Seal
ArtifactsWhat is the meaning of Seal in the Bible?
A seal is an instrument used for making an impression on a soft substance, such as clay or wax, to authenticate documents or objects. The use of seals dates back to ancient times and was prevalent in various cultures, including Egypt, Babylon, Assyria, Greece, and Rome.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding seals clarifies biblical references to authority, ownership, and divine protection, such as the sealing of servants in Revelation or the stone rolled over the tomb, illustrating how physical objects functioned as legal and spiritual guarantees in the ancient Near East.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Seal in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Seal clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.