King James Version

What Does Matthew 16:19 Mean?

Matthew 16:19 in the King James Version says “And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in h... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Matthew 16:19 · KJV


Context

17

And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

18

And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Peter: this name signifies a rock

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.

20

Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.

21

From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus gives Peter 'the keys of the kingdom of heaven,' symbolizing authority to open gospel access. At Pentecost, Peter unlocked the kingdom for Jews (Acts 2) and Gentiles (Acts 10). The 'binding and loosing' terminology reflects rabbinic authority to declare what's forbidden or permitted. Reformed interpretation sees this as apostolic authority in gospel proclamation, not papal succession. What the apostles bound/loosed in preaching God's Word would be ratified in heaven—their gospel message carries divine authority.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Keys represented authority in ancient culture (Isaiah 22:22). Jesus promises that Peter's gospel preaching would authoritatively open God's kingdom. The 'binding and loosing' language comes from rabbinic practice of interpreting Torah's application. Jesus transfers this authority to apostolic gospel declaration, evident in Acts where Peter's preaching opens kingdom access.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does gospel proclamation exercise kingdom authority today?
  2. What responsibility comes with holding 'keys' to gospel truth?
  3. How should church discipline reflect binding and loosing authority?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 33 words
καὶ1 of 33

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

δώσω2 of 33

I will give

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

σοι3 of 33

unto thee

G4671

to thee

τὰς4 of 33
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κλεῖς5 of 33

the keys

G2807

a key (as shutting a lock), literally or figuratively

τῆς6 of 33
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

βασιλείας7 of 33

of the kingdom

G932

properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)

τῶν8 of 33
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

οὐρανοῖς9 of 33

heaven

G3772

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

καὶ10 of 33

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

11 of 33
G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐὰν12 of 33

whatsoever

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

δεδεμένον13 of 33

bound

G1210

to bind (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

ἐπὶ14 of 33

on

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τῆς15 of 33
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γῆς16 of 33

earth

G1093

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

ἔσται17 of 33

shall be

G2071

will be

δεδεμένον18 of 33

bound

G1210

to bind (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

ἐν19 of 33

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τοῖς20 of 33
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

οὐρανοῖς21 of 33

heaven

G3772

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

καὶ22 of 33

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

23 of 33
G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐὰν24 of 33

whatsoever

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

λελυμένον25 of 33

loosed

G3089

to "loosen" (literally or figuratively)

ἐπὶ26 of 33

on

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τῆς27 of 33
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γῆς28 of 33

earth

G1093

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

ἔσται29 of 33

shall be

G2071

will be

λελυμένον30 of 33

loosed

G3089

to "loosen" (literally or figuratively)

ἐν31 of 33

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τοῖς32 of 33
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

οὐρανοῖς33 of 33

heaven

G3772

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 16:19 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 Matthew 16:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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