Revelation 21:12

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

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}:

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Revelation 21:12 offers a profound glimpse into the architectural and symbolic features of the New Jerusalem, the holy city descending from God. It describes a city protected by a massive, towering wall, yet made accessible by twelve majestic gates. Each gate is guarded by an angel and bears the inscribed name of one of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel, powerfully conveying themes of divine security, ordered access, angelic guardianship, and the enduring continuity of God's covenant people in His eternal plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 21:12 is situated within John's climactic vision of the eternal state, immediately following the description of the new heaven and new earth and the descent of the New Jerusalem from God out of heaven (compare [Revelation 21:1-2](/revelation/21-1-2 "Revelation 21:1-2 - New Heaven, New Earth, and New Jerusalem")). This verse specifically details the city's outer perimeter, providing the first architectural specifics of the Holy City. It sets the stage for further descriptions of the city's foundations, dimensions, and materials in subsequent verses (e.g., [Revelation 21:14-21](/revelation/21-14-21 "Revelation 21:14-21 - Description of the City's Foundations and Materials")). The emphasis on the wall and gates, along with their symbolic inscriptions, serves to highlight the city's dual nature as both divinely protected and divinely accessible, preparing the reader for the ultimate dwelling of God with humanity as promised in [Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God's Dwelling with Humanity")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient cities were invariably protected by walls, which served as crucial defensive structures against invaders. A "great and high" wall indicated formidable security and the city's importance. Gates were the primary points of entry and exit, often serving as places for commerce, justice, and social gathering. The number twelve held immense symbolic significance in both Jewish and early Christian cultures, representing completeness, divine order, and the totality of God's people. For instance, there were twelve tribes of Israel, twelve apostles, and twelve months in a year. The concept of angels guarding sacred spaces or entrances is also deeply rooted in biblical tradition, seen in the cherubim guarding the Garden of Eden ([Genesis 3:24](/genesis/3-24 "Genesis 3:24 - Cherubim Guarding the Tree of Life")) and angels at the tomb of Christ ([Matthew 28:2-3](/matthew/28-2-3 "Matthew 28:2-3 - Angel at the Tomb")). These cultural elements are employed by John to convey the New Jerusalem's ultimate security, divine order, and sacred nature.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Revelation and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Security and Holiness**, with the "great and high" wall symbolizing God's impenetrable protection over His redeemed people and the sacredness of His presence within the city. Secondly, the "twelve gates" highlight **Divine Order and Accessibility**, indicating that while the city is holy, it is not exclusive but offers an orderly means of entry for the redeemed. The repeated use of the number twelve reinforces the theme of **Completeness and Perfection** in God's eternal design. Finally, the inscription of the "names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel" on the gates profoundly emphasizes the **Continuity of God's Covenant People** and His unwavering faithfulness to His promises made to Israel, demonstrating that the New Jerusalem is the culmination of God's redemptive work spanning all ages, embracing both Old and New Covenant believers. This detail connects the eschatological vision to the historical unfolding of God's plan, as seen in passages like [Ezekiel 48:30-35](/ezekiel/48-30-35 "Ezekiel 48:30-35 - The Gates of the New City")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **wall (Greek, _teîchos'_):** Deriving from a root meaning "to form a house," _teîchos_ (G5038) refers to a protective wall, particularly one enclosing a city. In Revelation 21:12, it signifies the impenetrable security and sacred boundary of the New Jerusalem, distinguishing it as a holy dwelling place that is divinely separated from all defilement.
* **twelve (Greek, _dṓdeka'_):** From the Greek words for "two" and "ten," _dṓdeka_ (G1427) denotes the number twelve. Throughout biblical literature, especially in Revelation, twelve carries profound symbolic weight, representing divine completeness, governmental perfection, and the totality of God's people (e.g., twelve tribes of Israel, twelve apostles). Its repeated appearance here underscores the perfect order and divine design of the New Jerusalem.
* **written thereon (Greek, _epigráphō'_):** The verb _epigráphō_ (G1924) means "to inscribe" or "to write upon," whether physically or mentally. Here, it describes the permanent inscription of the names of the twelve tribes on the city gates, signifying an indelible mark of identity, remembrance, and the enduring connection between God's ancient covenant people and His eternal city. This inscription is a testament to God's faithfulness and the foundational role of Israel in His redemptive history.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And had a wall great and high":** This initial description emphasizes the formidable and imposing nature of the New Jerusalem's defenses. The "great and high" wall signifies not only impenetrable security against any external threat but also the city's sacredness and separation from all impurity. It marks the boundary of God's holy dwelling, ensuring that only those who belong to Him can enter, and symbolizing the divine protection afforded to its inhabitants.
* **"and had twelve gates":** The presence of twelve gates indicates that despite its high wall, the city is not inaccessible but divinely ordered for entry. The number twelve, a recurring motif in Revelation, symbolizes completeness and divine perfection, particularly in relation to God's people. These gates suggest a structured and orderly access point, welcoming the redeemed into God's presence from all directions.
* **"and at the gates twelve angels":** The angels stationed at each gate serve as divine guardians, reinforcing the sanctity and security of the New Jerusalem. Their presence underscores the city's holiness, ensuring that no defiling thing can pass through its entrances, and highlighting the divine protection afforded to its inhabitants. They are heavenly sentinels overseeing the purity and integrity of access.
* **"and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel":** This crucial detail reveals the identity of those for whom the gates are prepared and signifies the continuity of God's redemptive plan. The inscription of the names of the twelve tribes of Israel on the gates firmly links the New Jerusalem to God's ancient covenant people, affirming His faithfulness to His promises and acknowledging Israel's foundational role in salvation history. It highlights that the eternal city is the culmination of God's work through all ages, embracing the heritage of Israel.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 21:12 is rich in **Symbolism**. The "wall great and high" symbolizes divine protection, security, and the sacred separation of God's dwelling from all that is unholy. The "twelve gates" symbolize ordered access and the completeness of God's redeemed people, while the "twelve angels" represent divine guardianship and the sanctity of the city's entry points. The "names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel" inscribed on the gates powerfully symbolize the continuity of God's covenant faithfulness and the foundational role of Old Testament Israel in the unfolding of His redemptive plan, ultimately culminating in the New Jerusalem. **Numerology** is prominently featured through the repeated use of the number twelve, which signifies divine completeness, perfection, and the totality of God's people (both Israel and the Church). The vivid **Imagery** employed by John allows the reader to visualize a city of immense majesty, security, and divine order, creating a powerful mental picture of the believer's eternal home.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 21:12 provides a profound theological statement about the nature of God's eternal kingdom and His faithfulness to His covenant promises. The description of the New Jerusalem, with its secure wall and divinely ordered gates bearing the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, underscores the unity of God's redemptive plan across both Old and New Covenants. It signifies that the New Jerusalem is not a replacement of God's promises to Israel but their glorious culmination and expansion, embracing all who are part of the redeemed family of God. This vision assures believers of ultimate security in God's presence, while also emphasizing that access to this eternal dwelling is divinely ordained and open to all who have been brought into covenant relationship with Him. It speaks to the comprehensive nature of God's salvation, which gathers His people from every age and nation into one glorious, eternal city.

