Bible Dictionaries
Key

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Frequently mentioned in Scripture. It is called in Hebrew Maphteah , I.e., the opener ( Judges 3:25 ); and in the Greek New Testament Kleis , From its use in shutting ( Matthew 16:19; Luke 11:52; Revelation 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 Isaiah 22:22 ).

The word is used figuratively of power or authority or office (Isaiah 22:22; Revelation 3:7; Revelation 1:8; comp 9:1; 20:1; Compare also Matthew 16:19; 18:18 ). The "key of knowledge" (Luke 11:52; Compare Matthew 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.