κατασφραγίζω (katasphragizō)
katasphragizō
to seal
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb katasphragizō means to seal up or close securely with a mark of authority. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Revelation 5:1, where John sees a scroll in the right hand of God that has been sealed with seven seals. This specific usage emphasizes total security and confidentiality; the document is completely closed off from unauthorized access.
Its meaning derives from the root sphragis, referring to a seal or signet ring used to authenticate documents or secure property. The prefix kata intensifies the action, suggesting a thorough closing. While other Greek words can mean simply to mark, this term conveys the idea of finality and protection, ensuring that what is inside remains untouched until the appointed time for opening.
Translators typically render it as "sealed" or "sealed up." The choice highlights the scroll’s integrity and the divine control over its contents. By using this word, the text underscores that the events within the scroll are fixed and protected by God’s authority, accessible only to Him alone until the Lamb proves worthy to break the seals.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we encounter the word katasphragizō in Revelation 5:1, we see a picture of absolute divine control. The scroll in God’s hand is sealed shut with seven seals, indicating that its contents are completely secure and inaccessible to anyone except the One who holds it. This sealing is not merely about hiding information; it signifies that the events within are fixed by God’s authority and will unfold only at His appointed time.
For your faith, this offers profound comfort. It means that history is not chaotic or out of control. Even when circumstances seem confusing or painful, God remains sovereign over the outcome. The sealing assures us that nothing happens outside of His purposeful plan. We can rest in the knowledge that He alone determines the timing and manner in which these things are revealed.
This assurance invites us to trust rather than strive for control. When we feel anxious about the future, we can remember that the final chapter is already secured by God. Our role is not to decipher every detail ahead of time but to place our confidence in the One who holds the scroll and brings all things to their intended conclusion.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- sealed1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κατεσφραγισμένον1×
Key Verses
-
Revelation of John 5:1
I saw, in the right hand of him who sat on the throne, a book written inside and outside, sealed shut with seven seals.
The word describes the seven seals that completely secure the scroll, showing that its contents are protected from unauthorized access until God decides to reveal them.