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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Latch</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/l/latch.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/songs/5-4.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/l/latch.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Latch</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/l/lasts.htm" title="Lasts">◄</a> Latch <a href="/topical/l/latchet.htm" title="Latchet">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#web" title="Webster's Dictionary">Webster's</a> • <a href="#cnc" title="Multiversion Concordance">Concordance</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>In biblical times, the term "latch" refers to a fastening device used to secure doors or gates. The concept of a latch is often associated with the idea of security and protection, as well as the act of opening or closing access to a particular space. While the specific term "latch" is not frequently mentioned in the Bible, the concept is closely related to doors and gates, which are significant in both literal and metaphorical contexts throughout Scripture.<br><br><b>Biblical References and Symbolism</b><br><br>1. <b>Security and Protection</b>: The use of a latch or similar device in ancient times was crucial for the security of a household or city. In the Bible, gates and doors often symbolize protection and the boundary between safety and danger. For example, in the account of Lot in <a href="/bsb/genesis/19.htm">Genesis 19</a>, the door of his house serves as a barrier against the wickedness of Sodom: "But they pressed hard against Lot and came up to break down the door" (<a href="/genesis/19-9.htm">Genesis 19:9</a>).<br><br>2. <b>Access and Authority</b>: The act of opening or closing a door, often secured by a latch, can symbolize authority and control over access. In <a href="/revelation/3-7.htm">Revelation 3:7</a>, Jesus is described as having the authority to open and shut doors: "What He opens, no one will shut; and what He shuts, no one will open" (<a href="/revelation/3-7.htm">Revelation 3:7</a>). This passage highlights the divine authority of Christ in granting or denying access to the kingdom of God.<br><br>3. <b>Metaphorical Use</b>: The concept of a latch can also be understood metaphorically in terms of spiritual readiness and vigilance. In the parable of the ten virgins (<a href="/matthew/25.htm">Matthew 25:1-13</a>), the closed door represents the finality of judgment and the importance of being prepared for the coming of the bridegroom, symbolizing Christ's return.<br><br>4. <b>Cultural Context</b>: In the cultural context of the Bible, a latch would have been a simple yet essential component of daily life. It reflects the practical aspects of living in ancient times, where securing one's home was a basic necessity. The imagery of a latch, therefore, resonates with the everyday experiences of biblical characters and their reliance on God's protection.<br><br><b>Theological Implications</b><br><br>The imagery of a latch, while not explicitly detailed in Scripture, carries theological implications regarding God's protection, authority, and the importance of spiritual preparedness. It serves as a reminder of the boundaries set by God for the safety and sanctity of His people, as well as the ultimate authority of Christ in determining access to eternal life. The concept encourages believers to remain vigilant and faithful, recognizing the significance of divine protection and the call to be ready for the fulfillment of God's promises.<a name="web" id="web"></a><div class="vheading2">Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary</div>1. (<I>v. t.</I>) To smear; to anoint.<p>2. (<I>n.</I>) That which fastens or holds; a lace; a snare.<p>3. (<I>n.</I>) A movable piece which holds anything in place by entering a notch or cavity; specifically, the catch which holds a door or gate when closed, though it be not bolted.<p>4. (<I>n.</I>) A latching.<p>5. (<I>n.</I>) A crossbow.<p>6. (<I>n.</I>) To catch so as to hold.<p>7. (<I>n.</I>) To catch or fasten by means of a latch.<a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/macdonald/hope_of_the_gospel/sorrow_the_pledge_of_joy.htm"><span class="l">Sorrow the Pledge of Joy.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> God loves not sorrow, yet rejoices to see a man sorrowful, for in his sorrow man<br> leaves his heavenward door on the <b>latch</b>, and God can enter to help him. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../macdonald/hope of the gospel/sorrow the pledge of joy.htm</font><p><a href="/library/cable/the_fulfilment_of_a_dream_of_pastor_hsis/chapter_xvi_womens_bible_training.htm"><span class="l">Women's Bible Training School</span></a> <br><b>...</b> He held the door open for his companion to enter also, if he would, with an expression,<br> as he lifted the <b>latch</b>, which seemed to ask Marius, "Would you like to <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../the fulfilment of a dream of pastor hsis/chapter xvi womens bible training.htm</font><p><a href="/library/gordon/quiet_talks_on_johns_gospel/a_heart-breaking_verse.htm"><span class="l">A Heart-Breaking Verse.