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σφραγίς

sphragís

G4973 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A seal, signet, or device used to make an impression in wax, clay, or another medium, indicating ownership, authentication, authorization, or protection. In extended usage, refers to both the physical seal or signet itself and the impression produced by it. The term may also refer to a figurative seal: a mark or sign indicating something is secured, authenticated, or under special authority, including divine approval or protection.

Semantic Range

seal, signet (ring or device), imprint made by a seal, mark of authentication, indication of ownership, protection against tampering, figurative sign of authorization or confirmation, mark of privacy

Root / Etymology

From the root σφραγ-; likely from an earlier verb meaning 'to enclose' or 'to secure' (perhaps related to φράσσω, 'to fence in'), though formal derivation is uncertain. The noun σφραγίς originally denoted a physical seal or signet.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, σφραγίς denoted any object used for sealing—commonly a ring or stone carved with an identifying design, used to imprint clay or wax upon documents or storage containers, thus certifying authenticity or providing security. In Hellenistic and Roman contexts, it extended to the impression itself. In the Septuagint and other Second Temple texts, σφραγίς translates several Hebrew terms for seal or signet (e.g., חותם), typically in contexts emphasizing authentication, ownership, or protection (Genesis 41:42, Song of Songs 8:6). In the New Testament, usages include literal seals (Matthew 27:66—stone sealed at a tomb; Revelation 5:1—scroll sealed with seven seals) and figurative senses (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13; 4:30—'sealed' with the promised holy spirit, indicating divine approval or security). Standard English translations often render the term as 'seal,' 'signet,' or 'mark,' capturing most but not all nuances: in antiquity, the concept of σφραγίς involved both the act and visible result of sealing, as well as its implications for privacy, authority, genuineness, ownership, protection, and exclusion from unauthorized access.

Translation Consistency

primary "seal" 16 occurrences

'Seal' is the most natural and frequent English rendering (11 of 16 occurrences) and covers the full SILEX range: the physical signet/device, the impression it makes, and the figurative mark of authentication, ownership, or protection. It is simple, idiomatic, and usable consistently for all forms of G4973.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

probably strengthened from φράσσω; a signet (as fencing in or protecting from misappropriation); by implication, the stamp impressed (as a mark of privacy, or genuineness), literally or figuratively:--seal.

Root Family

σφραγίς (sphragis) — seal, signet, mark of authentication, mark of ownership, securing device

Root σφραγ- to seal, to secure, to authenticate

Word Forms

5 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G4973-01 σφραγῖδα sphragida N ACC F SG seal a seal seal 10
G4973-02 σφραγῖδας sphragidas N ACC F PL seals seals seals 3
G4973-04 σφραγίς sphragis N NOM F SG seal a seal a seal 1
G4973-05 σφραγῖσιν sphragisin N DAT F PL with seals with seals with seals 1
G4973-03 σφραγίδων sphragidon N GEN F PL seals of seals seals 1

Occurrences in Scripture

16 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G4973-01 Romans 4:11 σφραγῖδα sphragida N ACC F SG a seal a seal a seal
G4973-04 1 Corinthians 9:2 σφραγίς sphragis N NOM F SG seal a seal a seal
G4973-01 2 Timothy 2:19 σφραγῖδα sphragida N ACC F SG seal a seal seal
G4973-05 Revelation 5:1 σφραγῖσιν sphragisin N DAT F PL with seals with seals with seals
G4973-02 Revelation 5:2 σφραγῖδας sphragidas N ACC F PL seals seals seals
G4973-02 Revelation 5:5 σφραγῖδας sphragidas N ACC F PL seals seals seals
G4973-02 Revelation 5:9 σφραγῖδας sphragidas N ACC F PL seals seals seals
G4973-03 Revelation 6:1 σφραγίδων sphragidon N GEN F PL seals of seals seals
G4973-01 Revelation 6:3 σφραγῖδα sphragida N ACC F SG seal a seal seal
G4973-01 Revelation 6:5 σφραγῖδα sphragida N ACC F SG seal a seal seal
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