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κλείς

kleís

G2807 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

Physical mechanism or instrument for locking or unlocking (especially doors, gates, or chests); figuratively, the power or authority to open or close access (to a place, knowledge, or role). Primarily denotes an implement used to secure or bar entry by locking, but extends by metaphor to represent authority or control over access, particularly in official, administrative, or spiritual contexts.

Semantic Range

key (physical device), bolt or bar for a door, metaphorical authority or power to admit or exclude, privilege or right of access, office of stewardship

Root / Etymology

From the Greek verb κλείω (kleió), meaning 'to shut, to close.' The noun κλείς directly designates the device used to lock or secure something, later acquiring metaphorical sense related to authority or power to allow or prevent entry.

Historical & Contextual Notes

Attested from Homeric Greek onwards, κλείς refers concretely to a 'key' or 'bar' for doors or gates. In classical sources, it could also designate any locking mechanism, or the bolt securing a door. In the Septuagint, κλείς commonly translates Hebrew מַפְתֵּחַ (maphteach; 'key'), usually for literal keys. In Koine and the New Testament, the term additionally develops powerful figurative usage, such as in 'the keys of the kingdom' (Matthew 16:19), where it connotes the conferral of authority to admit or exclude from a community or domain. English translations generally narrow the meaning to 'key,' but the full semantic range includes both the physical device and the metaphorical authority or privilege. The figurative development parallels Semitic usage, where 'opening' and 'shutting' can reference power or office, not merely the physical act. Distinct from Greek-based terms for 'seal' (σφραγίς) or 'lock' (κλείθρον), with which it can be conceptually related but not identical.

Translation Consistency

primary "key" 6 occurrences

'Key' is the natural, common English noun that covers the primary physical device and the standard metaphorical sense of authority or power to open or close access (e.g. 'keys of the kingdom'). It is the typical rendering in English Bibles and fits the SILEX range better than narrower terms like 'bolt' or more formal options.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from κλείω; a key (as shutting a lock), literally or figuratively:--key.

Root Family

κλείς (kleis) — key, locking device, means of shutting, authority over access

Root κλει- to close, to shut

Word Forms

4 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G2807-04 κλεῖς kleis N ACC F PL key keys key 2
G2807-03 κλεῖν klein N ACC F SG key a key a key 2
G2807-01 κλεῖδα kleida N ACC F SG key a key key 1
G2807-02 κλεῖδας kleidas N ACC F PL keys keys keys 1

Occurrences in Scripture

6 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G2807-02 Matthew 16:19 κλεῖδας kleidas N ACC F PL keys keys keys
G2807-01 Luke 11:52 κλεῖδα kleida N ACC F SG key a key key
G2807-04 Revelation 1:18 κλεῖς kleis N ACC F PL keys keys keys
G2807-03 Revelation 3:7 κλεῖν klein N ACC F SG key a key a key
G2807-04 Revelation 9:1 κλεὶς kleis N NOM F SG key keys key
G2807-03 Revelation 20:1 κλεῖν klein N ACC F SG key a key a key
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