seal
Sphragis denotes a seal, especially one opened from a scroll, and also a mark or confirmation connected with identity or standing.
The dominant usage concerns the seals associated with a scroll, which are broken or opened in Revelation. Elsewhere the term marks confirmation or identification: believers are called the confirmation of apostleship, circumcision is connected with righteousness of faith, God’s foundation has a seal, and a seal of God distinguishes people.
Senses in use
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Seals securing a scroll for opening · dominant
In Revelation 5:1 the dative plural occurs in the clause that the scroll is sealed with seven seals; Revelation 5:2 and Revelation 5:5 then speak of breaking or opening them. The singular accusative forms in Revelation 6:3, Revelation 6:12, and Revelation 8:1 occur as successive seals are opened, with the APB rendering the resulting scenes in each verse.
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Confirmation or identifying attestation · occasional
In 1 Corinthians 9:2 the nominative singular identifies the recipients in relation to Paul’s apostleship, and the APB renders the clause “you are the seal of my apostleship.” Romans 4:11 places the accusative singular beside “a sign” in the statement about circumcision and righteousness of faith; 2 Timothy 2:19 describes God’s firm foundation as having this seal.
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God’s mark distinguishing people · rare
In Revelation 7:2 an angel has the seal of the living God, while Revelation 9:4 contrasts those who have the seal of God on their foreheads with those who do not. Both verses use the singular accusative form in clauses that distinguish the people in view.
In the Anselm Project Bible: The APB consistently presents the term with “seal” or “seals,” including seals on a scroll, a seal connected with apostleship or faith, and the seal of God. These renderings confirm the clauses’ overall presentation rather than fixing every lexical nuance.