Jump to: Smith's • ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the term "key" is often used both literally and metaphorically, symbolizing authority, access, and control. The concept of a key is significant in understanding various scriptural passages and theological themes.Old Testament References The literal use of keys in the Old Testament is sparse, but the metaphorical use is profound. In Isaiah 22:22, the key is a symbol of authority and responsibility: "I will place on his shoulder the key to the house of David; what he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open." This passage refers to Eliakim, who is given authority over the house of David, symbolizing the power to grant or deny access. New Testament References In the New Testament, keys are mentioned in several significant contexts. In Matthew 16:19, Jesus speaks to Peter, saying, "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." Here, keys represent the authority given to Peter and, by extension, the Church, to govern spiritual matters and make binding decisions. Revelation 1:18 presents Jesus as the one who holds "the keys of Death and Hades," signifying His authority over life and death and His victory over the grave. This imagery underscores Christ's ultimate power and sovereignty. Symbolism and Theological Significance The key is a powerful symbol of authority and control. In biblical times, keys were large and often carried on the shoulder, signifying the weight of responsibility. The person who held the key had the power to open and close doors, representing the ability to grant or restrict access. In a spiritual sense, keys denote the authority to teach, interpret, and apply God's Word. The "keys of the kingdom" given to Peter and the apostles symbolize the authority to establish church doctrine and discipline, reflecting the Church's role in guiding believers in faith and practice. Christ as the Holder of Keys Christ's possession of the keys of Death and Hades in Revelation emphasizes His dominion over all realms. It assures believers of His control over their eternal destiny and His power to unlock the gates of death, offering eternal life to those who follow Him. Conclusion The concept of keys in the Bible is rich with meaning, encompassing themes of authority, responsibility, and divine sovereignty. Whether in the hands of a faithful servant like Eliakim or the ultimate authority of Christ, keys symbolize the power to open and close, to bind and loose, reflecting the profound spiritual truths of God's kingdom. Smith's Bible Dictionary KeyThe key of a native Oriental lock is a piece of wood, from seven inches to two feet in length, fitted with the wires or short nails, which, being inserted laterally into the hollow bolt which serves as a lock, raises other pins within the staple so as to allow the bolt to be drawn back. (Keys were sometimes of bronze or iron, and so large that one was as much as a man could carry. They are used in Scripture as a symbol of authority and power. Giving keys to a person signifies the intrusting of him with an important charge. (Matthew 16:19) In England in modern times certain officers of the government receive, at their induction into office, a golden key. --ED.) Easton's Bible Dictionary Frequently mentioned in Scripture. It is called in Hebrew maphteah, i.e., the opener (Judges 3:25); and in the Greek New Testament kleis, from its use in shutting (Matthew 16:19; Luke 11:52; Revelation 1:18, etc.). Figures of ancient Egyptian keys are frequently found on the monuments, also of Assyrian locks and keys of wood, and of a large size (Comp. Isaiah 22:22).The word is used figuratively of power or authority or office (Isaiah 22:22; Revelation 3:7; Revelation 1:8; Comp. 9:1; 20:1; Comp. also Matthew 16:19; 18:18). The "key of knowledge" (Luke 11:52; Comp. Matthew 23:13) is the means of attaining the knowledge regarding the kingdom of God. The "power of the keys" is a phrase in general use to denote the extent of ecclesiastical authority. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) An instrument by means of which the bolt of a lock is shot or drawn; usually, a removable metal instrument fitted to the mechanism of a particular lock and operated by turning in its place.2. (n.) An instrument which is turned like a key in fastening or adjusting any mechanism; as, a watch key; a bed key, etc. 3. (n.) That part of an instrument or machine which serves as the means of operating it; as, a telegraph key; the keys of a pianoforte, or of a typewriter. 