* [Ezekiel 48:30-35](/ezekiel/48-30-35 "Ezekiel 48:30-35 - Gates of the New Temple City")
* [Hebrews 12:22-24](/hebrews/12-22-24 "Hebrews 12:22-24 - The Heavenly Jerusalem")
* [Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Galatians 3:29 - Heirs According to the Promise")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 21:12 offers immense comfort and hope to believers, painting a vivid picture of our secure, divinely ordered, and eternally accessible home. The imagery of the "wall great and high" assures us of God's unwavering protection and the absolute sanctity of His dwelling place, reminding us that in the New Jerusalem, there will be no more sorrow, pain, or threat, for God Himself will be our ultimate defense. Simultaneously, the "twelve gates" invite us to contemplate the breadth of God's grace and the orderly access He provides to His presence. We are reminded that the way into this glorious city is not chaotic but divinely appointed. 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 confident hope, knowing that our ultimate destination is a place of perfect security and open access to God's presence, where all who are united in Christ, both Jew and Gentile, will dwell together as His redeemed family. It calls us to live lives worthy of this future hope, eagerly anticipating the day when we will enter through those gates.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of the New Jerusalem's wall and gates shape your understanding of God's protection and accessibility for His people?**
* **What comfort do you draw from the continuity of God's plan, as evidenced by the names of Israel's tribes on the gates, and how does this relate to your identity in Christ?**
* **How does this vision of the eternal city inspire your present walk of faith, encouraging perseverance and a longing for God's perfected presence?**

### FAQ

**Why are the names of the twelve tribes of Israel on the gates, and what does this signify for the church?**

Answer: The inscription of the names of the twelve tribes of Israel on the gates of the New Jerusalem in [Revelation 21:12](/revelation/21-12 "Revelation 21:12 - Gates of the New Jerusalem") is highly significant. Firstly, it underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises made to ancient Israel. It demonstrates that God's plan for His chosen people is not abandoned but finds its glorious fulfillment in the eternal state. Secondly, it signifies the foundational role of Israel in God's redemptive history, through whom the Messiah came. For the church, this detail highlights the continuity of God's people across all ages. While the church, composed of both Jew and Gentile believers, is the spiritual Israel, the New Testament often emphasizes the spiritual heritage shared with Abraham and the patriarchs (e.g., [Romans 4:16](/romans/4-16 "Romans 4:16 - Abraham, Father of All Believers")). The New Jerusalem is depicted as the ultimate dwelling place for all of God's redeemed, integrating the heritage of Israel with the new covenant community. This imagery reminds us that all believers, regardless of their ethnic background, are grafted into the rich olive tree of God's salvation ([Romans 11:17-24](/romans/11-17-24 "Romans 11:17-24 - The Olive Tree Analogy")), finding their place in the eternal city alongside the patriarchs and prophets.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 21:12, with its description of the New Jerusalem's majestic wall, twelve gates, and the names of Israel's tribes, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the very **foundation** of this eternal city, as Paul declares that believers are "built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone" ([Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ, the Chief Cornerstone")). More profoundly, Jesus is the **"door" or "gate"** through whom all must enter to gain access to the Father and eternal life, as He Himself proclaimed, "I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved" ([John 10:9](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus, the Door")). The security provided by the "great and high wall" is ultimately found in Christ, who is our impenetrable refuge and protector, ensuring that "no one will snatch them out of my hand" ([John 10:28](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - No One Can Snatch Them Out of My Hand")). Furthermore, the inscription of the names of the twelve tribes on the gates points to Christ as the one who unites both Jew and Gentile into one new humanity, breaking down the dividing wall of hostility through His cross ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). Through His redemptive work, all who believe, whether from the lineage of Israel or the nations, become citizens of this heavenly Jerusalem, with their names written in the Lamb's book of life ([Revelation 21:27](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - Only Those in the Book of Life Enter")). Thus, the New Jerusalem, described in Revelation 21:12, is a city whose very existence and accessibility are predicated upon the person and finished work of Jesus Christ, the Lamb who makes all things new.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI 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.