Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  5000 Humanity  »  5200 Human civilisation  »  5299 door

A point of entry, especially to a house. The door-frame was given special significance within the law of Moses, and temple doorkeepers had a special status. Used figuratively, it relates to opportunity, and Jesus Christ used it of himself as the means of access to God.

The function of doors: gaining or barring entry

Psalm 24:7 See also Genesis 19:6,9-11; Exodus 12:22; 2 Samuel 13:17-18; 2 Kings 4:4-5 Elisha and the widow's oil; Nehemiah 13:19; Psalm 24:9; Proverbs 5:8 warning against adultery; Matthew 6:6 Jesus Christ advocates secret prayer; Mark 1:33; Luke 11:7; John 18:15-16; Acts 5:19; Revelation 3:8

The status and role of temple doorkeepers

Psalm 84:10 See also 2 Kings 25:18 pp Jeremiah 52:24; 1 Chronicles 15:23-24; 2 Chronicles 23:19; 2 C 13

The door and its surroundings as a symbol of a household

Exodus 12:22-23 See also Exodus 12:7; Exodus 21:6; Deuteronomy 6:9; Deuteronomy 11:20; Deuteronomy 15:16-17; Deuteronomy 22:21; Isaiah 57:8; Ezekiel 45:19

Figurative use of opening a door

The door as a symbol of opportunity

1 Corinthians 16:8-9 See also Genesis 4:7; Hosea 2:15; Acts 14:27; Colossians 4:3; Revelation 3:7-8

Opening the door as a symbol of allowing Jesus Christ into one's life

Revelation 3:20 See also Luke 12:35-36

The door opened in answer to prayer

Matthew 7:7-8 pp Luke 11:9-10

Jesus Christ as the means of access to God

John 10:7 “Door” is sometimes used as a synonym for “gate”. See also John 10:9

The door is indicative of imminent arrival

Matthew 24:33 pp Mark 13:29

The door as the entry to the coming kindgom

Matthew 25:10-12; Luke 13:23-25

See also

5046  opportunities
5323  gate
5324  gatekeepers
5340  house
5364  key
6606  access to God