4668. maphteach

Lexicon

maphteach: Key

Original Word: מַפְתֵּחַ
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: maphteach
Pronunciation: maf-teh'-akh
Phonetic Spelling: (maf-tay'-akh)
Definition: Key
Meaning: an opener, a key

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

key

From pathach; an opener, i.e. A key -- key.

see HEBREW pathach

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from 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

Word Origin: Derived from the root פָּתַח (pathach), meaning "to open."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The corresponding Greek term for מַפְתֵּחַ is κλεῖς (kleis), Strong's Greek Number G2807. This Greek term is used in the New Testament to convey similar meanings of authority and access, as seen in passages like Matthew 16:19, where Jesus speaks of giving Peter the "keys of the kingdom of heaven."

Usage: The term מַפְתֵּחַ is used in the Hebrew Bible to denote a physical key, an instrument used for opening locks.

Context: מַפְתֵּחַ (maphteach) appears in the Hebrew Bible as a noun referring to a key, an object used to open doors or locks. The concept of a key in ancient times was significant, symbolizing authority and access. In the biblical context, keys were often made of wood or metal and were used to secure gates and doors, representing control over entry and exit.

The term is found in Isaiah 22:22, where it is used metaphorically to describe the authority given to Eliakim: "I will place on his shoulder the key to the house of David; what he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open." This passage highlights the symbolic use of a key as a representation of power and responsibility.

In Judges 3:25, מַפְתֵּחַ is used in a literal sense, describing the key used to open the doors of the upper room where Eglon, the king of Moab, was found dead: "They waited to the point of embarrassment, but when he did not open the doors of the upper room, they took the key and unlocked them. There they saw their lord fallen to the floor, dead."

The use of מַפְתֵּחַ in these contexts underscores its dual role as both a practical tool and a symbol of authority and control.

Forms and Transliterations

הַמַּפְתֵּ֙חַ֙ המפתח מַפְתֵּ֥חַ מפתח ham·map̄·tê·aḥ hammafTeach hammap̄têaḥ mafTeach map̄·tê·aḥ map̄têaḥ

Englishman'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
HEB: וְנָתַתִּ֛י מַפְתֵּ֥חַ בֵּית־ דָּוִ֖ד
NAS: Then I will set the key of the house
KJV: And the key of the house of David
INT: will set the key of the house of David

2 Occurrences

Strong's Hebrew 4668
2 Occurrences

ham·map̄·tê·aḥ — 1 Occ.
map̄·tê·aḥ — 1 Occ.