key Summary and Overview

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

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. #Mt 16:19| In England in modern times certain officers of the government receive, at their induction into office, a golden key. --ED.)

KEY (Heb. the opener, Gr. the closer), an instrument, of wood or metal, for closing or opening a lock. Jud 3:25. They were sometimes so large as to be carried on the shoulder. Isa 22:22. When so borne a key proclaimed the bearer's importance and declared him to be an officer. Egyptian lion Key. (From Wilkinson.) The key is an emblem of office, as of a treasurer, Isa 22:22; of authority in the Church of Christ, Matt 16:19; an emblem of the means of gaining knowledge of divine truth, Luke 11:52; of Christ's authority over hell and death, Rev 1:18; Hos 9:1; Eze 20:1; and of kingship. Rev 3:7. Assyrian monuments show strong gates fastened by bars, and by locks opened by huge keys like those of modern Cairo. In ancient as in modern times the transfer of government was made by giving and taking a key. The rabbins represent God as holding the keys of various operations of nature.

Song of Solomon 5:4-5. A piece of wood, from seven inches to two feet long, fitted with pegs which correspond to small holes in the bolt within; the key put through a hole draws the bolt. The symbol of authority to open or shut (Isaiah 22:22; Revelation 3:7; Revelation 1:18). A chamberlain's (eunuch) badge of office is often a key, hung by a kerchief "on the shoulders" (Isaiah 9:6). The power of the keys was given to Peter and the other apostles only at times (Matthew 16:19; Matthew 18:18) when, and in so far as, Christ made him and them infallible. Peter rightly opened the gospel door to the Gentiles (Acts 10; Acts 11:17-18; Acts 14:27), but he wrongly tried to shut it again (Galatians 2:11-18; compare Luke 11:52).