Luke 11:52 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

For ye have taken away the key, &c.— Vitringa understands this of one fundamental truth, which would have led them into the knowledge of the rest: but all their endeavours to embarrass and bias the minds of men in their inquiries after truth, might be intended here, as well as more especially their disguising the prophesies which relate to the Messiah. If a key was delivered to the Rabbies, when they were admitted into their office, in token of the power given them to open and expound the Scripture, as the writers of antiquities inform us was the custom, here may be a beautiful allusion to that circumstance; as if he had said, "You take that key, not to use, but to secrete it." It is certain, that the heathen priests were called χλειδουχοι, key-bearers. Instead of ye entered not,—ye hindered, some read, ye have not entered,—ye have hindered.