SEVEN SEALS Meaning and
Definition
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The term "seven seals" refers to a biblical reference found in the book of Revelation, the final book of the New Testament in the Christian Bible. In this context, the "seven seals" represent a series of seals or scrolls that contain prophetic messages concerning the end times and the judgment of God. According to the book of Revelation, these seals are believed to be securely bound with an unnamed substance, and can only be opened by a worthy being, who in this case is identified as the Lamb of God, or Jesus Christ.
The concept of the seven seals is highly symbolic and represents the unfolding of divine judgment and God's ultimate plan for humanity. Each time a seal is broken, catastrophic events or plagues are unleashed upon the earth, illustrating the fulfillment of prophecy and the impending judgment of God. These events are depicted as attempts to bring about repentance and righteousness among the people.
The "seven seals" have also entered common idiomatic usage beyond religious contexts. In contemporary language, the phrase "breaking the seven seals" or "opening the seven seals" is sometimes used figuratively to refer to unraveling a complex or hidden matter, revealing the truth, or uncovering a mysterious secret. It conveys the idea of unlocking profound knowledge or understanding that was previously concealed.
Etymology of SEVEN SEALS
The word "seven seals" has its etymology rooted in Old English and Old Norse.
The term "seven" can be traced back to the Old English word "seofon" and the Old Norse word "sjau", ultimately deriving from the Proto-Germanic word "*sebun". This number has been used in various mythologies and religious texts, representing completeness, perfection, or divine intervention.
The word "seal" comes from Old English "seolh" and Old Norse "selr", both meaning "seal" as in the marine mammal. In various ancient cultures, seals were considered potent symbols of power, authority, and secrecy. The association of seals with authority and protection led to their use as marks of authenticity or signals of privacy.