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> As you come to the door you reach for your <b>latch</b>-key, and find, in the busy rush,<br> you seem to have forgotten it, somehow. So you ring the bell or knock. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../gordon/quiet talks on johns gospel/a heart-breaking verse.htm</font><p><a href="/library/jowett/my_daily_meditation_for_the_circling_year/march_the_twentieth_the_lord.htm"><span class="l">March the Twentieth the Lord is at Hand!</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Then let me always live as though my Lord were at the gate! Let me arrange my affairs<br> on the assumption that the next to lift the <b>latch</b> will be the King. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../my daily meditation for the circling year/march the twentieth the lord.htm</font><p><a href="/library/taylor/a_retrospect/chapter_iv_further_answers_to.htm"><span class="l">Further Answers to Prayer</span></a> <br><b>...</b> I put on my overcoat, and was preparing to leave for home, rather thankful to know<br> that by that time I should have to let myself in with the <b>latch</b>-key, as my <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/taylor/a retrospect/chapter iv further answers to.htm</font><p><a href="/library/gordon/quiet_talks_with_world_winners/a_human_picture_of_god.htm"><span class="l">A Human Picture of God.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> And he took his pillow, and went softly out of the room; climbed the attic steps<br> softly, and pressed the <b>latch</b> softly so as not to wake the boy if he were <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../gordon/quiet talks with world winners/a human picture of god.htm</font><p><a href="/library/spurgeon/spurgeons_sermons_volume_3_1857/salvation_of_the_lord.htm"><span class="l">Salvation of the Lord</span></a> <br><b>...</b> I do verily believe that if it should ever be my lot to put my foot upon the golden<br> threshold of Paradise, and put this thumb upon the pearly <b>latch</b>, I should <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/salvation of the lord.htm</font><p><a href="/library/newton/the_life_of_jesus_christ_for_the_young/christ_teaching_liberality.htm"><span class="l">Christ Teaching Liberality</span></a> <br><b>...</b> ones. Tears moistened his eyes. He put his thumb on the <b>latch</b> of the door.<br> The <b>latch</b> was gently lifted and the door opened. He took <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../newton/the life of jesus christ for the young/christ teaching liberality.htm</font><p><a href="/library/macduff/memories_of_bethany/vi_the_sleeper.htm"><span class="l">The Sleeper.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Again and again had they imagined that at last they heard His tardy step, or listened<br> to His hand on the <b>latch</b>, or to the loving music of His longed-for voice. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/macduff/memories of bethany/vi the sleeper.htm</font><p><a href="/library/spurgeon/spurgeons_sermons_volume_42_1896/darkness_before_the_dawn.htm"><span class="l">Darkness Before the Dawn</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Keep the candle burning in the window, to let him see that you are awake; keep the<br> door on the <b>latch</b>, that when he cometh you may quickly open unto him. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 42 1896/darkness before the dawn.htm</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/l/latch.htm"><span class="l"><b>Latch</b> (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 5. (n.) A crossbow. 6. (n.) To catch so as to hold. 7. (n.) To catch or fasten by<br> means of a <b>latch</b>. Multi-Version Concordance <b>Latch</b> (1 Occurrence). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/l/latch.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/l/latch-opening.htm"><span class="l"><b>Latch</b>-opening (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>Latch</b>-opening. Latchet, <b>Latch</b>-opening. Late . Multi-Version<br> Concordance <b>Latch</b>-opening (1 Occurrence). Song of Songs <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/l/latch-opening.htm - 6k</font><p><a href="/topical/l/latchet.htm"><span class="l">Latchet (4 Occurrences)</span></a><br><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/l/latchet.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/l/lasts.htm"><span class="l">Lasts (9 Occurrences)</span></a><br><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/l/lasts.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/l/late.htm"><span class="l">Late (24 Occurrences)</span></a><br><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/l/late.htm - 14k</font><p><a href="/topical/f/fly.htm"><span class="l">Fly (33 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 21. (n.) The piece hinged to the needle, which holds the engaged loop in position<br> while the needle is penetrating another loop; a <b>latch</b>. 22. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/f/fly.htm - 26k</font><p><a href="/topical/t/trip.htm"><span class="l">Trip (4 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> lowering it. 10. (vt) To release, let fall, or see free, as a weight or<br> compressed spring, as by removing a <b>latch</b> or detent. 