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Strong's Concordance
Greek Word Study

Strong's G4973 σφραγίς (sphragis)

Sphragis means “seal” — full meaning, definition, and every linked Bible usage across the indexed canon.

Same number, other testament: Strong's H4973 — methalleah (“jaw”) in the Hebrew Bible.

Strong's Number G4973
Language Greek
Linked Usages 39
Books 13

Strong's G4973 Quick Answer

Strong's G4973 σφραγίς (sphragis) is a Greek Strong's word-study entry. sphragis (sfrag-ece') n. 1. a signet (as fencing in or protecting from misappropriation) 2. (by implication) the stamp impressed (as a mark of privacy, or genuineness) It has 39 linked Bible usages across 13 books. Visible English usage signals include seal, seals, lord, opened, and names. Indexed coverage on this page includes New Testament, Septuagint / Greek Old Testament, and Deuterocanonical / Apocrypha.

Meaning
sphragis (sfrag-ece') n. 1. a signet (as fencing in or protecting from misappropriation) 2. (by implication) the stamp impressed (as a mark of privacy, or genuineness)
Usage
39 linked usages
Books
13 indexed books
Corpus
New Testament, Septuagint / Greek Old Testament, and Deuterocanonical / Apocrypha
Usage Words
seal, seals, lord, opened, and names

Meaning and Definition

sphragis (sfrag-ece') n. 1. a signet (as fencing in or protecting from misappropriation) 2. (by implication) the stamp impressed (as a mark of privacy, or genuineness) {literally or figuratively} [probably strengthened from G5420] KJV: seal Root(s): G5420

Original Word
σφραγίς
Transliteration
sphragis
Derivation
Root: φράσσω R1: 5420
Morphology
noun

Across Lexicons

How independent scholarly lexicons define Strong's G4973. Each definition is shown with its source so you can compare and cite the original reference works.

Extended Strong's Greek Lexicon (Abbott-Smith based)

seal

Usage: σφραγίς, -ῖδος, ἡ [in LXX: Exo.28:11, al. (חוֹתָם) Exo.35:22 (חָח), Sir.17:22, al. ;] __1. a seal, signet: Rev.7:2. __2. The impression of a seal or signet, a seal (on its various purposes, see: σφραγίζω): on a book or roll, Rev.5:1-2, 5 5:9 6:1, 3 6:5, 7 6:9, 12 8:1; metaphorically, Rom.4:11, 1Co.9:2, 2Ti.2:19, Rev.9:4.† (AS)

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English Usage Signals

Frequent English words from the visible usage excerpts. These are not a replacement for the original-language definition, but they make the usage pattern easier to scan.

seal seals lord opened names gold god work stones children israel according

How Strong's G4973 Usage Compares

Indexed coverage includes New Testament, Deuterocanonical / Apocrypha, and Septuagint / Greek Old Testament. Each section below keeps corpus counts and sample passages visible so readers can compare the word across contexts instead of reading one flat concordance list.

  • The largest indexed corpus on this page is New Testament with 16 linked usages.
  • This page lets readers compare New Testament usage with Septuagint / Greek Old Testament usage, which is a key THF advantage over narrower Strong's pages.
  • Deuterocanonical / Apocrypha rows are counted separately so readers can decide how those texts relate to the main word study.

In the Septuagint (LXX)

Strong's G4973 (σφραγίς) appears 23 times in the Greek Septuagint — the Old Testament the New Testament authors quoted.

Sample Septuagint occurrences:

Read the full Greek Septuagint interlinear with Strong's →

Strong's G4973 by Corpus

Indexed usage grouped by testament and extended corpus so readers can compare this word across the Bible, Septuagint, deuterocanonical books, and 1 Enoch where present.

Strong's G4973 in the New Testament

16 indexed usages in New Testament.

Romans 4:11 KJV

And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:

1 Corinthians 9:2 KJV

If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord.

2 Timothy 2:19 KJV

Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

Strong's G4973 in the Septuagint / Greek Old Testament

10 indexed usages in Septuagint / Greek Old Testament.

Exodus 28:11 Septuagint / Brenton

It shall be the work of the stone engraver’s art; as the graving of a seal thou shalt engrave the two stones with the names of the children of Israel.

Exodus 28:21 Septuagint / Brenton

And let the stones of the names of the children of Israel be twelve according to their names, engravings as of seals: let them be for the twelve tribes each according to the name.

