Concise Bible Dictionary:
A key made in Italy or Spain – 1770-1810
Used symbolically for authority to open or to shut. Spoken of Eliakim, “established by God,” as having the key of the house of David laid upon his shoulder: “he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open” (Isa. 22:22). He is a type of the Lord Jesus, as spoken of in Revelation 3:7, who has also the keys of hades and of death (Rev. 1:18). To Peter were given the keys of the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 16:19), which he opened to the Jews in Acts 2, and to the Gentiles in Acts 10. The Lord charged the doctors of the law with taking away the key of knowledge (Luke 11:52). This they did by their traditions and by hindering those who would have entered in to the blessings brought by Christ.
Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew Words:
Transliteration:
maphteach
Meaning:
from 6605; an opener, i.e. a key