Seal
“Seal, signet”
Summary
An engraved device used to make impressions authenticating documents and securing objects, symbolizing authority, ownership, security, and the Holy Spirit's mark upon believers.
☩Ancient Usage
Seals were among the most prized personal possessions in the ancient Near East, used from earliest times for authentication and security. In Babylon, seals typically took cylinder form, rolled across clay; in Egypt, the scarab shape predominated. The seal, worn on a cord around the neck or as a signet ring, contained the owner's name or distinctive device. Giving one's seal to another conferred authority to act in the owner's name—as Pharaoh gave Joseph his ring and Ahasuerus gave his to Haman and later to Mordecai.
☩Sealing Documents and Objects
Documents were rolled, tied with cord, and sealed with clay bearing the sender's impression. Letters, deeds, and legal documents required sealing to prevent tampering and prove authenticity. Jeremiah's sealed deed of purchase during Jerusalem's siege demonstrated faith in future restoration. Doors were sealed to prevent unauthorized entry—as with Daniel's lions' den and Christ's tomb—making any breach immediately evident.
☩Symbolic Usage in Scripture
Circumcision was a 'seal' of the righteousness Abraham had by faith, marking covenant membership. God set His seal upon believers, marking them as His possession and guaranteeing their inheritance. The sealed scroll in Revelation, openable only by the Lamb, contained God's purposes for history. The sealing of the 144,000 marked them for protection during tribulation. To 'seal up' prophecy meant to preserve it until its appointed time of fulfillment.
☩The Spirit as Seal
Believers are 'sealed with the promised Holy Spirit' as the guarantee of their inheritance until redemption's completion. This sealing indicates ownership—believers belong to God; authentication—their faith is genuine; and security—they are protected for the day of redemption. Paul urges believers not to grieve the Holy Spirit 'by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.' The seal of the Spirit is both present assurance and future promise.
Related Verses69 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Seal," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Seal," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.James Hastings (ed.), "Seal," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).