Revelation 21:12

And had a wall great and high, [and] had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are [the names] of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:

And {G5037} had {G2192} a wall {G5038} great {G3173} and {G2532} high {G5308}, and had {G2192} twelve {G1427} gates {G4440}, and {G2532} at {G1909} the gates {G4440} twelve {G1427} angels {G32}, and {G2532} names {G3686} written thereon {G1924}, which {G3739} are {G2076} the names of the twelve {G1427} tribes {G5443} of the children {G5207} of Israel {G2474}:

It had a great, high wall with twelve gates; at the gates were twelve angels; and inscribed on the gates were the names of the twelve tribes of Isra’el.

The city had a great and high wall with twelve gates inscribed with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, and twelve angels at the gates.

having a wall great and high; having twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels; and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:

Commentary

Revelation 21:12 provides a vivid description of the protective and symbolic features of the New Jerusalem, the holy city that descends from God out of heaven. This verse is part of John's grand vision of the eternal state, following the establishment of a new heaven and a new earth where God's dwelling place is finally with humanity (Revelation 21:3).

Key Themes

  • Divine Security and Holiness: The description of the city having a "wall great and high" immediately conveys its impenetrable security and sacred nature. This wall symbolizes God's ultimate protection over His redeemed people and the sanctity of His presence, ensuring that nothing impure can enter the holy city.
  • Accessibility and Divine Order: The presence of "twelve gates" signifies that the city is not exclusive but accessible. The number twelve, consistently used throughout Revelation to denote completeness and divine perfection, is associated with God's people (both the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles). This suggests an orderly and divinely appointed way of entry into God's eternal presence.
  • Angelic Guardianship: The mention of "twelve angels" at the gates reinforces the divine protection and sacredness of the New Jerusalem. Angels serve as heavenly guardians, ensuring the purity and security of the city's entrances.
  • Continuity with Israel: The most significant detail in this verse is that the "names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel" are inscribed on the gates. This highlights the enduring importance of God's covenant people, Israel, in His eternal plan. It firmly connects the New Jerusalem to the Old Testament promises and acknowledges the foundational role of Israel in God's salvation history, even as the New Covenant welcomes all who believe. This detail underscores God's faithfulness to His original promises and the continuity of His redemptive work through the ages.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV's use of "great and high" for the wall emphasizes its formidable and secure nature. The repeated numerical motif of "twelve" throughout the description of the New Jerusalem (gates, angels, tribes, and later, the twelve foundations bearing the names of the twelve apostles in verse 14) signifies a profound divine order, completeness, and perfect symmetry in God's eternal city.

Practical Application

For believers today, Revelation 21:12 offers immense comfort and hope. It paints a picture of a secure, divinely ordered, and eternally accessible home. The imagery of the wall assures us of God's unwavering protection, while the twelve gates invite us to consider the breadth of God's grace that allows entry. The inscription of the names of the twelve tribes of Israel serves as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness to His promises throughout history and the continuity of His redemptive plan. This vision inspires us to live with hope, knowing that in the New Jerusalem, there is perfect security and open access to God's presence for all who are part of His redeemed family, united in Christ.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 48:31

    ¶ And the gates of the city [shall be] after the names of the tribes of Israel: three gates northward; one gate of Reuben, one gate of Judah, one gate of Levi.

  • Ezekiel 48:34

    At the west side four thousand and five hundred, [with] their three gates; one gate of Gad, one gate of Asher, one gate of Naphtali.

  • Revelation 7:4

    And I heard the number of them which were sealed: [and there were] sealed an hundred [and] forty [and] four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.

  • Revelation 7:8

    Of the tribe of Zabulon [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin [were] sealed twelve thousand.

  • Revelation 21:17

    And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred [and] forty [and] four cubits, [according to] the measure of a man, that is, of the angel.

  • Revelation 21:21

    And the twelve gates [were] twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city [was] pure gold, as it were transparent glass.

  • Isaiah 54:12

    And I will make thy windows of agates, and thy gates of carbuncles, and all thy borders of pleasant stones.