What does the Bible say about keys?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that keys symbolize God-given authority to open and shut, to grant access, and to declare His righteous judgment, with Christ holding ultimate power over life, death, and salvation. Isaiah 22:22 and Revelation 3:7 show that the Messiah alone has the key of David, opening what no one can close. In Matthew 16:19 and Matthew 18:18, Jesus entrusts His church with the keys of the kingdom through the faithful proclamation of the gospel and biblical discipline, not independent power over God’s grace. Revelation 1:18, 9:1, and 20:1 further reveal Christ’s sovereign authority even over death, hell, and Satan. Luke 11:52 warns against withholding the knowledge that leads people to God.
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Matthew 16:19
I will give to you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven; and whatever you release on earth will be released in heaven."
- Revelation 1:18
and the Living one. I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. I have the keys of Death and of Hades.
- Isaiah 22:22
The key of the house of David will I lay on his shoulder; and he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open.
- Revelation 3:7
"To the angel of the assembly in Philadelphia write: "He who is holy, he who is true, he who has the key of David, he who opens and no one can shut, and who shuts and no one opens, says these things:
- Luke 11:52
Woe to you lawyers! For you took away the key of knowledge. You didn't enter in yourselves, and those who were entering in, you hindered."
- Revelation 20:1
I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key of the abyss and a great chain in his hand.
- Revelation 9:1
The fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star from the sky which had fallen to the earth. The key to the pit of the abyss was given to him.
- Matthew 18:18
Most assuredly I tell you, whatever things you will bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever things you will release on earth will be released in heaven.
- Judges 3:25
They waited until they were ashamed; and, behold, he didn't open the doors of the upper room: therefore they took the key, and opened [them], and, behold, their lord was fallen down dead on the earth.
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