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keÌ„ (מפתּה, maphteÌ„ahÌ£, an “openerâ€; compare κλειÌÏ‚, kleı̄s, “that which shutsâ€): Made of wood, usually with nails which fitted into corresponding holes in the lock, or rather bolt (). Same is rendered “opening†in . See HOUSE.
Figurative: Used figuratively for power, since the key was sometimes worn on the shoulder as a sign of official authority (Isa 22-22). In the New Testament it is used several times thus figuratively: of Peter: “the keys of the kingdom of heaven†(); of Christ, in Revelation, having the “keys of death and of Hades†(), also having “the key of David†(). An angel was given “the key of the pit of the abyss†(; ). our Lord accused the teachers of the law of His day of taking away “the key of knowledge†from men, that is, locking the doors of truth against them (; compare ).