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σφραγίζω

sphragízō

G4972 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To seal by marking with a signet, stamp, or imprint for the purpose of authentication, ownership, security, authorization, or confidentiality; to close or secure something so that it cannot be opened without evidence of tampering. Contextually, it may also mean to confirm, attest to, or guarantee something, including by metaphorical extension (e.g., marking with approval, protecting from harm, authenticating a message or person). In some cases, it connotes keeping something secret or concealed by sealing.

Semantic Range

to mark with a seal, to authenticate or confirm, to secure or protect against tampering, to close firmly, to confirm authority or ownership, to attest, to guarantee, to keep secret or conceal

Root / Etymology

From σφραγίς (seal, signet, mark of authentication), which may be of pre-Greek or Semitic origin, indicating a device for marking or impressing.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical and Hellenistic Greek, σφραγίζω described the act of pressing a seal (σφραγίς) onto a document, object, or container, typically made of clay or wax, as a means of denoting ownership, granting authority, ensuring security, or preventing unauthorized access. The term was frequently used in administrative, legal, and commercial contexts for contracts, correspondence, and goods. In the Septuagint, σφραγίζω often translates Hebrew verbs related to sealing or marking, especially in the context of official decrees or the safeguarding of documents (e.g., Daniel 6:17[LXX]). In the New Testament, it appears both in literal senses (e.g., Matthew 27:66, the sealing of the tomb) and in metaphorical or spiritual senses (e.g., Ephesians 1:13, believers being 'sealed' with the Holy Spirit as a confirmation of belonging and security). English translations such as 'seal,' 'set a seal,' or 'seal up' render the core meaning but do not always transmit the nuances of authentication and protection inherent in legal and administrative practices of the period. The concept of sealing often implied not merely closure but guarantee or protection by a higher authority. Related terms include κατασφραγίζω (to seal completely) and ἀποσφραγίζω (to unseal or open what has been sealed). The verb may also appear in contexts signifying confidentiality or the deliberate keeping of information hidden (cf. Revelation 10:4).

Translation Consistency

primary "seal" 15 occurrences

sphragízō most commonly and naturally means to ‘seal’ (to mark with a seal, secure, authenticate, or close so as to prevent tampering), and that single verb covers both the literal and extended/metaphorical senses (authenticate, confirm, keep secret). ‘Seal’ is the ordinary, idiomatic English choice that will yield consistent, natural renderings across all forms.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

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.

Root Family

σφραγίζω (sphragizō) — to seal, to mark, to authenticate, to secure

Root σφραγ- to seal, to mark, to authenticate, to secure

Word Forms

9 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G4972-01 ἐσφράγισεν esphragisen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG sealed he sealed he sealed 3
G4972-02 ἐσφραγισμένοι esphragismenoi V PRF PASS PTCP NOM M PL sealed having been sealed having been sealed 3
G4972-04 ἐσφραγίσθητε esphragisthete V AOR PASS IND 2P PL you were sealed you were sealed you were sealed 2
G4972-05 σφραγισάμενος sphragisamenos V AOR MID PTCP NOM M SG having sealed having sealed for himself having sealed us 2
G4972-07 σφραγίσῃς sphragises V AOR ACT SUBJ 2P SG seal you might seal you might seal 1
G4972-09 σφράγισον sphragison V AOR ACT IMP 2P SG Seal up Seal for yourself seal up 1
G4972-03 ἐσφραγισμένων esphragismenon V PRF PASS PTCP GEN M PL who were sealed of those having been sealed sealed ones 1
G4972-08 σφραγίσωμεν sphragisomen V AOR ACT SUBJ 1P PL we seal let us seal we might seal 1
G4972-06 σφραγίσαντες sphragisantes V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M PL having sealed having sealed having sealed 1

Occurrences in Scripture

15 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G4972-06 Matthew 27:66 σφραγίσαντες sphragisantes V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M PL having sealed having sealed having sealed
G4972-01 John 3:33 ἐσφράγισεν esphragisen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG has set his seal to he sealed he sealed
G4972-01 John 6:27 ἐσφράγισεν esphragisen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG has sealed he sealed he sealed
G4972-05 Romans 15:28 σφραγισάμενος sphragisamenos V AOR MID PTCP NOM M SG having sealed having sealed for himself having sealed for himself
G4972-05 2 Corinthians 1:22 σφραγισάμενος sphragisamenos V AOR MID PTCP NOM M SG sealed having sealed for himself having sealed us
G4972-04 Ephesians 1:13 ἐσφραγίσθητε esphragisthete V AOR PASS IND 2P PL you were sealed you were sealed you were sealed
G4972-04 Ephesians 4:30 ἐσφραγίσθητε esphragisthete V AOR PASS IND 2P PL you were sealed you were sealed you were sealed
G4972-08 Revelation 7:3 σφραγίσωμεν sphragisomen V AOR ACT SUBJ 1P PL we seal let us seal we might seal
G4972-03 Revelation 7:4 ἐσφραγισμένων esphragismenon V PRF PASS PTCP GEN M PL who were sealed of those having been sealed sealed ones
G4972-02 Revelation 7:4 ἐσφραγισμένοι esphragismenoi V PRF PASS PTCP NOM M PL sealed having been sealed having been sealed
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