[Greek] ἀποκλείω (apokleiō), [Latin] cludere, [Latin] excludere: to shut completely, to shut up, to close fully; Lk.13:25
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to shout out, to exclude from, to turn away from, to refuse, to imprison, and to be closed. Aristophanes’ Lysistrata 423 states “The women slam the door full in my face.” Aristophanes’ Wasps 775 states “And if you don’t rise till noon, there will be no Thesothetes to exclude you from the precincts.” Sophocles’ Oedipus Tyrannau 1388 states “Were there a way to choke the source of hearing, I would not have hesitated to make a fast prison of this wretched form.” Demosthenes’ Against Conon states “I was unable to take my food.”
Old Testament: This term means to bar, to bolt, to lock, to shoe (to furnish with sandals), to close, to imprison, and to deliver up. Then his attendant took her out and locked the door behind her (2Sam.13:18). A garden locked is my sister, my bride (Sng.4:12). I also clothed you with embroidered cloth and put a sandals of porpoise skin on your feet (Eze.16:10). The wilderness has shut them in (Exo.14:3). Then the priest shall isolate him who has the infection for seven days (Lev.13:4). You shall not hand over to his master who has escaped from his master (Deu.23:15). Because the Lord had closed the womb (1Sam.1:6).
New Testament: This term means to close or shut a door (gate). Jesus calls upon the others to enter through this narrow door. Many will try to enter, but will not be able to go through. There is an urgency to enter through this door. However, this narrow door will not remain open indefinitely. This is likened to the master of the house who does not know who is knocking at the door.
Scripture:
“As the master of the house has arisen and locked the door, they will you stand outside knocking and saying, ‘Lord, open the door for us.’ He will say to you in reply, ‘I do not know know where are you from.’” Lk.13:25
There is an urgent opportunity to enter through the narrow door. Many will try, but few will enter through. This door will not always remain open.
Conclusion:
Key, exclude, include, clause
In the Greco-Hellenistic era, this term is used in many ways to convey shutting or closing. The more nuanced examples include turning away from eating (having no appetite), refraining, imprisoning, and depriving. It is interesting to note that the Greek term for key is kleis. This can be an important key in further understanding this term.
In the Old Testament, this term has several meanings. Such examples include to bolt, to furnish with shoes (to shoe someone), to imprison someone, and to hand over (deliver) someone. God ‘closing the womb’ is an Old Testament euphemism meaning referencing God’s providence in not allowing a woman to have a natural child birth. On the other hand, God may allow one become a mother in other ways. God may allow a door (in life) to open for woman to adopt a child. God may allow a door (in life) to open for a woman to become spiritual mother (nun/sister).
Jesus states the importance to entering through the door. However, few will enter through it. This narrow door will not always be open. Jesus warns others not to be like the person that the master at the door does not recognize. Through His will, God will always open doors at various points in one’s like.
On a personal level, unbeknownst to me, God has been constantly opening and closing doors in my life. Throughout my whole life, God had been constantly closing doors preventing me from having a girl friend (or any mention of having a married path). Instead, I have a single path trying to follow the example of St. Paul as a effective catechist.
So I will conclude in closing this post.