### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **chătham**, represented by `{{H2857}}`, means to **seal**. As a root corresponding to its Hebrew counterpart, this term appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible. Its singular usage denotes a formal and binding action of securing something officially.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H2857}}` is in the narrative of Daniel in the lions' den. After Daniel `{{H1841}}` is cast into the den `{{H1358}}`, a stone `{{H69}}` is placed over its mouth `{{H6433}}`. The king `{{H4430}}` then **sealed** it with his own signet `{{H5824}}` and the signet of his lords `{{H7261}}`. This was done to ensure that the purpose `{{H6640}}` concerning Daniel could not be changed `{{H8133}}`, making the decree final and irreversible [[Daniel 6:17]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Aramaic words provide context for the act of sealing:
* `{{H5824}}` **ʻizqâʼ** (signet): This is the tool used for the sealing. The verse specifies that the king **sealed** the stone with his **signet** and the **signet** of his lords, showing a shared, official act [[Daniel 6:17]].
* `{{H1358}}` **gôb** (den): This is the location being secured. The **den** is described as a pit for wild animals, and sealing it was intended to prevent any escape or rescue [[Daniel 6:17]].
* `{{H69}}` **ʼeben** (stone): This word, meaning a **stone**, refers to the physical barrier that was placed on the mouth of the den and then officially sealed [[Daniel 6:17]].
* `{{H8133}}` **shᵉnâʼ** (to alter): The stated reason for the sealing was so that the purpose concerning Daniel might not be **changed**, highlighting that the seal was a mark of permanence [[Daniel 6:17]].
### Theological Significance
The conceptual weight of `{{H2857}}` is centered on the themes of authority and finality.
* **Irreversible Decree:** The act of sealing the den was a legal and political action. By using his signet `{{H5824}}` and that of his lords `{{H7261}}`, the king `{{H4430}}` made the situation unchangeable from a human standpoint [[Daniel 6:17]].
* **Official Authority:** The seal represents the full weight of the kingdom's power. It is not merely a physical lock but a declaration that the fate of Daniel `{{H1841}}` was officially secured by the highest authorities.
* **Enforcing Purpose:** The text explicitly states the sealing was done so "that the purpose `{{H6640}}` might not be changed" [[Daniel 6:17]]. The seal, therefore, is a guarantor of a specific, intended outcome, underscoring the gravity and hopelessness of Daniel's situation.
### Summary
In summary, while **chătham** `{{H2857}}` is used only once, its context is powerful. It describes the act of applying a seal to make a royal decree absolute and unalterable. This single use in [[Daniel 6:17]] perfectly illustrates how a seal can represent the finality of human authority and law, setting the stage for divine intervention.
TRV