Revelation 3:7

KJV

¶ And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; 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, and no man openeth;

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} to the angel {G32} of the church {G1577} in {G1722} Philadelphia {G5359} write {G1125}; These things {G3592} saith {G3004} he that is holy {G40}, he that is true {G228}, he that hath {G2192} the key {G2807} of David {G1138}, he that openeth {G455}, and {G2532} no man {G3762} shutteth {G2808}; and {G2532} shutteth {G2808}, and {G2532} no man {G3762} openeth {G455};

Complete Jewish Bible

“To the angel of the Messianic Community in Philadelphia, write: ‘Here is the message of HaKadosh, the True One, the one who has the key of David, who, if he opens something, no one else can shut it, and if he closes something, no one else can open it.

Berean Standard Bible

To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of the One who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What He opens no one can shut, and what He shuts no one can open.

American Standard Version

And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth and none shall shut, and that shutteth and none openeth:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 3:7 introduces the fifth of Christ's seven letters to the churches in Asia Minor, specifically addressing the church in Philadelphia. In this verse, Jesus identifies Himself with profound titles that underscore His absolute purity, truthfulness, and supreme, unchallengeable authority. He proclaims Himself as "He that is holy" and "He that is true," and crucially, as the one possessing "the key of David," signifying His sovereign power to open doors of opportunity and access that no one can shut, and to close doors that no one can open, thereby asserting His ultimate control over all spiritual and providential matters for His faithful people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse initiates the letter to the church in Philadelphia, following the letters to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, and Thyatira, and preceding those to Laodicea and Sardis (though Sardis is mentioned before Philadelphia in the canonical order of the letters in Revelation 2-3). Each letter follows a consistent pattern: an address to the angel of the church, a self-description of Christ drawing from the vision in [Revelation 1:12-16](/revelation/1-12-16 "Revelation 1:12-16 - Vision of the Son of Man"), commendation, rebuke (if any), exhortation, and a promise to the one who overcomes. The letter to Philadelphia stands out as one of only two churches (the other being Smyrna) that receives no rebuke, highlighting its faithfulness and perseverance despite its perceived weakness. Jesus' self-description here is particularly tailored to the challenges and strengths of this specific congregation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Philadelphia was a significant city in the Roman province of Asia, located in a fertile plain about 28 miles southeast of Sardis. It was strategically important as a "gateway" city, controlling access to the interior of Asia Minor via a major trade route, which makes Jesus' imagery of "open doors" particularly resonant. The city was prone to frequent and devastating earthquakes due to its location on a volcanic fault line, leading to a transient population and a sense of instability. This constant threat of collapse and the need for rebuilding would have made the promise of a "pillar in the temple of my God" ([Revelation 3:12](/revelation/3-12 "Revelation 3:12 - Pillar in God's Temple")) especially meaningful. The city was also a center for the imperial cult and the worship of Dionysus, the god of wine, presenting a challenge to Christian monotheism and faithfulness.