11. (n <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/t/trip.htm - 9k</font><p><a href="/topical/p/pounded.htm"><span class="l">Pounded (3 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> abroad. (See NIV). Song of Songs 5:4 My beloved thrust his hand in through<br> the <b>latch</b> opening. My heart pounded for him. (WEB). Habakkuk <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/p/pounded.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/p/pound.htm"><span class="l">Pound (13 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> (See NAS). Song of Songs 5:4 My beloved thrust his hand in through the <b>latch</b><br> opening. My heart pounded for him. (Root in WEB NIV). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/p/pound.htm - 13k</font><p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/husbands-love-wives.html">What does it mean that husbands are to love their wives? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/speak-things-into-existence.html">Can we speak things into existence? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/borderline-personality-disorder-BPD.html">How should a Christian view borderline personality disorder (BPD)? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://clyx.com/term/latch.htm">Latch: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com</a><br /><br /><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="cnc" id="cnc"></a><div class="vheading2">Concordance</div><span class="encheading">Latch (1 Occurrence)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/songs/5-4.htm">Song of Songs 5:4</a></span><br />My beloved thrust his hand in through the <span class="boldtext">latch</span> opening. My heart pounded for him. <br /><span class="source">(WEB RSV NIV)</span><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/l/lachet.htm">Lachet</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/l/latch.htm">Latch</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/shoe-latchet.htm">Shoe-latchet (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/shoelatchet.htm">Shoelatchet (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/shoes.htm">Shoes (32 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/shoe.htm">Shoe (13 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/u/unloose.htm">Unloose (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/u/untied.htm">Untied (6 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/u/untie.htm">Untie (10 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/latch.htm">Latch (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/loosened.htm">Loosened (6 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/loose.htm">Loose (219 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/loosen.htm">Loosen (8 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/latch-opening.htm">Latch-opening (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/worthy.htm">Worthy (92 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/thongs.htm">Thongs (7 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/mightier.htm">Mightier (21 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/proclaimed.htm">Proclaimed (114 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/powerful.htm">Powerful (93 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/baptize.htm">Baptize (19 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/aught.htm">Aught (52 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/sandal-thong.htm">Sandal-thong (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/stumbles.htm">Stumbles (8 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/sandals.htm">Sandals (30 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/sandal.htm">Sandal (14 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/slumbers.htm">Slumbers (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/slumber.htm">Slumber (14 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/shoe's.htm">Shoe's (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/stooped.htm">Stooped (15 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/sleeps.htm">Sleeps (20 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/waist.htm">Waist (36 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/belt.htm">Belt (32 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/stumbling.htm">Stumbling (51 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/loosed.htm">Loosed (41 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/d/dress.htm">Dress (38 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/g/ghost.htm">Ghost (123 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/i/indeed.htm">Indeed (628 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/g/girdle.htm">Girdle (44 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/weary.htm">Weary (77 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/stumble.htm">Stumble (89 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/loins.htm">Loins (72 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/d/drawn.htm">Drawn (131 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/fire.htm">Fire (602 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/h/holy.htm">Holy (1097 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/spirit.htm">Spirit (706 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/j/john.htm">John (154 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a 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