(Aramaic) a root corresponding to חָתַם; to seal; seal.
Transliteration:chătham
Pronunciation:khath-am'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic verb H2857 (חֲתַם, *chătham*) serves as the Aramaic counterpart to the Hebrew verb H2856 (חָתַם, *chatham*), carrying the fundamental meaning "to seal." In the ancient Near East, the act of sealing was multifaceted, primarily signifying authentication, security, and finality. A seal, often a signet ring or cylinder, would be pressed into soft clay or wax, leaving an impression that served as a signature or mark of authority. This act could validate documents, secure containers, or signify ownership. The semantic range of H2857 thus encompasses the physical act of applying a seal, but also extends to the resultant state of something being confirmed, secured, or brought to a conclusive end by means of that authoritative mark.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The Aramaic verb H2857 appears in two significant contexts within the book of Daniel, reflecting its core meanings:
1. **Authentication and Security:** In [[Daniel 6:17]], the verb describes the sealing of the stone placed over the mouth of the lion's den where Daniel had been cast. "And a stone was brought and laid on the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the signet rings of his nobles, so that no change might be made concerning Daniel." Here, H2857 underscores the absolute authority and intent behind the act. The king's seal, reinforced by the seals of his nobles, was meant to ensure the immutability of the decree and prevent any interference or alteration of Daniel's fate. It signifies a binding, irreversible action.
2. **Finality and Confirmation:** In [[Daniel 9:24]], the word is used metaphorically in the prophetic context: "Seventy weeks are decreed for your people and your holy city, to finish the transgression, to make an end of sin, to make atonement for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy, and to anoint a most holy place." Here, "to seal up vision and prophecy" (לַחְתֹּם חָזוֹן וְנָבִיא) does not imply concealment, but rather the fulfillment, completion, and authoritative confirmation of prophetic revelation. The sealing signifies that the visions and prophecies concerning the seventy weeks will reach their definitive conclusion and be validated by historical events, thereby establishing their truth and finality.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is its Hebrew cognate, H2856 (חָתַם, *chatham*), which carries the identical meaning "to seal." This strong correspondence highlights the shared cultural and legal practices across the Hebrew and Aramaic speaking regions of the ancient Near East. The noun form, H2858 (חוֹתָם, *chotam*), refers to the "seal" or "signet ring" itself, the instrument used for sealing.
The concept of "sealing" permeates biblical thought, extending beyond the literal act. It is associated with:
* **Authority:** A seal represents the power and decree of the one who seals (e.g., Pharaoh's ring given to Joseph, [[Genesis 41:42]]).
* **Security/Protection:** Things sealed are often protected from unauthorized access or alteration (e.g., the sealed scroll in [[Revelation 5:1]]).
* **Ownership/Identification:** A seal can mark something as belonging to a particular person or entity (e.g., God's people being "sealed" in [[Revelation 7:3]]).
* **Confirmation/Validation:** An act of sealing confirms the truth or authenticity of a document or statement.
* **Completion/Finality:** As seen in [[Daniel 9:24]], sealing can signify the definitive end or fulfillment of a matter.
### Theological Significance
The use of H2857 in the book of Daniel carries profound theological weight. In [[Daniel 6:17]], the sealing of the lion's den by human authority, though seemingly final, ultimately highlights the superior sovereignty of God. Despite the king's and nobles' attempts to ensure Daniel's demise, God intervenes, demonstrating that no human seal can thwart His divine purpose or protect His faithful servants.
In [[Daniel 9:24]], the sealing of "vision and prophecy" points to the absolute certainty and divine guarantee of God's prophetic word. It assures the reader that God's plans, once revealed, are not subject to change or failure; they are "sealed" for their ultimate fulfillment. This concept underscores God's faithfulness and the reliability of His promises, culminating in the establishment of everlasting righteousness and the anointing of the Most Holy Place. The sealing here speaks to the divine ratification of history's course, leading to the consummation of God's redemptive purposes.
### Summary
The Aramaic verb H2857 (חֲתַם, *chătham*), meaning "to seal," is a key term in the book of Daniel, mirroring the Hebrew H2856. It functions both literally and metaphorically to convey authentication, security, and finality. In [[Daniel 6:17]], it describes the human act of sealing to ensure an irreversible decree, yet paradoxically sets the stage for God's miraculous intervention. In [[Daniel 9:24]], it signifies the divine confirmation and ultimate fulfillment of prophecy, underscoring the unwavering reliability of God's word. Thus, H2857 powerfully communicates the concepts of inviolable authority, secure purpose, and the definitive completion of divine plans, whether humanly enacted or divinely ordained.
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