* **Key Themes:** Revelation 3:7 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Revelation and the broader New Testament. Foremost is the **absolute authority and sovereignty of Jesus Christ**. His self-identification as "holy" and "true" establishes His divine character and trustworthiness, foundational for the church's faith. The reference to "the key of David" directly connects Him to Old Testament messianic prophecies, affirming His rightful heirship to David's throne and His ultimate rule over God's spiritual kingdom, as prophesied in [Isaiah 22:22](/isaiah/22-22 "Isaiah 22:22 - The Key of the House of David"). Furthermore, the declaration that He "openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth" emphasizes His **exclusive control over opportunities for ministry, evangelism, and salvation**. This theme of divine control over doors, both literal and metaphorical, is echoed throughout the New Testament, such as Paul's prayer for an [open door for the word](/colossians/4-3 "Colossians 4:4 - An Open Door for the Word"). For the Philadelphian church, this promise of an unassailable open door would have been a powerful encouragement in their mission.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **holy (Greek, _hágios'_):** This term signifies separation, sacredness, and moral purity. When applied to Christ, it emphasizes His divine nature, His absolute moral perfection, and His being set apart from all sin and corruption. He is the standard of holiness, the very essence of sacredness.
* **true (Greek, _alēthinós'_):** This word denotes genuineness, authenticity, and reality, in contrast to what is false, counterfeit, or merely symbolic. Jesus is not just a prophet or a good teacher; He is the ultimate reality and the embodiment of truth, the genuine article, as He declares in [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life").
* **key (Greek, _kleís'_):** Literally, a key used for locking or unlocking. Figuratively, it represents authority, power, and the right to grant or deny access. In this context, the "key of David" symbolizes Christ's supreme authority over the messianic kingdom and the house of God, including the power to open or close doors of opportunity and salvation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write;":** This clause directs the message to the spiritual leader or representative of the church in Philadelphia. It establishes the specific recipient of this divine communication, indicating that the message is tailored to the unique circumstances and character of this particular congregation.
* **"These things saith he that is holy, he that is true,":** This is Jesus Christ's self-identification, foundational to the authority of the message. By declaring Himself "holy," He asserts His absolute moral purity and divine essence, setting Him apart from all creation. By stating He is "true," He affirms His genuineness, reliability, and the ultimate reality of His being and words, providing an unshakeable foundation for faith.
* **"he that hath the key of David,":** This profound declaration links Jesus directly to Old Testament prophecy, specifically to [Isaiah 22:22](/isaiah/22-22 "Isaiah 22:22 - The Key of the House of David"). The "key of David" symbolizes the authority over the royal house of David, signifying the right to open and shut, to admit and exclude. This title unequivocally declares Jesus as the promised Messiah, the rightful heir to David's throne, possessing supreme authority over God's spiritual kingdom and all access to it.
* **"he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;":** This powerful statement emphasizes Christ's absolute, unchallengeable, and exclusive sovereignty. It highlights His complete control over all opportunities, access, and destiny. When He opens a door—whether for ministry, evangelism, or salvation—no human or demonic force can close it. Conversely, when He closes a door, no one possesses the power to reopen it. This affirms His ultimate control over the circumstances of His church and the lives of believers.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 3:7 is rich in **Symbolism** and **Allusion**. The "key of David" is a potent symbol of authority, directly alluding to the transfer of power and responsibility from Shebna to Eliakim in [Isaiah 22:22](/isaiah/22-22 "Isaiah 22:22 - The Key of the House of David"). By claiming this key, Jesus symbolically asserts His messianic authority and rightful sovereignty over the new spiritual house of God. The imagery of "openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth" employs **Antithesis** and **Hyperbole** to emphasize Christ's absolute and unassailable control. The antithetical pairing of "opening" and "shutting" highlights His comprehensive power, while the hyperbolic phrase "no man" underscores the futility of any human or spiritual opposition to His divine will. This use of language powerfully conveys the omnipotence and unchallenged dominion of the resurrected Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly articulates the absolute sovereignty and unique authority of Jesus Christ, establishing Him as the ultimate arbiter of access and opportunity within God's kingdom. His self-designations as "holy" and "true" affirm His divine nature, moral perfection, and unwavering faithfulness, making Him the trustworthy foundation for all Christian hope and endeavor. The "key of David" signifies His messianic identity and His supreme rule over the spiritual house of God, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies and demonstrating His rightful claim to the throne of David. This means that all spiritual access, all opportunities for ministry, and indeed, all salvation, are entirely dependent on His sovereign will and unchallengeable power. For the church, this provides immense comfort in His control and a clear call to trust and obedience, knowing that His plans cannot be thwarted.

