257. Sealed with seven seals. This symbolizes the Word completely hidden from angel and man.

It is apparent that to be sealed with a seal means, symbolically, to be hidden. Therefore to be sealed with seven seals means, symbolically, to be completely hidden, for seven symbolizes all (no. 10), thus also completely. That the Word was completely hidden from angel and man is soon declared in the following words, "And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the book and read it, or to look in it" (verses 3, 4). Such is the Word to all to whom the Lamb, or Lord, does not open it.

Because the subject here is the exploration of all people before the Last Judgment, it is the states of life of all in general and in particular that are completely hidden.