Pronunciation: [sˈɛvənθ sˈiːl] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of the two-word phrase "seventh seal" is /ˈsɛvənθ siːl/. The first word, "seventh," is pronounced with an "s" sound followed by a short "e" sound, a "v" sound, and then a "th" sound. The second word, "seal," is pronounced with a long "ee" sound followed by an "l" sound. The phrase refers to the biblical story in which seven seals are broken to reveal the end of the world.
The phrase "seventh seal" is a metaphorical concept rooted in religious and philosophical contexts. Originating from the book of Revelation in the Bible, it signifies a pivotal moment or event that is emblematic of the end times or ultimate judgment. According to biblical narrative, the seventh seal is opened by the Lamb of God, unraveling a chain of consequential events, including the sounding of seven trumpets. Its symbolism has been interpreted differently across various religious and cultural beliefs.
In a broader sense, outside of religious allusions, the seventh seal refers to an existential or profound revelation, a significant climax, or a critical turning point often associated with profound truth, enlightenment, or finality. The phrase has permeated literature, arts, and media, becoming a metaphorical representation of pivotal moments, quandaries, or epiphanies.
In Ingmar Bergman's film "The Seventh Seal," the concept is explored through a knight's quest to understand the meaning of life while playing a chess game with Death. Here, the seventh seal represents the knight's ultimate fate and the yearning to embrace the inevitable end in the face of existential questions.
Overall, the seventh seal encapsulates a metaphorical threshold, where the unveiling of a final mystery or judgment occurs, whether in religious, philosophical, or artistic domains. It represents a profound moment of realization, confrontation with mortality, or ultimate transcendence.
The word "seventh seal" is derived from Old English and has its roots in Indo-European languages.
The term "seventh" comes from the Old English word "seofunda", which is a combination of "seofon" (seven) and "-þa" (ordinal suffix). This Old English word had similar counterparts in other Germanic languages, such as "seben" in Old High German.
The word "seal" traces its origin back to the Old English "seolh", which refers to a marine mammal commonly known as a "seal". The etymology of "seolh" is uncertain, but it is believed to have Indo-European roots. Similar words can be found in other Germanic languages, including "sēolh" in Old Norse and "selka" in Old High German.
