Matthew 16:19 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Jesus entrusts the keys of the kingdom, with authority to bind and loose.
What Does Matthew 16:19 Mean?
Jesus promises Peter 'the keys of the kingdom of heaven.' Keys signify trust and authority, the right to open and to admit. With them comes the power to 'bind' and to 'loose,' terms drawn from the language of ruling that what is decided on earth is ratified in heaven.
This is a sacred stewardship, not a personal possession. The authority is heaven's, exercised on earth in faithfulness to the King who grants it. To hold keys is to serve, to open the way of the kingdom to others. The promise testifies that Christ governs his church through means he appoints, and that what is done in his name and according to his word carries the weight of heaven behind it.
Matthew 16:19 in the Original Language
deo (δέω), 'bind' -- to fasten or declare bound, here paired with 'loose' in the language of authoritative decision.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew 16:19
What does Matthew 16:19 mean?
Jesus entrusts the keys of the kingdom, with authority to bind and loose.