In biblical terminology, the concept of an "opener" is not directly referenced as a specific term; however, the idea of opening is prevalent throughout Scripture, often symbolizing revelation, access, or the initiation of divine action. The act of opening can be both literal and metaphorical, representing God's intervention, the unveiling of truth, or the commencement of new spiritual realities.

Divine Revelation and Understanding

One of the most significant uses of the concept of opening in the Bible is related to divine revelation and understanding. In Luke 24:45, it is recorded, "Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures." Here, Jesus opens the minds of His disciples, allowing them to comprehend the truths of Scripture. This act signifies the necessity of divine intervention for true understanding of God's Word, emphasizing that spiritual insight is a gift from God.

Access to God

The idea of opening is also associated with access to God. In the New Testament, the tearing of the temple veil at the moment of Jesus' death is a profound symbol of this access. Matthew 27:51 states, "At that moment the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom." This act signifies the opening of a new way to approach God, made possible through the sacrifice of Christ, granting believers direct access to the Father.

Opening of Hearts

The opening of hearts is another significant theme. In Acts 16:14, we read about Lydia, "The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message." This opening of the heart is an essential work of the Holy Spirit, enabling individuals to receive and respond to the Gospel. It underscores the belief that conversion and faith are initiated by God's grace.

Opening of Doors

The metaphor of doors being opened is frequently used to describe opportunities for ministry and the spread of the Gospel. In 1 Corinthians 16:9, Paul writes, "For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries." This imagery conveys the idea that God provides opportunities for His work to advance, even amidst opposition.

Opening of the Heavens

The opening of the heavens is a powerful biblical image that signifies divine revelation and blessing. In Matthew 3:16, during Jesus' baptism, "the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and resting on Him." This event marks the beginning of Jesus' public ministry and the affirmation of His identity as the Son of God.

Opening of the Eyes

The opening of physical and spiritual eyes is a recurring theme, illustrating the transition from blindness to sight, ignorance to knowledge. In John 9:32, the healing of the man born blind is recounted: "Never before has anyone heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind." This miracle serves as a metaphor for spiritual enlightenment and the transformative power of Christ.

Opening of the Graves

In the context of resurrection and eschatological hope, the opening of graves is a significant motif. In Matthew 27:52, following Jesus' crucifixion, "the tombs broke open, and the bodies of many saints who had fallen asleep were raised." This event foreshadows the future resurrection of believers and the ultimate victory over death.

Conclusion

The concept of opening in the Bible encompasses a wide range of meanings, from the literal to the deeply symbolic. It reflects God's initiative in revealing Himself, granting access to His presence, and transforming lives through His power. Whether through the opening of minds, hearts, doors, or heavens, the biblical narrative consistently points to God's active role in unveiling His purposes and inviting humanity into a deeper relationship with Him.(n.) One who, or that which, opens.4668. maphteach -- a key
... Word Origin from pathach Definition a key NASB Word Usage key (2), opening (1).
key. From pathach; an opener, ie A key -- key. see HEBREW pathach. 4667, 4668 ...
/hebrew/4668.htm - 6k

Christ the Breaker
... II. Again, take another application of this same figure found in Scripture, which
sets forth Jesus Christ as being the Opener of the path to God. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/christ the breaker.htm

The Heirs of Heaven and Earth.
... guess at what number may have heard him on this occasion: he seems to have gone
up the mount because of the crowd"to secure a somewhat opener position whence ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/macdonald/hope of the gospel/the heirs of heaven and.htm

For Nothing is Effected by Fiction and Invention, by any Contrived ...
... you see the full meaning of these words of our author, "All is magical and that
magic is the mother of all things," and consequently, the only opener of all ...
/.../law/the way to divine knowledge/way-2-93 for nothing is effected.htm

God Created us in and for the Light; and had Adam Kept his First ...
... for the light; and had Adam kept his first state, he had not been an ignorant, blind
pilgrim in the darkness of this world, but the illustrious opener of all ...
/.../law/the way to divine knowledge/way-2-70 god created us in.htm

Now the Three First Properties of Nature; the First...
... a globe of fire and light, which was to stand as an out-birth of the eternal fire,
in the midst of this new- created materiality, and become the opener of all ...
/.../law/the way to divine knowledge/way-3-34 now the three first.htm

Jesus Baptized by John in the Jordan.
... Christ is the opener of heaven for all men], and he saw the Spirit of God descending
[the Spirit came upon Jesus to give him the miraculous power which he ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xviii jesus baptized by john.htm

"Art Thou He?"
... (2) Disappointment. When first consigned to prison, he had expected every day that
Jesus would in some way deliver him. Was He not the opener of prison-doors? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/meyer/john the baptist/xi art thou he.htm

Book ii. --Of the Harmony of the Old and New Laws.
... That Christ should come to earth, and be a man! Whom when John saw, baptism's
first opener, John,. Comrade of seers, apostle great, and sent. ...
/.../fathers of the third century tertullian appendix/book ii of the harmony of.htm

section i.
... suffer without reaction: those usual Satyrs and invectives of the Pulpit may perchance
produce a good effect on the vulgar, whose ears are opener to Rhetorick ...
//christianbookshelf.org/browne/religio medici/section i.htm

A Plot Detected
... A superior's condescension is a wonderful lip-opener. We all have some people who
look up to us, and to whom small kindlinesses from us are precious. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/a plot detected.htm

Opener (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) One who, or that which, opens. Multi-Version
Concordance Opener (2 Occurrences). Ezekiel 20:26 And ...
/o/opener.htm - 7k

Key (8 Occurrences)
... It is called in Hebrew maphteah, ie, the opener (Judges 3:25); and in the Greek
New Testament kleis, from its use in shutting (Matthew 16:19; Luke 11:52 ...
/k/key.htm - 14k

Openest (2 Occurrences)

/o/openest.htm - 6k

Jephthah (26 Occurrences)
... jef'-tha (yiphtach, "opened," or "opener," probably signifying "Yahweh will open";
Iephthae; used as the name of a place, as in Joshua 15:43; Joshua 19:14; of ...
/j/jephthah.htm - 20k

Opens (30 Occurrences)
... Micah 2:13 The opener of the way will go up before them: forcing their way out they
will go on to the doorway and out through it: their king will go on before ...
/o/opens.htm - 14k

Forcing (25 Occurrences)
... Micah 2:13 The opener of the way will go up before them: forcing their way out they
will go on to the doorway and out through it: their king will go on before ...
/f/forcing.htm - 15k

Opened (182 Occurrences)

/o/opened.htm - 36k

Opener: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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