κλείω

kleíō /kli'-o/ Ask about this word
Meaninga primary verb; to close (literally or figuratively)
KJV usageshut (up).
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word kleíō, represented by G2808, is a primary verb meaning to close or shut (up). It appears 19 times across 15 unique verses in the Bible. The term is used both literally, such as securing a physical room, and figuratively to describe concepts of access, compassion, and divine authority.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In scripture, G2808 is applied in various contexts. In its literal sense, it describes shutting a door for private prayer Matthew 6:6 or the disciples securing themselves behind shut doors for fear of the Jews John 20:19. It also signifies a point of no return, as when the door to the marriage feast was shut Matthew 25:10. Figuratively, it is used to accuse the Pharisees of shutting up the kingdom of heaven against men Matthew 23:13. The term also depicts divine power, as in the authority to shut heaven so that it does not rain Revelation 11:6 or when Christ is described as he who shutteth, and no man openeth Revelation 3:7.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the meaning and function of kleíō:

  • G455 anoígō (to open up): This is the direct antonym of kleíō. They are often used in parallel to express absolute authority, as seen in the description of Christ who "openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth" Revelation 3:7.
  • G2374 thýra (door, gate): This is the object most frequently acted upon by kleíō. The act of shutting a door carries consequences, whether for privacy in prayer Matthew 6:6 or for exclusion from a marriage feast Matthew 25:10.
  • G1525 eisérchomai (to enter): This word describes the action that kleíō prevents. The scribes and Pharisees shut up the kingdom of heaven, so that those who are entering cannot go in Matthew 23:13.
  • G4972 sphragízō (to stamp... seal up, stop): This word is used alongside kleíō to intensify the act of securing something. In Revelation, the bottomless pit is not only shut but also has a seal set upon it to ensure its captive cannot escape Revelation 20:3.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G2808 is significant, highlighting key spiritual realities.

  • Divine Sovereignty: The word underscores Christ's absolute authority. He holds the power to shut and to open, with no one able to override his decision Revelation 3:7. This establishes his control over spiritual access and opportunity.
  • Finality of Judgment: The image of a shut door represents a final and irreversible decision, particularly in parables concerning readiness for the Lord's return. Once the door was shut, those outside could not enter Matthew 25:10.
  • Withholding Compassion: kleíō is used metaphorically to describe a hardened heart. One who "shutteth up his bowels of compassion" from a brother in need demonstrates an absence of God's love 1 John 3:17.
  • Restraint of Evil: In an act of divine judgment, an angel is shown to shut Satan into the bottomless pit, restraining his ability to deceive the nations Revelation 20:3.

Summary

In summary, G2808 is a powerful verb that moves from the simple physical act of closing an entrance to illustrating profound spiritual truths. It conveys themes of divine authority over access, the consequences of being unprepared, and the moral failure of a closed heart. Whether referring to a literal door Acts 21:30, the gates of the New Jerusalem that are never shut Revelation 21:25, or the kingdom of heaven Matthew 23:13, kleíō defines a crucial boundary between entry and exclusion.

Grammatical Forms

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 16 occurrences, inflected in 13 grammatical forms.

  • Aorist Active Infinitive 2×
  • Aorist Passive Indicative 3rd Singular 2×
  • Perfect Passive Participle Genitive Plural Feminine 2×
  • Aorist Active Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
  • Aorist Active Participle Nominative Singular Masculine 1×
  • Aorist Active Subjunctive 3rd Singular 1×
  • Aorist Passive Indicative 3rd Plural 1×
  • Aorist Passive Subjunctive 3rd Plural 1×
  • Future Active Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
  • Perfect Passive Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
  • Perfect Passive Participle Accusative Singular Neuter 1×
  • Present Active Indicative 2nd Plural 1×

+ 1 rarer form

Nominative
The subject of the verb.
Genitive
Possession or source — often "of".
Accusative
The direct object of the verb.
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
Feminine
Feminine grammatical gender.
Neuter
Neuter grammatical gender.
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present
Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Future
Action yet to take place.
Aorist
Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Perfect
A completed act whose results continue.
Active
The subject performs the action.
Passive
The subject is acted upon.
Indicative
A plain statement of fact.
Subjunctive
Possibility or purpose — "might", "should".
Infinitive
The verb as a noun — "to do".
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 15 verses across 6 books. Most frequent in Revelation (5 verses).

3
Matthew
2
Luke
2
John
2
Acts
1
1 John
5
Revelation

Verse Explorer

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