Maphteah Judges 3:25 Kleis Matthew 16:19Luke 11:52Revelation 1:18Isaiah 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.