### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Philadélpheia**, represented by `{{G5359}}`, refers to **Philadelphia**, a place in Asia Minor named after a king of Pergamos. It appears **2 times** in **2 unique verses** in the New Testament, establishing it as a specific location of a New Testament church.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G5359}}` is named exclusively in the book of Revelation. It is first listed as one of the seven churches in Asia to which John is commanded to write and send a book [[Revelation 1:11]]. Later, a specific message is dictated for this community, beginning with the instruction, "And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write" [[Revelation 3:7]]. This message is presented as coming from "he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David" [[Revelation 3:7]].
### Related Words & Concepts
The context of the message to Philadelphia is illuminated by several key related words:
* `{{G1577}}` **ekklēsía** (church): A religious congregation. Philadelphia is the location of one of the seven **churches** in Asia that receives a direct message in Revelation [[Revelation 1:11]].
* `{{G1125}}` **gráphō** (write): To describe or inscribe. The communication to the church in Philadelphia is explicitly commanded to be **written** [[Revelation 3:7]].
* `{{G2807}}` **kleís** (key): An instrument for shutting a lock, used literally or figuratively. The speaker addressing Philadelphia is defined by his authority, as the one who has "the **key** of David" [[Revelation 3:7]].
* `{{G455}}` **anoígō** (open): To open up. This authority is demonstrated in the one who **openeth**, and no man shutteth, and shutteth, and no man **openeth** [[Revelation 3:7]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G5359}}` comes from the message directed to its church.
* **Divine Character:** The communication to Philadelphia begins by establishing the speaker's nature as "he that is **holy**" `{{G40}}` and "he that is **true**" `{{G228}}`, grounding the subsequent promises in divine perfection and truthfulness [[Revelation 3:7]].
* **Sovereign Authority:** The reference to the "key of David" signifies absolute and final authority. This figure possesses the power to **open** `{{G455}}` and **shut** `{{G2808}}` access in a way that no human power can countermand [[Revelation 3:7]].
* **Direct Communication:** The message is specifically addressed to the **angel** `{{G32}}`, or messenger, of the church in Philadelphia, highlighting a direct and personal line of communication from the divine to a specific congregation.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G5359}}` is far more than a simple place name. It serves as the backdrop for a significant revelation of Christ's identity and power. As one of the seven churches of Asia, Philadelphia receives a message that defines Christ's character as holy and true, and his authority as absolute. The mention of this city is inextricably linked to the theological concepts of divine sovereignty, truth, and direct communication with His people.
TRV