King James Version
What Does Isaiah 22:23 Mean?
“And I will fasten him as a nail in a sure place; and he shall be for a glorious throne to his father's house.”
Isaiah 22:23 · KJV
Context
21
And I will clothe him with thy robe, and strengthen him with thy girdle, and I will commit thy government into his hand: and he shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to the house of Judah.
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.
23
And I will fasten him as a nail in a sure place; and he shall be for a glorious throne to his father's house.
24
And they shall hang upon him all the glory of his father's house, the offspring and the issue, all vessels of small quantity, from the vessels of cups, even to all the vessels of flagons. vessels of flagons: or, instruments of viols
25
In that day, saith the LORD of hosts, shall the nail that is fastened in the sure place be removed, and be cut down, and fall; and the burden that was upon it shall be cut off: for the LORD hath spoken it.
Commentary
KJV Study Commentary'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.' The 'key of the house of David' represents absolute authority over access to the king—major domo position controlling royal access. 'Upon his shoulder' indicates burden and responsibility of office. The absolute authority ('open...none shall shut; shut...none shall open') describes comprehensive power. This language is applied to Christ in Revelation 3:7: 'he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth.' The typological connection reveals Eliakim prefiguring Christ—faithful steward over God's house. Christ holds ultimate authority over salvation access—He alone opens door to eternal life; all other doors are shut. This demonstrates how Old Testament historical figures typologically point to Christ.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
The key-bearer position (royal chamberlain/major domo) controlled access to the king—determining who could approach for petitions, decisions, appointments. Enormous power and responsibility attended this role. Eliakim's faithful exercise of authority provided historical type of Christ's perfect exercise of salvation authority. The Revelation 3:7 connection shows early Christians recognized these typological patterns—Old Testament offices, rituals, and figures pointing forward to Christ. Church history has extensively developed typological interpretation, seeing Christ throughout Old Testament in offices (prophet, priest, king), institutions (temple, sacrifice, priesthood), and individuals (Adam, Melchizedek, David). This hermeneutical approach, when used carefully, reveals Scripture's Christocentric nature—all redemptive history points to and finds fulfillment in Christ.
Reflection Questions
- What does the key-bearer authority teach about controlling access to the king?
- How does Eliakim typologically prefigure Christ's authority over salvation?
- Why is Revelation 3:7's application of this verse to Christ significant for biblical interpretation?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 9 wordsוּתְקַעְתִּ֥יו1 of 9
“And I will fasten”
H8628to clatter, i.e., slap (the hands together), clang (an instrument); by analogy, to drive (a nail or tent-pin, a dart, etc.); by implication, to become
בְּמָק֣וֹם3 of 9
“place”
H4725properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
נֶאֱמָ֑ן4 of 9
“in a sure”
H539properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen
וְהָיָ֛ה5 of 9
H1961to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
כָב֖וֹד7 of 9
“and he shall be for a glorious”
H3519properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness
לְבֵ֥ית8 of 9
“house”
H1004a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
אָבִֽיו׃9 of 9
“to his father's”
H1father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Isaiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Isaiah 22:23 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Isaiah 22:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge