Dictionaries :: Key

Key:

frequently mentioned in Scripture. It is called in Hebrew maphteah, i.e., the opener (Jdg 3:25); and in the Greek New Testament kleis, from its use in shutting (Mat 16:19; Luk 11:52; Rev 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 (Isa 22:22).

The word is used figuratively of power or authority or office (Isa 22:22; Rev 3:7; Rev 1:8; Rev 9:1; 20:1; also Mat 16:19; 18:18). The "key of knowledge" (Luk 11:52; Mat 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.

Key:

ke (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 (Jud 3:25). Same is rendered "opening" in 1Ch 9:27.

See HOUSE.

Figurative: Used figuratively for power, since the key was sometimes worn on the shoulder as a sign of official authority (Isa 22-22). In the New Testament it is used several times thus figuratively: of Peter: "the keys of the kingdom of heaven" (Mt 16:19); of Christ, in Revelation, having the "keys of death and of Hades" (Re 1:18), also having "the key of David" (Re 3:7). An angel was given "the key of the pit of the abyss" (Re 9:1; 20:1). our Lord accused the teachers of the law of His day of taking away "the key of knowledge" from men, that is, locking the doors of truth against them (Lu 11:52; compare Mt 23:13).

Written by Edward Bagby Pollard

Key: General Scriptures Concerning

Jdg 3:25

Key: A Symbol of Authority

Isa 22:22; Mat 16:19; Rev 1:18; 3:7; 9:1; 20:1

Key: Figurative:

Luk 11:52

Key:

"a key," is used metaphorically

(a) of "the keys of the kingdom of heaven," which the Lord committed to Peter, Mat 16:19, by which he would open the door of faith, as he did to Jews at Pentecost, and to Gentiles in the person of Cornelius, acting as one commissioned by Christ, through the power of the Holy Spirit; he had precedence over his fellow disciples, not in authority, but in the matter of time, on the ground of his confession of Christ (Mat 18:16); equal authority was committed to them (Mat 18:18);

(b) of "the key of knowledge," Luk 11:52, i.e., knowledge of the revealed will of God, by which men entered into the life that pleases God; this the religious leaders of the Jews had presumptuously "taken away," so that they neither entered in themselves, nor permitted their hearers to do so;

(c) of "the keys of death and of Hades," Rev 1:18, RV (see HADES), indicative of the authority of the Lord over the bodies and souls of men;

(d) of "the key of David," Rev 3:7, a reference to Isa 22:22, speaking of the deposition of Shebna and the investiture of Eliakim, in terms evidently Messianic, the metaphor being that of the right of entrance upon administrative authority; the mention of David is symbolic of complete sovereignty;

(e) of "the key of the pit of the abyss," Rev 9:1; here the symbolism is that of competent authority; the pit represents a shaft or deep entrance into the region (see ABYSS), from whence issued smoke, symbolic of blinding delusion;

(f) of "the key of the abyss," Rev 20:1;
this is to be distinguished from (e): the symbolism is that of the complete supremacy of God over the region of the lost, in which, by angelic agency, Satan is destined to be confined for a thousand years.

Key:

The 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.)