κατασφραγίζω
katasphragízō
G2696 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
to seal up securely, to put a seal upon something so as to close it firmly or ensure its integrity; to close or secure by fastening with a seal, thereby preventing access or tampering. The sense extends metaphorically to making something secret, inaccessible, or fixed.
Semantic Range
to seal up, to secure or close with a seal, to ensure something is not disturbed or tampered with, to make inaccessible, to confirm closure or protection
Root / Etymology
From the prepositional prefix κατα- (kata-, 'down, thoroughly, completely') and the verb σφραγίζω (sphragizō, 'to seal'); thus, 'to seal thoroughly' or 'to seal down.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
Used rarely in extant Koine texts, κατασφραγίζω intensifies the primary meaning of σφραγίζω by combining it with κατα-. In contexts such as Matthew 27:66, it describes the act of fully securing a tomb by sealing it, indicating both physical closure and guaranteeing non-interference. The word is especially prominent in legal, administrative, or ritual practices of the period, where sealing conveyed authority, finality, and security. While standard English translations render κατασφραγίζω as 'seal,' the nuance of securing something with finality or preventing any unauthorized access is stronger in Greek. The Septuagint does not attest the word; its use in New Testament and post-biblical Greek aligns with administrative and funerary customs known from broader Hellenistic and Roman practice.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from κατά and σφραγίζω; to seal closely:--seal.
Root Family
σφραγ- (katasphragízō) — to seal, to make secure, to fasten
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2696-01 |
κατεσφραγισμένον | katesphragismenon | V PRF PASS PTCP ACC N SG |
sealed | having been thoroughly sealed | having been sealed | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2696-01 |
Revelation 5:1 | κατεσφραγισμένον | katesphragismenon | V PRF PASS PTCP ACC N SG |
sealed | having been thoroughly sealed | having been sealed |