2 Timothy 2:19. 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.
The word “seal” is here used in the sense of inscription. Ancient seals frequently had inscriptions on them; though the allusion here is to inscriptions that were placed on buildings. Besides writing on doors, (see note on Deut. 6:9, #190) it was customary to inscribe on some of the foundation-stones of large buildings words indicating the purpose for which the building was erected, or containing some striking apothegm. Allusion to this custom is also made in Revelation 21:14: “The wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.”