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Matthew 16:19 |
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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.
Note 5 at Mt. 16:19: The word that is used for "bind" (Gk.- "deo") is the same Greek word that Jesus used when He spoke of binding the strong man (or controlling demon) and spoiling his goods (Mt. 12:29; Mk. 3:27). This binding, then, is actually speaking of spiritual warfare.
A key symbolizes authority or power. Whoever has the key has the authority to open or close whatever is locked. Likewise, Jesus gave us the authority to bind demonic powers and loose people from their dominion (see notes 5-6 at Mt. 18:18-19, pp. 218-219).
