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Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words is essential for Biblical studies as they reveal nuanced meanings lost in translation. The Greek word κλείω (kleio), appearing first in Matthew 6:6, carries the simple yet profound idea of “shutting” or “closing.” This term is particularly significant as it symbolizes both physical actions, like closing a door, and metaphorical concepts, such as closing oneself off from distractions during prayer or spiritual matters. The use of κλείω in the New Testament reflects ancient Greek cultural practices regarding privacy, secrecy, and authority, making it a word that bridges everyday life and deeper spiritual truths.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: κλείω, transliterated as kleio [KLAY-oh].

Etymology: The word κλείω is derived from an ancient Greek root that means “to shut” or “to close.” This root is also the origin of the noun κλείς (kleis), meaning “key,” which is an instrument used for closing and securing.

Part of Speech: Verb. As a verb, κλείω functions to describe an action. It is typically found in the active voice, though it can also appear in the middle or passive voices, depending on the context.

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Defining Meanings

1. To Shut or Close (Literal): The primary meaning of κλείω is to shut or close something, like a door or a gate. In Matthew 6:6, Jesus instructs believers to “enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut [κλείω] thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret.”
2. To Close Up or Seal (Metaphorical): κλείω can also have a metaphorical sense of sealing or closing off something, such as information, knowledge, or even hearts and minds. This sense is often linked to themes of secrecy or exclusivity.
3. To Make Inaccessible: In some contexts, κλείω conveys the idea of making something inaccessible or restricted. For instance, closing the door to outsiders, both literally and figuratively, indicates a separation from the external world or from certain knowledge.

Exploring Similar Words

1. ἀνοίγω (anoigō) [ah-NOY-go]: This verb means “to open” and is often used as the direct opposite of κλείω. While κλείω focuses on shutting or sealing, ἀνοίγω emphasizes opening or revealing.
2. σφραγίζω (sphragizō) [sphra-GEE-zo]: Meaning “to seal,” this verb overlaps with the metaphorical sense of κλείω in terms of closing something off, especially for security or secrecy.
3. κλείς (kleis) [KLAYS]: The noun form meaning “key,” κλείς is related to κλείω in that a key is the instrument used to perform the action of shutting or locking.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Tense, Voice, Mood:
κλείω appears in various tenses, voices, and moods in the New Testament:

• Present Active Indicative: κλείω (I shut)
• Aorist Active Indicative: ἔκλεισα (I shut)
• Perfect Passive Indicative: κέκλεισμαι (I have been shut)

Person and Number:

• 1st Person Singular (I shut) – κλείω
• 2nd Person Singular (You shut) – κλείεις
• 3rd Person Singular (He/She/It shuts) – κλείει

Aspect:
The verb κλείω can appear in different aspects:

• Imperfective Aspect: Indicates ongoing action (e.g., shutting continuously).
• Perfective Aspect: Indicates a completed action (e.g., shut once).
• Stative Aspect: Describes a state resulting from a past action (e.g., is shut).

For more detailed insight into Greek conjugations, Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

κλείω is explored in various lexicons, each highlighting its layered meanings across different contexts. In the New Testament, κλείω is often used to signify both literal actions, like shutting doors, and figurative ones, such as closing off spiritual understanding. In classical literature, the word conveys similar notions but often in different settings, such as politics or military tactics. Theological implications include the importance of privacy in prayer, as seen in Matthew 6:6, and the concept of spiritual barriers or restrictions. This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Matthew 6:6: “But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut [κλείω] thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret.”
2. Luke 13:25: “When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut [κλείω] to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us.”
3. Revelation 3:7: “These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth [κλείω], and no man openeth.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek verb κλείω, meaning “to shut” or “to close,” carries significant weight both in literal and metaphorical senses. Its usage spans practical applications, such as closing doors for privacy or protection, to more abstract meanings, such as closing off knowledge or spiritual truths. This word’s appearances in the New Testament and classical Greek literature provide deep insights into themes of secrecy, authority, and access.

Did You Know?

1. In ancient Greek cities, shutting the gates at night was a common practice to protect inhabitants from invaders or thieves.
2. The phrase “shut the door” in Matthew 6:6 is often interpreted as a call for spiritual focus and privacy in one’s relationship with God.
3. In the Septuagint, κλείω is frequently used in narratives involving protection and divine intervention, adding a layer of theological depth to its meaning.