The Hebrew chothameth (feminine form of chotham) refers to a signet ring or seal used to authenticate documents and mark ownership. Seals in the ancient Near East were critical instruments of identity, authority, and covenant.
The signet/seal in Scripture consistently represents identity, authority, and belonging. When Judah gives his signet to Tamar (Genesis 38:18), it represents his entire identity and pledge. God declares Zerubbabel will be 'like my signet ring' (Haggai 2:23), reversing the curse on Jehoiachin and restoring the Davidic line. In the New Testament, believers are 'sealed with the Holy Spirit' (Ephesians 1:13), the divine signet that marks them as God's possession and guarantees their inheritance. The ancient practice of sealing transforms into the eschatological promise of permanent divine ownership.