Exodus 28:36 Septuagint / Brenton

of pure gold, and thou shalt grave on it as the graving of a signet, Holiness of the Lord.

Strong's G4973 in the deuterocanonical books / Apocrypha

13 indexed usages in Deuterocanonical / Apocrypha.

Tobit 9:5 Septuagint / Brenton

So Raphael went out, and lodged with Gabael, and gave him the handwriting: who brought forth bags which were sealed up, and gave them to him.

4 Maccabees 7:15 Septuagint / Brenton

O blessed old age, and reverend hoar head, and life obedient to the law, which the faithful seal of death perfected.

Wisdom of Sirach 17:22 Septuagint / Brenton

The alms of a man is as a signet with him, And he will keep the good deeds of man as the apple of the eye, And give repentance to his sons and daughters.

Usage Excerpts

First 39 linked usage excerpts for Strong's G4973.

Exodus 28:11 Septuagint / Greek Old Testament, Septuagint / Brenton
It shall be the work of the stone engraver’s art; as the graving of a seal thou shalt engrave the two stones with the names of the children of Israel.
Exodus 28:21 Septuagint / Greek Old Testament, Septuagint / Brenton
And let the stones of the names of the children of Israel be twelve according to their names, engravings as of seals: let them be for the twelve tribes each according to the name.
Exodus 28:36 Septuagint / Greek Old Testament, Septuagint / Brenton
of pure gold, and thou shalt grave on it as the graving of a signet, Holiness of the Lord.
Exodus 35:22 Septuagint / Greek Old Testament, Septuagint / Brenton
even brought seals and earrings, and finger rings, and necklaces, and bracelets, every article of gold.
Exodus 36:13 Septuagint / Greek Old Testament, Septuagint / Brenton
and they made the two emerald stones clasped together and set in gold, graven and cut after the cutting of a seal with the names of the children of Israel;
Exodus 36:21 Septuagint / Greek Old Testament, Septuagint / Brenton
And the stones were twelve according to the names of the children of Israel, graven according to their names like seals, each according to his own name for the twelve tribes.
Exodus 36:37 Septuagint / Greek Old Testament, Septuagint / Brenton
And they made the golden plate, a dedicated thing of the sanctuary, of pure gold; and he wrote upon it graven letters as of a seal, Holiness to the Lord.
3 Kingdoms 20:8 Septuagint / Greek Old Testament, Septuagint / Brenton
And she wrote a letter in the name of Ahab, and sealed it with his seal, and sent the letter to the elders, and to the freemen who dwelt with Naboth.
Song of Solomon 8:6 Septuagint / Greek Old Testament, Septuagint / Brenton
Set me as a seal upon thy heart, As a seal upon thine arm; For love is strong as death; Jealousy is cruel as the grave, Her shafts are shafts of fire, even the flames thereof.
Haggai 2:23 Septuagint / Greek Old Testament, Septuagint / Brenton
In that day, saith the Lord Almighty, I will take thee, O Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, my servant, saith the Lord, and will make thee as a seal: for I have chosen thee, saith the Lord Almighty.
Romans 4:11 New Testament, KJV
And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:
1 Corinthians 9:2 New Testament, KJV
If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord.
2 Timothy 2:19 New Testament, KJV
Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
Revelation 5:1 New Testament, KJV
And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.
Revelation 5:2 New Testament, KJV
And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?
Revelation 5:5 New Testament, KJV
And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.
Revelation 5:9 New Testament, KJV
And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
Revelation 6:1 New Testament, KJV
And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.
Revelation 6:3 New Testament, KJV
And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see.
Revelation 6:5 New Testament, KJV
And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand.
Revelation 6:7 New Testament, KJV
And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see.
Revelation 6:9 New Testament, KJV
And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:
Revelation 6:12 New Testament, KJV
And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;
Revelation 7:2 New Testament, KJV
And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,
Revelation 8:1 New Testament, KJV
And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour.
Revelation 9:4 New Testament, KJV
And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads.
Tobit 9:5 Deuterocanonical / Apocrypha, Septuagint / Brenton
So Raphael went out, and lodged with Gabael, and gave him the handwriting: who brought forth bags which were sealed up, and gave them to him.
4 Maccabees 7:15 Deuterocanonical / Apocrypha, Septuagint / Brenton
O blessed old age, and reverend hoar head, and life obedient to the law, which the faithful seal of death perfected.
Wisdom of Sirach 17:22 Deuterocanonical / Apocrypha, Septuagint / Brenton
The alms of a man is as a signet with him, And he will keep the good deeds of man as the apple of the eye, And give repentance to his sons and daughters.
Wisdom of Sirach 22:27 Deuterocanonical / Apocrypha, Septuagint / Brenton
Who shall set a watch before my mouth, And a seal of wisdom upon my lips, That I fall not suddenly by them, And that my tongue destroy me not?
Wisdom of Sirach 32:5 Deuterocanonical / Apocrypha, Septuagint / Brenton
For all these things are to be done because of the commandment.
Wisdom of Sirach 32:6 Deuterocanonical / Apocrypha, Septuagint / Brenton
The offering of the righteous maketh the altar fat, And the sweet savor thereof is before the most High.
Wisdom of Sirach 38:27 Deuterocanonical / Apocrypha, Septuagint / Brenton
So every carpenter and workmaster, That laboreth night and day: And they that cut and grave seals, And are diligent to make great variety, And give themselves to counterfeit imagery, And watch to finish a work:
Wisdom of Sirach 42:6 Deuterocanonical / Apocrypha, Septuagint / Brenton
Sure keeping is good, where an evil wife is; And locked up, where many hands are.
Wisdom of Sirach 45:11 Deuterocanonical / Apocrypha, Septuagint / Brenton
With twisted scarlet, the work of the cunning workman, With precious stones graven like seals, And set in gold, the work of the jeweler, With a writing engraved for a memorial, After the number of the tribes of Israel.
Wisdom of Sirach 45:12 Deuterocanonical / Apocrypha, Septuagint / Brenton
He set a crown of gold upon the miter, Wherein was engraven Holiness, An ornament of honor, a costly work, The desires of the eyes, goodly and beautiful.
Wisdom of Sirach 49:11 Deuterocanonical / Apocrypha, Septuagint / Brenton
How shall we magnify Zerubbabel? He was even as a signet on the right hand:
Daniel 1:17 Deuterocanonical / Apocrypha, Septuagint / Brenton
And as for these four children, God gave them understanding and prudence in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.
Book 152 1:17 Deuterocanonical / Apocrypha, Septuagint / Brenton

