Bible Dictionary
Knock
To knock was to call for entrance at a guarded door. Jesus used knocking as a picture of persistent prayer and of his call to receive him.
Definition
To knock is to strike or call at an entrance to request that it be opened. In biblical settings, calling from outside could serve the same purpose as knocking.
Biblical Usage
Knocking represents persistence and importunity in seeking, and it illustrates the promised opening of an entrance to those who ask. It is also used of Christ’s coming and call for entrance.
Historical Background
Oriental houses had heavy doors secured by bolts or large wooden keys. Even household members might have to wait for someone inside to respond to a knock or call, especially at night.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
“Though Orientals are very jealous of their privacy, they never knock when about to enter your room, but walk in without warning or ceremony. It is nearly impossible to teach an Arab servant to knock at your door. They give warning at the outer gate either by calling or knocking. To stand and call is a very common and respectful mode. Thus Moses commanded the holder of a pledge to stand without and call to the owner to come forth (Deut. 24:10). This was to avoid the violent intrusion of cruel creditors. Peter stood knocking at the outer door (Acts 12:13, 16), and the three men sent to Joppa by Cornelius made inquiry and ‘stood before the gate’ (10:17, 18). The idea is that the guard over your privacy is to be placed at the entrance.” Knocking is used as a sign of importunity (Matt. 7:7, 8; Luke 13:25), and of the coming of Christ (Luke 12:36; Rev. 3:20).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>nok (krouo): The oriental house was fitted with heavy doors which were bolted and locked with wooden keys too large to be carried about, so that even a member of the household could not secure entrance until in response to his knock or call the door should be opened by someone within. At night the delay would be increased by the difficulty of arousing the inmates sleeping within the inner chambers. To persons familiar with such experiences, the words of Jesus concerning a higher entrance, "Knock, and it shall be opened unto you" (Mt 7:7; Lu 12:36), would have a unique force not easy for us to appreciate.</p><p>Russell Benjamin Miller</p>