κλείς (kleis)
kleis
key
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun kleis simply means "key." In the New Testament, it appears only six times, yet its usage carries significant weight. It is not used for minor locks but for important access points that control entry or exit. The word denotes a tool of authority, specifically the power to open what is closed and shut what is open.
This concept of authority appears in several distinct contexts. Jesus gives Peter the "keys of the kingdom of heaven" in Matthew 16:19, linking the object to spiritual jurisdiction. In Luke 11:52, Jesus criticizes experts in the law for taking away the "key of knowledge," preventing others from entering understanding. Revelation uses the imagery powerfully: Christ holds the keys of death and Hades (Revelation 1:18) and of the Abyss (Revelation 20:1), while also describing Himself as the one who holds David’s key, opening doors no one can shut (Revelation 3:7).
The term derives from a root meaning to lock or bolt. Its biblical application consistently points to sovereign control over access. Whether referring to the kingdom, knowledge, or death, the key symbolizes ultimate authority granted by God to manage divine boundaries.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word for "key" in the New Testament points to authority over access. It is not about minor household locks but significant boundaries that control entry or exit. When Scripture speaks of keys, it describes a power granted by God to open what was closed and shut what was open. This imagery reminds us that spiritual access is never random; it is managed by sovereign will.
In Matthew 16:19, Jesus gives Peter the "keys of the kingdom," linking this object to spiritual jurisdiction. In Revelation, Christ holds the keys of death and Hades, showing His ultimate control over life and afterlife. These passages assure believers that no door is permanently shut against God's purposes, nor is any barrier beyond His reach.
For your faith, this means you can trust in a God who manages all access to Himself. Whether facing spiritual confusion or the fear of death, remember that Jesus holds the authority to open hearts and close the power of darkness. You are invited into this secure relationship through Him alone.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- key4×
- keys2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κλεῖν2×
- κλεῖς1×
- κλεῖδας1×
- κλεῖδα1×
- κλεὶς1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 16:19
I will give to you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven; and whatever you release on earth will have been released in heaven.”
This verse establishes the key as a symbol of delegated spiritual authority to bind and loose within the community of believers.
-
Revelation of John 1:18
and the Living one. I was dead, and behold, I am alive forever and ever. Amen. I have the keys of Death and of Hades.
Here, the key signifies Christ's absolute sovereignty over death and the grave, ensuring His victory is final and irreversible.
-
Revelation of John 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:
The "key of David" highlights Jesus' unique right to open doors for ministry that no human power can close or reverse.