I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus gives Peter "the keys," not as a personal reward, but as a symbol of immense authority to open the kingdom of heaven through the Gospel. This power to "bind and loose" wasn't just about forgiving sins, but about declaring what is permissible and forbidden according to God's will, a judgment that would be ratified in heaven.
I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just heard his disciples' confession of faith, with Peter boldly proclaiming Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of the living God. In response, Jesus promises to build His church upon this rock of confession and declares that the very gates of hell will not prevail against it. He then proceeds to give Peter the symbolic keys to the kingdom of heaven, signifying his authority in establishing and governing the church.
Jesus hands over 'keys.' What does this ancient symbol really mean for us today? It's more than just access; it's about stewardship and power.
When Jesus says, 'I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven,' He's using a powerful metaphor. Think of a key as a symbol of authority and access, like a steward entrusted with a household.
Jesus gives the apostles the authority to 'bind' and 'loose.' What does this mean? It's not about arbitrary rules, but about declaring God's truth with heavenly backing.
The phrases 'bind' and 'loose' were common in Jewish teaching and referred to declaring something as forbidden (binding) or permitted (loosing).
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Understand the original words
kleis · Greek Noun
In Jewish cultural and rabbinic usage, keys represent administrative authority, stewardship, and the power to regulate or grant access. To have the keys of the kingdom is to possess the authority to proclaim the message that opens the way for entry into God's rule.
deō / luō · Greek Verb
A term used for the authority given to the disciples to make authoritative decisions regarding doctrine and discipline. To 'bind' and 'loose' refers to forbidding or permitting actions based on the consistent application of God's revealed truth.
The 'keys of the kingdom' given to Peter were not just about admitting people but about authoritatively proclaiming the terms of salvation and governing the church, a task that would be carried out through the teaching of the apostles and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and was not exclusive to Peter.
c. AD 30— this verse
Jesus' Confession at Caesarea Philippi
Jesus asks his disciples who people say he is, leading to Peter's confession of Jesus as the Christ. Jesus then declares he will build his church and gives Peter the keys to the kingdom.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Ministry Continues
Following the confession at Caesarea Philippi, Jesus continues his ministry, teaching and performing miracles, aware that his path leads to Jerusalem and the cross.
c. AD 33
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
Jesus is crucified in Jerusalem and rises from the dead, validating his claims and preparing the way for the church's establishment.
c. AD 33
Pentecost and the Holy Spirit's Arrival
The Holy Spirit descends upon the apostles in Jerusalem, empowering them to preach the gospel with authority and to establish the early church.
c. AD 33-40s
Peter Preaches to Jews and Gentiles
Peter plays a key role in opening the 'kingdom of heaven' by preaching the gospel to both Jewish and Gentile audiences, fulfilling Jesus' promise.
c. AD 49
Council of Jerusalem
The apostles and elders meet to decide on issues of Jewish law for Gentile believers, demonstrating the 'binding and loosing' authority in practice.
This passage speaks of giving 'the key of the house of David' to Eliakim, symbolizing his authority and oversight. It parallels the 'keys of the kingdom of heaven' given to Peter, signifying delegated authority in God's spiritual house, the church.
Matthew 18:18Here, Jesus extends the authority to 'bind and loose' to all the disciples, not just Peter. This shows that while Peter was given a unique initial role, this authority was broadly shared among the apostles, emphasizing communal decision-making in the church.
John 20:23After His resurrection, Jesus tells His disciples, 'If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.' This passage, alongside Matthew 16:19, clarifies that the power of binding and loosing involves declaring God's forgiveness or judgment based on the Gospel message.
Acts 2:14-41In this chapter, Peter is the first to 'open the door' of the kingdom of heaven to the Jewish people by preaching the Gospel after Pentecost. This demonstrates the fulfillment of the promise of the keys, enabling him to usher people into God's kingdom through his proclamation.
Acts 10:1-48This account shows Peter opening the kingdom of heaven to the Gentiles through Cornelius. It highlights how the 'keys' were used to extend God's offer of salvation beyond the Jewish nation, fulfilling the universal scope of Christ's commission.
barnesMatthew 16:19: "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."
And I will give unto thee ... - A key is an instrument for opening a door. He that is in possession of it has the power of access, and has a general care of a house. Hence, in the Bible, a key is used as a symbol of superintendence an emblem of power and authority. See the Isaiah 22:22…
calvinMatthew 16:13-19: "When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?"
- And when Jesus came to the coasts of Cesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Who do men say that I the Son of man am? 14. And they said, Some [say,] John the Baptist; and other, Elijah; and others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets. 15. He saith to them, But who do you say that I am? 16. And Simon Peter answering said, Thou art the Chri…
Jesus gives Peter "the keys," not as a personal reward, but as a symbol of immense authority to open the kingdom of heaven through the Gospel. This power to "bind and loose" wasn't just about forgiving sins, but about declaring what is permissible and forbidden according to God's will, a judgment that would be ratified in heaven.
Jesus has just heard his disciples' confession of faith, with Peter boldly proclaiming Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of the living God. In response, Jesus promises to build His church upon this rock of confession and declares that the very gates of hell will not prevail against it. He then proceeds to give Peter the symbolic keys to the kingdom of heaven, signifying his authority in establishing and governing the church.
Jesus has just heard his disciples' confession of faith, with Peter boldly proclaiming Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of the living God. In response, Jesus promises to build His church upon this rock of confession and declares that the very gates of hell will not prevail against it. He then proceeds to give Peter the symbolic keys to the kingdom of heaven, signifying his authority in establishing and governing the church.
"I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”" — Jesus gives Peter "the keys," not as a personal reward, but as a symbol of immense authority to open the kingdom of heaven through the Gospel. This power to "bind and loose" wasn't just about forgivi…
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Last reviewed October 2026