In biblical times, the term "latch" refers to a fastening device used to secure doors or gates. The concept of a latch is often associated with the idea of security and protection, as well as the act of opening or closing access to a particular space. While the specific term "latch" is not frequently mentioned in the Bible, the concept is closely related to doors and gates, which are significant in both literal and metaphorical contexts throughout Scripture.

Biblical References and Symbolism

1. Security and Protection: The use of a latch or similar device in ancient times was crucial for the security of a household or city. In the Bible, gates and doors often symbolize protection and the boundary between safety and danger. For example, in the account of Lot in Genesis 19, the door of his house serves as a barrier against the wickedness of Sodom: "But they pressed hard against Lot and came up to break down the door" (Genesis 19:9).

2. Access and Authority: The act of opening or closing a door, often secured by a latch, can symbolize authority and control over access. In Revelation 3:7, Jesus is described as having the authority to open and shut doors: "What He opens, no one will shut; and what He shuts, no one will open" (Revelation 3:7). This passage highlights the divine authority of Christ in granting or denying access to the kingdom of God.

3. Metaphorical Use: The concept of a latch can also be understood metaphorically in terms of spiritual readiness and vigilance. In the parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13), the closed door represents the finality of judgment and the importance of being prepared for the coming of the bridegroom, symbolizing Christ's return.

4. Cultural Context: In the cultural context of the Bible, a latch would have been a simple yet essential component of daily life. It reflects the practical aspects of living in ancient times, where securing one's home was a basic necessity. The imagery of a latch, therefore, resonates with the everyday experiences of biblical characters and their reliance on God's protection.

Theological Implications

The imagery of a latch, while not explicitly detailed in Scripture, carries theological implications regarding God's protection, authority, and the importance of spiritual preparedness. It serves as a reminder of the boundaries set by God for the safety and sanctity of His people, as well as the ultimate authority of Christ in determining access to eternal life. The concept encourages believers to remain vigilant and faithful, recognizing the significance of divine protection and the call to be ready for the fulfillment of God's promises.1. (v. t.) To smear; to anoint.

2. (n.) That which fastens or holds; a lace; a snare.

3. (n.) A movable piece which holds anything in place by entering a notch or cavity; specifically, the catch which holds a door or gate when closed, though it be not bolted.

4. (n.) A latching.

5. (n.) A crossbow.

6. (n.) To catch so as to hold.

7. (n.) To catch or fasten by means of a latch.

Sorrow the Pledge of Joy.
... God loves not sorrow, yet rejoices to see a man sorrowful, for in his sorrow man
leaves his heavenward door on the latch, and God can enter to help him. ...
/.../macdonald/hope of the gospel/sorrow the pledge of joy.htm

Women's Bible Training School
... He held the door open for his companion to enter also, if he would, with an expression,
as he lifted the latch, which seemed to ask Marius, "Would you like to ...
/.../the fulfilment of a dream of pastor hsis/chapter xvi womens bible training.htm

A Heart-Breaking Verse.
... As you come to the door you reach for your latch-key, and find, in the busy rush,
you seem to have forgotten it, somehow. So you ring the bell or knock. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on johns gospel/a heart-breaking verse.htm

March the Twentieth the Lord is at Hand!
... Then let me always live as though my Lord were at the gate! Let me arrange my affairs
on the assumption that the next to lift the latch will be the King. ...
/.../my daily meditation for the circling year/march the twentieth the lord.htm

Further Answers to Prayer
... I put on my overcoat, and was preparing to leave for home, rather thankful to know
that by that time I should have to let myself in with the latch-key, as my ...
//christianbookshelf.org/taylor/a retrospect/chapter iv further answers to.htm

A Human Picture of God.
... And he took his pillow, and went softly out of the room; climbed the attic steps
softly, and pressed the latch softly so as not to wake the boy if he were ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks with world winners/a human picture of god.htm

Salvation of the Lord
... I do verily believe that if it should ever be my lot to put my foot upon the golden
threshold of Paradise, and put this thumb upon the pearly latch, I should ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/salvation of the lord.htm

Christ Teaching Liberality
... ones. Tears moistened his eyes. He put his thumb on the latch of the door.
The latch was gently lifted and the door opened. He took ...
/.../newton/the life of jesus christ for the young/christ teaching liberality.htm

The Sleeper.
... Again and again had they imagined that at last they heard His tardy step, or listened
to His hand on the latch, or to the loving music of His longed-for voice. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macduff/memories of bethany/vi the sleeper.htm

Darkness Before the Dawn
... Keep the candle burning in the window, to let him see that you are awake; keep the
door on the latch, that when he cometh you may quickly open unto him. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 42 1896/darkness before the dawn.htm

Latch (1 Occurrence)
... 5. (n.) A crossbow. 6. (n.) To catch so as to hold. 7. (n.) To catch or fasten by
means of a latch. Multi-Version Concordance Latch (1 Occurrence). ...
/l/latch.htm - 7k

Latch-opening (1 Occurrence)
Latch-opening. Latchet, Latch-opening. Late . Multi-Version
Concordance Latch-opening (1 Occurrence). Song of Songs ...
/l/latch-opening.htm - 6k

Latchet (4 Occurrences)

/l/latchet.htm - 8k

Lasts (9 Occurrences)

/l/lasts.htm - 8k

Late (24 Occurrences)

/l/late.htm - 14k

Fly (33 Occurrences)
... 21. (n.) The piece hinged to the needle, which holds the engaged loop in position
while the needle is penetrating another loop; a latch. 22. ...
/f/fly.htm - 26k

Trip (4 Occurrences)
... lowering it. 10. (vt) To release, let fall, or see free, as a weight or
compressed spring, as by removing a latch or detent. 11. (n ...
/t/trip.htm - 9k

Pounded (3 Occurrences)
... abroad. (See NIV). Song of Songs 5:4 My beloved thrust his hand in through
the latch opening. My heart pounded for him. (WEB). Habakkuk ...
/p/pounded.htm - 7k

Pound (13 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). Song of Songs 5:4 My beloved thrust his hand in through the latch
opening. My heart pounded for him. (Root in WEB NIV). ...
/p/pound.htm - 13k

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