Within the Bible, keys are mentioned specifically and also metaphorically to depict divine sovereignty and the believer’s spiritual empowerment. These biblical references to keys extend understanding beyond physical realms, offering spiritual insights into the kingdom of heaven.
What are the Biblical References to Keys?
The Bible makes several references to keys, each with a distinct interpretation. From symbolizing authority to representing the power of God’s kingdom, keys hold essential significance. An instance in the Old Testament of the Bible refers to the key of the house of David. It denotes authority and honor bestowed upon the faithful steward Eliakim. Here, the key signifies his elevated position, authority, and the power to open and close doors, an implication of control and administration.
In the New Testament, the metaphorical use of keys becomes more poignant. We get introduced to the keys of the kingdom of heaven, given to the apostle Peter. This profound endowment symbolizes the entrusted authority to Peter and disciples to proclaim the Gospel, offering repentance and forgiveness in Jesus’ name. It consigns the capacity to grant believers access into heaven, demonstrating a pivotal moment in the establishment of the Church.
Who Holds the Key to Death and Hades?
In Revelation, one of the critical references to keys presents Jesus proclaiming He holds the keys to death and Hades. Here, the keys denote Jesus’ victory over death, affirming his supremacy and control over the earthly and spiritual realms. It establishes Him as the ultimate authority, embodying the power to give life and take it away. Holding the keys to death and Hades illustrates the triumphant Jesus, Who conquered death through His resurrection, and hence, holds the power to judge and provide eternal life.
Why are Keys Symbolic in the Bible?
Significantly, keys are symbolic in the Bible because of the authority and control they represent. Keys imply power and responsibility, as seen in the house of David’s key, while also revealing God’s power to enable or restrict accessibility as depicted through the keys of the kingdom of heaven entrusted to Peter. In essence, they symbolize God’s authority delegated to humanity to advance His kingdom on earth.
In a broader perspective, keys also imply mystery and revelation. Much like a physical key unlocks doors, biblical keys are used metaphorically to reveal hidden wisdom and knowledge, unlocking profound spiritual truths. These scripture keys enable believers to understand God’s word more holistically, enhancing spiritual growth.
What is the Key of David in The Bible?
The key of David is a phrase from the book of Isaiah that represents the authority and power of the Davidic line of Kings in ancient Israel. The Bible states that Eliakim, serving as a steward in King Hezekiah’s court, received the key to the house of David. The bestowing of this key was a metaphor for his new-found authority, an indication that he could grant or deny access to the King and make significant decisions on behalf of the kingdom.
The Biblical rhetoric of the key takes on an amplified spiritual meaning in the New Testament. Jesus, coming from the Davidic line, is the rightful holder of the key of David. He is declared to have the authority to open what no one can shut, and to shut what no one can open. Hence, the reference to the key of David in the context of Jesus symbolizes His ultimate authority and rule over the kingdom of Heaven.
When Do Keys Represent Revelation in the Bible?
In many scriptural contexts, keys represent revelation of deeper spiritual understanding. For instance, Peter’s confession that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, is depicted as a revelation. Following this confession, Jesus entrusts Peter with the keys to the kingdom of Heaven, showing a link between revelation and the granting of keys. This illustrates that revelation acts as a key, opening the understanding of spiritual matters, and endowing believers with the wisdom to navigate their spiritual journey.
In essence, keys within the Bible unveil divine mysteries and truths, allowing believers to uncover and understand God’s kingdom’s intricate workings. Keys, hence, remain a powerful symbol of revelation, authority, and accessibility throughout biblical narratives, underlining the essential nature of spiritual understanding and enlightenment in the walk of faith.
Below is our full list of bible verses on keys (King James Version – KJV) provided in ranked order.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Keys
Matthew 16:19
“19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
Related Themes: Excommunication
Revelation 1:18
“18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.”
Revelation 3:7
“7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;”
Related Themes: Omnipotence
Isaiah 22:22
“22 And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; so he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open.”
Related Themes: Doors
Luke 11:52
“52 Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered.”
Revelation 9:1
“1 And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit.”
Revelation 20:1
“1 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.”
Related Themes: Earth Hell Armageddon Earth Hope
Judges 3:25
“25 And they tarried till they were ashamed: and, behold, he opened not the doors of the parlour; therefore they took a key, and opened them: and, behold, their lord was fallen down dead on the earth.”
Proverbs 3:5-6
“5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
Related Themes: Frustration Trust Letting Go Faith Life
Matthew 18:18
“18 Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
Related Themes: Trespassing Revenge Excommunication Indulgence
Philippians 4:6
“6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”
Related Themes: Patience Prayer Loneliness Nervousness Worry
Matthew 16:18
“18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
Related Themes: Church Hell Foundation Criticism Greed
Romans 12:1-2
“1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
Philippians 4:13
“13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
Related Themes: Strength Omnipotence Self Confidence Life Greatness
Psalm 119:105
“105 NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
John 14:6
“6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
Related Themes: Telling The Truth Life Truth Homelessness Reputation
Psalm 23:1-6
“1 A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.”
Related Themes: Criticism Gossip Life Hope Omnipotence
Matthew 7:7-8
“7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.”
Related Themes: New Beginnings Guidance Confusion Dating Doors
Jeremiah 29:11
“11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”
Related Themes: Hope New Beginnings Patience Frustration Life
Matthew 13:52
“52 Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.”
Joshua 1:8
“8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”
Related Themes: Creativity Prosperity Learning Success Fortune
1 John 1:9
“9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Related Themes: Repentance Forgiveness Bitterness Lust Attitude
John 3:16
“16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Related Themes: Trespassing Life Love Money Omnipotence
Hebrews 11:1
“1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
Related Themes: Hope Faith Telling The Truth Strangers Frustration
Proverbs 3:5
“5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.”
Related Themes: Frustration Trust Letting Go Faith Life
John 20:23
“23 Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.”
Psalm 119:11
“11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”
Matthew 6:33
“33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
Romans 6:23
“23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Related Themes: Life Hell Repentance Sin Omnipotence
1 Corinthians 10:13
“13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”
Related Themes: Lust Self-Control Addiction Strength Temptation
