Key
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Frequently mentioned in Scripture. It is called in Hebrew maphteah, i.e., the opener (Judg 3:25); and in the Greek New Testament kleis, from its use in shutting (Matt 16:19; Luke 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 (comp. Isa 22:22).
The word is used figuratively of power or authority or office (Isa 22:22; Rev 3:7; Rev 1:8; comp. 9:1; 20:1; comp. also Matt 16:19; 18:18). The “key of knowledge” (Luke 11:52; comp. Matt 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.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
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 (Judg 3:25). Same is rendered "opening" in 1 Chr 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" (Matt 16:19); of Christ, in Revelation, having the "keys of death and of Hades" (Rev 1:18), also having "the key of David" (Rev 3:7). An angel was given "the key of the pit of the abyss" (Rev 9:1; Rev 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 (Luke 11:52; compare Matt 23:13).
Edward Bagby Pollard
Kilde: Easton's Bible Dictionary (M.G. Easton, 1897) og International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (red. James Orr, 1915/1939), public domain. Oversat til dansk med AI og endnu ikke gennemlæst (helt eller delvis). Koblinger til personer og steder: Theographic Bible Metadata (CC BY-SA 4.0).