Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Meaning:The term "shuts" is not directly found as a standalone word in the Bible. However, it is often used in various translations to describe the action of closing or sealing something, such as doors, gates, or windows. In a biblical context, the act of shutting can symbolize protection, judgment, or divine intervention.
Biblical References and Context:1.
Protection and Safety: The act of shutting doors or gates is frequently associated with protection and safety. In
Genesis 7:16, during the account of Noah's Ark, it is written, "The animals going in were male and female of every living thing, as God had commanded Noah. Then the LORD shut him in." . Here, the shutting of the ark's door by God signifies divine protection from the impending flood.
2.
Judgment and Exclusion: Shutting can also represent judgment or exclusion. In
Matthew 25:10, in the Parable of the Ten Virgins, it is stated, "But while they were on their way to buy it, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut." . The shutting of the door signifies the finality of judgment and the exclusion of those who were unprepared.
3.
Divine Intervention: In
Revelation 3:7, the message to the church in Philadelphia includes, "These are the words of the One who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What He opens no one can shut, and what He shuts no one can open." . This passage highlights the sovereignty of Christ in opening and shutting doors, symbolizing His authority over opportunities and destinies.
4.
Spiritual Implications: The concept of shutting is also used metaphorically to describe spiritual states. In
Isaiah 22:22, it is prophesied, "I will place on his shoulder the key to the house of David; what he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open." . This indicates the authority given by God to His chosen servant, emphasizing the power to control access to spiritual blessings and truths.
Theological Significance:The act of shutting in the Bible often carries a deeper theological significance. It can represent God's protective care, His righteous judgment, and His sovereign control over the affairs of humanity. The imagery of shutting and opening is used to convey the certainty and finality of God's actions, whether in providing refuge, executing judgment, or granting access to His kingdom.
Practical Application:Believers are encouraged to seek God's guidance in discerning which doors in life should be shut or opened. Trusting in God's wisdom and timing is essential, as He alone knows what is best for His people. The concept of shutting also serves as a reminder of the importance of being prepared and vigilant, as opportunities to enter into God's presence and blessings may not always remain open.
Greek
2808. kleio -- to shut... Word Origin of uncertain origin Definition to shut NASB Word Usage close (1),
closed (1), closes (1), locked (1), shut (11),
shuts (1). shut.
...608. apokleio -- to shut fast or completely
... Word Origin from apo and kleio Definition to shut fast or completely NASB Word Usage
shuts (1). shut up. From apo and kleio; to close fully -- shut up....
3762. oudeis and outheis, oudemia, ouden and outhen -- no one...
... 3762 ("no one, nothing ") is a powerful negating conjunction. It rules
out , ie "shuts the door" and leaves no exceptions. 3762...
Strong's Hebrew
8365a. satham -- probably to stop up... probably to stop up. Transliteration: satham Short Definition:
shuts. Word Origin
a prim. root Definition probably to stop up NASB Word Usage
shuts (1).
...331. atam -- to shut, shut up
... Word Origin a prim. root Definition to shut, shut up NASB Word Usage closes (1),
latticed (2),shuts (1), shuttered (1), stops (2). narrow, shut, stop....
5956. alam -- to conceal
... 1), disregard* (1), escapes (1), ever (1), hidden (10), hide (6), hides (1), melts
(1), neglect (1), pay no attention (2), pretenders (1), secret (1),shuts (1...
7092. qaphats -- draw together, shut
... Word Origin a prim. root Definition draw together, shut NASB Word Usage close (1),
gathered (1), leaping (1), shut (2),shuts (1), withdrawn (1)....
6105b. atsam -- to shut (the eyes)
... Word Origin a prim. root Definition to shut (the eyes) NASB Word Usage shut (1),
shuts (1). 6105a, 6105b. atsam. 6105c . Strong's Numbers.
