Key
Key [1]
kē ( מפתּה , maphtēaḥ , an "opener"; compare κλείς , kleı̄s , "that which shuts"): Made of wood, usually with nails which fitted into corresponding holes in the lock, or rather bolt ( Judges 3:25 ). Same is rendered "opening" in 1 Chronicles 9:27 . See House .
Figurative: Used figuratively for power, since the key was sometimes worn on the shoulder as a sign of official authority ( Isaiah 22-22 ). In the New Testament it is used several times thus figuratively: of Peter: "the keys of the kingdom of heaven" ( Matthew 16:19 ); of Christ, in Revelation, having the "keys of death and of Hades" ( Revelation 1:18 ), also having "the key of David" ( Revelation 3:7 ). An angel was given "the key of the pit of the abyss" ( Revelation 9:1; Revelation 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 Matthew 23:13 ).