All Indexed Usage Links

Every indexed verse link for Strong's G4973, grouped by book.

Exodus 7 usages, Septuagint / Greek Old Testament
3 Kingdoms 1 usage, Septuagint / Greek Old Testament
Song of Solomon 1 usage, Septuagint / Greek Old Testament
Haggai 1 usage, Septuagint / Greek Old Testament
Romans 1 usage, New Testament
1 Corinthians 1 usage, New Testament
2 Timothy 1 usage, New Testament
Revelation 13 usages, New Testament
Tobit 1 usage, Deuterocanonical / Apocrypha
4 Maccabees 1 usage, Deuterocanonical / Apocrypha
Wisdom of Sirach 9 usages, Deuterocanonical / Apocrypha
Daniel 1 usage, Deuterocanonical / Apocrypha
Book 152 1 usage, Deuterocanonical / Apocrypha

Strong's G4973 FAQ

What does sphragis (σφραγίς) mean?

Sphragis (Strong's G4973) is a Greek word most simply glossed "seal". sphragis (sfrag-ece') n. 1. a signet (as fencing in or protecting from misappropriation) 2. (by implication) the stamp impressed (as a mark of privacy, or genuineness)

How many times is sphragis (σφραγίς) used in the Bible?

This page currently indexes 39 linked usages for Strong's G4973 across 13 books.

Where can I study sphragis (σφραγίς) in context?

Use the linked verse references on this page to study Strong's G4973 in context. The indexed coverage includes New Testament, Septuagint / Greek Old Testament, and Deuterocanonical / Apocrypha.

What English words translate sphragis (σφραγίς)?

The visible usage excerpts most often surface English words such as seal, seals, lord, opened, names, and gold. These are scanning signals from the displayed verses, not replacements for the original-language definition.

Does Strong's G4973 appear in the Septuagint or deuterocanonical books?

Yes. The current local index includes 10 in Septuagint / Greek Old Testament and 13 in Deuterocanonical / Apocrypha for Strong's G4973, with linked reader references where each row is available.