What does מַפְתֵּחַ (map̄tēaḥ) mean in the Bible?
מַפְתֵּחַ (map̄tēaḥ): Key as symbol of authority and access—literal opener becomes metaphor for power over a domain or treasure
Hebrew · H4668
מַפְתֵּחַ
An opener , i.e. a key
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מַפְתֵּחַH4668
Pronunciationmap̄tēaḥ
What does מַפְתֵּחַ (map̄tēaḥ) mean in the Bible?
מַפְתֵּחַ (map̄tēaḥ): Key as symbol of authority and access—literal opener becomes metaphor for power over a domain or treasure
Full entry for מַפְתֵּחַ (H4668) · Open the biblical lexicon
Questions this entry answers
How does the BSB render H4668?
The BSB source-word alignment has 3 aligned rows for this entry. Common renderings include the key (2), and opening it (1).
Where does מַפְתֵּחַ (map̄tēaḥ) appear in Scripture?
The source-word alignment first shows this entry at Judges 3:25. Its strongest book concentrations include 1 Chronicles (1), Isaiah (1), Judges (1).
Source Word Evidence
BSB source-word alignment connects this entry to exact verse rows, English rendering, source form, transliteration, and parsing.
How English Renders Itthe key2×Judges 3:25, Isaiah 22:22
and opening it1×1 Chronicles 9:27
Show sample aligned rows
Usage map
A compact distribution from source-word alignment before the full evidence tables.
First aligned rowJudges 3:25
Aligned rows3
Books represented3
Judges11 Chronicles1Isaiah1
Source forms
הַמַּפְתֵּ֙חַ֙1xham·map̄·tê·aḥJudges 3:25
הַמַּפְתֵּ֖חַ1xham·map̄·tê·aḥ1 Chronicles 9:27
מַפְתֵּ֥חַ1xmap̄·tê·aḥIsaiah 22:22
Parsing patterns
Article | Noun - masculine singular2xJudges 3:25, 1 Chronicles 9:27
Noun - masculine singular construct1xIsaiah 22:22
Evidence Summary
Hebrew word. Key as symbol of authority and access—literal opener becomes metaphor for power over a domain or treasure
Source Gloss
an opener , i.e. a key
Extended definitionSource: Open Scriptures Hebrew Lexicon + Brown-Driver-Briggs
Key as symbol of authority and access—literal opener becomes metaphor for power over a domain or treasure
an opener, i.e. a key BDB: key Usage: key.
Grammatical Forms
How this word appears across different grammatical cases and numbers.
Selected Scripture Witness
Selected passage-level study witnesses for this word. This section is not the full occurrence list.
Old Testament Witnesses
Instrument granting access or authority.
Showing 1 selected witness from 2 lexical occurrence verses.
Word Origins
מַפְתֵּחַ is built from this root:
Why This Word Matters
The key symbolizes administrative control under Davidic authority.Isaiah 22:20-25