Lexical Summary maphteach: Key Original Word: מַפְתֵּחַ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance key From pathach; an opener, i.e. A key -- key. see HEBREW pathach NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom pathach Definition a key NASB Translation key (2), opening (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs מַפְתֵּחַ noun masculine key (opening instrument); — ׳מ absolute Judges 3:25; 1 Chronicles 9:27; construct Isaiah 22:22 = (figurative). Topical Lexicon Physical and Cultural BackgroundIn the world of the Judges and of Isaiah, doors were secured by wooden cross-bars that slid into sockets in the jamb. The bar could be raised only by reaching through an aperture with a long, tooth-shaped implement that lifted the pins—an ancient forerunner of the modern key. Because households stored valuables and conducted legal business at the city gate, the ability to lock or unlock a doorway guarded both possessions and reputation. Keys were large enough to be slung across the shoulder, an image retained in prophetic symbolism (Isaiah 22:22). Occurrences in Scripture 1. Judges 3:25 records palace servants retrieving a “key” to open “the doors of the upstairs room” after the assassination of Eglon. Here the object is strictly functional, but it also highlights the helplessness of human defenses against the judgment of God. Symbol of Delegated Authority Possession of the key meant access, control, and authorization. In Isaiah the key is not merely handed to Eliakim; it is laid “on his shoulder,” the customary place where official insignia were carried (cf. the priestly ephod and the yoke of rulership in Isaiah 9:6). Thus the key becomes a badge of stewardship over the royal household. The steward did not own the resources; he administered them on behalf of the king. Faithfulness, therefore, was measured by loyalty to the one who conferred the key. Messianic Trajectory The promise to Eliakim foreshadows a greater fulfillment in Jesus Christ: • Revelation 3:7 applies Isaiah’s oracle directly to Christ: “These are the words of the One who is holy and true, who holds the key of David.” Thus, the Old Testament key anticipates the Messiah’s absolute control over salvation history while affirming the consistency of God’s redemptive plan. Theology of Opening and Shutting Scripture consistently links keys with two complementary actions: 1. Opening—granting entry, opportunity, and blessing (Genesis 7:13-16; Acts 14:27). Because both functions belong to God, any human who wields a key does so only by divine commission. Improper use incurs judgment, as when the lawyers in Luke 11:52 “took away the key of knowledge” and prevented others from entering. Implications for Ministry Today • Stewardship: Church leaders bear a delegated responsibility analogous to Eliakim’s. Faithfulness requires dispensing the Word and the ordinances without partiality (1 Corinthians 4:1-2). Concluding Reflection The key of מַפְתֵּחַ begins as a common household tool but rises to illustrate covenant stewardship, messianic supremacy, and the Church’s mission. Its two Old Testament appearances form the seed of a biblical theology that blossoms in Jesus Christ—the One who opens and none can shut. Forms and Transliterations הַמַּפְתֵּ֙חַ֙ המפתח מַפְתֵּ֥חַ מפתח ham·map̄·tê·aḥ hammafTeach hammap̄têaḥ mafTeach map̄·tê·aḥ map̄têaḥLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Judges 3:25 HEB: וַיִּקְח֤וּ אֶת־ הַמַּפְתֵּ֙חַ֙ וַיִּפְתָּ֔חוּ וְהִנֵּה֙ NAS: Therefore they took the key and opened KJV: therefore they took a key, and opened INT: of the roof took the key and opened and behold Isaiah 22:22 2 Occurrences |
    |