4. (n.) A position or condition which affords entrance, control, pr possession, etc.; as, the key of a line of defense; the key of a country; the key of a political situation. Hence, that which serves to unlock, open, discover, or solve something unknown or difficult; as, the key to a riddle; the key to a problem. 5. (n.) That part of a mechanism which serves to lock up, make fast, or adjust to position. 6. (n.) A piece of wood used as a wedge. 7. (n.) The last board of a floor when laid down. 8. (n.) A keystone. 9. (n.) That part of the plastering which is forced through between the laths and holds the rest in place. 10. (n.) A wedge to unite two or more pieces, or adjust their relative position; a cotter; a forelock. 11. (n.) A bar, pin or wedge, to secure a crank, pulley, coupling, etc., upon a shaft, and prevent relative turning; sometimes holding by friction alone, but more frequently by its resistance to shearing, being usually embedded partly in the shaft and partly in the crank, pulley, etc. 12. (n.) An indehiscent, one-seeded fruit furnished with a wing, as the fruit of the ash and maple; a samara; -- called also key fruit. 13. (n.) A family of tones whose regular members are called diatonic tones, and named key tone (or tonic) or one (or eight), mediant or three, dominant or five, subdominant or four, submediant or six, supertonic or two, and subtonic or seven. Chromatic tones are temporary members of a key, under such names as sharp four, flat seven, etc. Scales and tunes of every variety are made from the tones of a key. 14. (n.) The fundamental tone of a movement to which its modulations are referred, and with which it generally begins and ends; keynote. 15. (n.) Fig: The general pitch or tone of a sentence or utterance. 16. (v. t.) To fasten or secure firmly; to fasten or tighten with keys or wedges. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia KEYke (maphteach, an "opener"; compare kleis, "that which shuts"): Made of wood, usually with nails which fitted into corresponding holes in the lock, or rather bolt (Judges 3:25). Same is rendered "opening" in 1 Chronicles 9:27. Greek 2807. kleis -- a key ... 2806, 2807. kleis. 2808 . a key. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: kleis Phonetic Spelling: (klice) Short Definition: a key Definition: a key ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2807.htm - 6k 5429. phronimos -- practically wise, sensible 5440. phulakterion -- an outpost, fortification, an amulet 1321. didasko -- to teach 2033. hepta -- seven 1065. ge -- emphasizes the word to which it is joined 302. an -- usually untranslatable, but generally denoting ... 3129. manthano -- to learn 32. aggelos -- a messenger, angel Strong's Hebrew 4668. maphteach -- a key... 4667, 4668. maphteach. 4669 . a key. Transliteration: maphteach Phonetic Spelling: (maf-tay'-akh) Short Definition: key. Word Origin ... /hebrew/4668.htm - 6k Library A Key to the Apocalypse A Key to the Knowledge of Church History The Apocalyptical Key; Whether Christ had the Key? Whether the Key is the Power of Binding and Loosing, Etc. ? Key to the Sounds of the Vowels in the Ojibway. Whether a Priest Can Use the Key which He Has, on any Man? Nearness to God the Key to Life's Puzzle Get the Key to Job. The Key-Note of a Choice Sonnet Thesaurus Key (8 Occurrences)... also Matthew 16:19; 18:18). The "key of knowledge" (Luke 11:52; Comp. Matthew 23:13) is the means of attaining the knowledge regarding the kingdom of God. ... /k/key.htm - 14k Natural (49 Occurrences) Power (862 Occurrences) Outsider (9 Occurrences) Wrest (8 Occurrences) Ward (27 Occurrences) Fifth (65 Occurrences) Bolt (5 Occurrences) Bottomless (9 Occurrences) Shuts (12 Occurrences) Resources What is the Key of David? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Key of Solomon? | GotQuestions.org What is the key to victory when struggling with sin? | GotQuestions.org Key: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Key (8 Occurrences)Luke 11:52 Revelation 3:7 Revelation 9:1 Revelation 20:1 Judges 3:25 1 Chronicles 9:27 Isaiah 22:22 Isaiah 33:6 Subtopics Key: General Scriptures Concerning Related Terms |