultimate fulfillment [[Daniel 9:24]].
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The term is used to describe God's absolute power over creation, as when He "sealeth up the stars" [[Job 9:7]], and over humanity, as He "sealeth up the hand of every man" [[Job 37:7]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2856}}` is a powerful verb that moves beyond the simple act of closing something. It is a cornerstone concept for understanding authenticity, finality, and preservation in the scriptures. From the legal finality of a sealed deed in Jeremiah to the cosmic authority of God sealing the stars, the word illustrates how a physical action can represent profound legal, prophetic, and theological truths, ultimately pointing to God's sovereign control over his covenants, creation, and redemptive plan.
TRV