κλείς
A key (as shutting a lock), literally or figuratively
Reading a lexicon entry
What this page is: Each lexicon entry shows the original Hebrew or Greek word behind the English translation: its meaning, its range of use, and where it appears in Scripture.
Strong's number: The Strong's code (H- or G-) is the standard reference number for this word. It connects this entry to chapter and passage language tabs.
Canonical witness: The witness passages show where this word is used in context. Click any to open the study page for that passage.
These lexicon entries are being actively developed. If you notice missing content, incorrect definitions, or have suggestions, we'd love to hear from you. Share a note on our Connect page and include a screenshot if helpful.
What does κλείς (kleís) mean in the Bible?
κλείς (kleís) is a Greek word meaning "a key (as shutting a lock), literally or figuratively". κλείς, -δός Att. Symbolizes authority over access to divine knowledge.
Meaning
Authority or access to something; metaphorically represents power to open or close spiritual realms.
a key. Fig., τ. βασιλείας τ. οὐρανῶν, Mat.16:19; τ. γνώσεως, Luk.11:52; of David (cf. LXX, l.with), Rev.3:7; τ. θανάτου κ. τ. ᾅδου, Rev.1:18; τ. ἀβύσσαυ, Rev.20:1; τ. φρέατος τῆς ἀ., Rev.9:1.
Why This Word Matters
Symbolizes authority over access to divine knowledge. Luke 11:45–54
Grammatical Forms
How this word appears across different grammatical cases and numbers.
Biblical Occurrences
Each occurrence shows the passage reference, the original language term as it appears in that context, its transliteration, and the contextual sense.
New Testament Witnesses
Appears In
Compound and idiomatic lexemes in which this word is a constituent. Follow a link to study the phrase and its other participating words.
Word Pictures (Robertson)
A.T. Robertson's Word Pictures in the New Testament (1930–31) discusses this term in the following chapters. Open any chapter and go to the Word Pictures tab to read his verse-by-verse commentary.
A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (1930–31) — public domain