5462. sagar -- to shut, close
... hand over (1), hands over (1), imprison (1), imprisons (1), isolate (7), locked
(1), pure (9), quarantine (3), quarantined (1), shut (31),shuts (2), surrender...
Library
The Trysting Place.
... Itshuts out, and itshuts in.... We need trained ears. A quiet placeshuts out the
outer sounds, and gives the inner ear a chance to learn other sounds....
October the Thirtieth a Testimony Meeting
... no way of escape. Disappointmentshuts us in. Sorrowshuts us in. Lack of money
shuts us in. Let me cry unto the Lord. He is a wonderful...
1 John v. 11, 12
... It follows, that he who has received the Son, has in so doing experienced in himself
that true life; while he, who through unbeliefshuts himself out from...
Epistle xv. To Moyses and Maximus, and the Rest of the Confessors.
... our love to be separated. Confession [2246]shuts you up in prison; affection
shuts me up there. And I indeed, remembering you day...
Set Me as a Seal Upon Thy Heart, as a Seal Upon Thine Arm; for...
... She is then a garden enclosed for her Bridegroom, which Heshuts and no man opens,
and opens and no manshuts (Revelation 3:7). For love, says the Bridegroom...
That Bishops are to Abstain from all Receiving of Gifts.
... Wherefore he who cuts off others thus, let him be cut off. But he whoshuts
off a temple shall be punished even more than by cutting off....
Sorrow that Worships
... events of life. The connection is real. He opens the gate of the grave
and no manshuts. Heshuts, and no man opens. Job did not...
Climbing Towards the Climax.
... And so the doorshuts. The wooing ceases. This bit of John's story is done. The
evidence is all in. The case is made up. The nation's door to its Kingshuts....
Believe Just Now
... the first most willing to do. It is thus that heshuts them up to faith,
by concluding them in unbelief. It is thus that he brings...
Modern Examples of Prayer (Continued)
... fainting.". Again we hear her declaring: "I wish to be much in prayer. I greatly
need it. The prayer of faithshuts or opens heaven. Come...
Thesaurus
Shuts (12 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Shuts (12 Occurrences). Luke
... NIV). Job 5:16 So the
poor has hope, and injustice
shuts her mouth. (WEB RSV NIV).
...Shut (237 Occurrences)
... book. 6. (vi) To close itself; to become closed; as, the doorshuts; it
shuts hard. 7. (a.) Closed or fastened; as, a shut door....
Key (8 Occurrences)
... ke (maphteach, an "opener"; compare kleis, "that whichshuts"): Made of wood, usually
with nails which fitted into corresponding holes in the lock, or rather...
Ostrich (9 Occurrences)
... The owl at times has a struggle to swallow whole prey it has taken, but the mere
fact that it is a night hunter forevershuts it from the class of greedy and...
Opens (30 Occurrences)
... of the assembly in Philadelphia write: "He who is holy, he who is true, he who has
the key of David, he who opens and no one can shut, and whoshuts and no one...
Oppressions (5 Occurrences)
... He who despises the gain of oppressions, who gestures with his hands, refusing to
take a bribe, who stops his ears from hearing of blood, andshuts his eyes...
Gestures (1 Occurrence)
... He who despises the gain of oppressions, who gestures with his hands, refusing to
take a bribe, who stops his ears from hearing of blood, andshuts his eyes...
Injustice (32 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Job 5:16 So the poor has hope, and injusticeshuts her mouth. (WEB RSV
NIV). Job 6:29 Please return. Let there be no injustice. Yes, return again....
Trapper (2 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) One who traps animals; one who makes a business of trapping animals for
their furs. 2. (n.) A boy who opens andshuts a trapdoor in a gallery or level....
Trap (35 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) A machine or contrivance thatshuts suddenly, as with a spring, used
for taking game or other animals; as, a trap for foxes....
Resources
What was Jesus' message to the church in Philadelphia in Revelation? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is spiritual manipulation? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about giving to the poor? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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