* [Isaiah 22:22](/isaiah/22-22 "Isaiah 22:22 - The Key of the House of David")
* [Matthew 16:19](/matthew/16-19 "Matthew 16:19 - Keys of the Kingdom")
* [Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32-33 "Luke 1:32-33 - Jesus, Heir to David's Throne")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 3:7 offers a profound source of comfort and challenge for believers today. In a world often characterized by uncertainty, opposition, and seemingly insurmountable obstacles, this verse reminds us that our Lord Jesus Christ possesses absolute and unchallengeable authority. He is the one who holds the "key of David," signifying His sovereign control over all circumstances, opportunities, and access to God's presence. When we face closed doors in our lives, ministries, or evangelistic efforts, we can find peace in knowing that if He wills it, He can open them, and no one can shut them. Conversely, if a door remains closed, it is because He, in His infinite wisdom, has chosen to keep it so, and no human effort can force it open. This truth calls us to a deeper trust in His perfect will and timing, to persevere in faithfulness even when we feel weak or limited, and to boldly step through the doors He opens, confident in His divine backing. It encourages us to pray for open doors for the gospel, knowing that such prayers align with His sovereign power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' self-description as "He that is holy, he that is true" impact your understanding of His character and trustworthiness?**
* **In what areas of your life or ministry do you need to trust Jesus more fully with the "key of David," believing in His sovereign power to open and close doors?**
* **How does the assurance that "no man shutteth" what Christ opens, and "no man openeth" what Christ shuts, encourage you in the face of opposition or perceived limitations?**
* **What "open doors" might Christ be presenting to you or your church that require faith and courage to step through?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "the key of David" in Revelation 3:7?**

Answer: The "key of David" is a profound messianic title that refers to Jesus' supreme authority and rightful claim to the throne of David, as prophesied in the Old Testament. Its primary Old Testament reference is [Isaiah 22:22](/isaiah/22-22 "Isaiah 22:22 - The Key of the House of David"), where a key symbolizes authority over the royal household, including the power to open and close access. In Revelation 3:7, Jesus' possession of this key signifies His ultimate sovereign rule over God's spiritual kingdom, His right to grant or deny access to salvation, and His unchallengeable control over all opportunities for ministry and evangelism. He is the true heir of David, and all authority rests with Him.

**What does it mean that Jesus "openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth"?**

Answer: This statement emphasizes Jesus Christ's absolute, exclusive, and unchallengeable authority over all things, particularly over access to God's kingdom and opportunities for His church. When Jesus opens a door—whether it's a door for evangelism, a path for ministry, or an opportunity for spiritual growth—no human or demonic power can close it. His divine will is supreme and cannot be thwarted. Conversely, when He closes a door, no one has the power to reopen it. This highlights His complete control over all circumstances, assuring believers that His plans for His people and the spread of His gospel are divinely ordained and cannot be frustrated by human opposition or limitations. It underscores His omnipotence and sovereignty in the affairs of His church, as seen in passages like [1 Corinthians 16:9](/1_corinthians/16-9 "1 Corinthians 16:9 - An Open Door for Effective Work") where Paul speaks of an "open door for effective work."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 3:7 presents Jesus Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and the embodiment of divine authority. His claim to possess "the key of David" directly links Him to the messianic promises made to King David, particularly the eternal nature of his throne and kingdom ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David")). Jesus, as the Son of David, is the rightful heir and sovereign ruler, not merely of an earthly kingdom, but of God's eternal spiritual kingdom. This authority is further magnified by His declaration that He "openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth," echoing the divine prerogative to control all access and opportunity, as seen in His power to forgive sins and grant eternal life ([Mark 2:10](/mark/2-10 "Mark 2:10 - The Son of Man Has Authority to Forgive Sins")). He is the "holy" and "true" one, embodying the very character of God, and through His atoning work and resurrection, He has been given "all authority in heaven and on earth" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). Thus, the access to God and the open door for the gospel are not earned by human merit but are solely granted through Christ's sovereign power and His finished work on the cross, making Him the only "way, and the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 22:22

And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; so he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open.

Matthew 16:19

And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

Revelation 1:18

[I am] he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

Job 12:14

Behold, he breaketh down, and it cannot be built again: he shutteth up a man, and there can be no opening.

John 14:6

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Luke 1:32

He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:

Mark 1:24

Saying, Let [us] alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.