Revelation 21:13

KJV

On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates.

KJV (with Strong's)

On {G575} the east {G395} three {G5140} gates {G4440}; on {G575} the north {G1005} three {G5140} gates {G4440}; on {G575} the south {G3558} three {G5140} gates {G4440}; and {G2532} on {G575} the west {G1424} three {G5140} gates {G4440}.

Complete Jewish Bible

There were three gates to the east, three gates to the north, three gates to the south and three gates to the west.

Berean Standard Bible

There were three gates on the east, three on the north, three on the south, and three on the west.

American Standard Version

on the east were three gates; and on the north three gates; and on the south three gates; and on the west three gates.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 21:13 meticulously describes the architectural layout of the New Jerusalem, specifically detailing the arrangement of its twelve gates. Following the vision of the holy city descending from heaven, this verse specifies that three grand gates are positioned on each of the four cardinal directions—east, north, south, and west—underscoring the city's perfect order, universal accessibility, and divine design as the eternal dwelling place of God with His redeemed people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 21 marks a pivotal shift in John's apocalyptic vision, moving from judgment and tribulation to the glorious eternal state. Following the defeat of all evil and the final judgment in [Revelation 20](/revelation/20 "Revelation 20 - The Millennium and Final Judgment"), chapters 21 and 22 present a breathtaking panorama of the new heavens and new earth, culminating in the descent of the New Jerusalem. [Revelation 21:1-8](/revelation/21-1-8 "Revelation 21:1-8 - New Heavens, New Earth, and God's Dwelling") introduces this new creation, emphasizing God's dwelling with humanity. [Revelation 21:9-11](/revelation/21-9-11 "Revelation 21:9-11 - Vision of the New Jerusalem") sets the stage for the detailed description of the city, which begins in [Revelation 21:12](/revelation/21-12 "Revelation 21:12 - The City's Wall and Gates"). Our verse, [Revelation 21:13](/revelation/21-13 "Revelation 21:13 - Gates of the New Jerusalem"), immediately follows the general mention of twelve gates and twelve angels, providing the precise directional arrangement, which is then followed by descriptions of the wall's dimensions and foundations in [Revelation 21:14-21](/revelation/21-14-21 "Revelation 21:14-21 - Dimensions and Foundations of the New Jerusalem").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** John's vision, written likely in the late 1st century AD during a time of Roman persecution, would have resonated deeply with his original audience. Ancient cities, particularly those of great importance, were often fortified with massive walls and impressive gates, serving both as points of defense and symbols of authority and welcome. The description of the New Jerusalem draws upon imagery familiar from Old Testament prophecies, particularly those of Ezekiel concerning a rebuilt temple and city ([Ezekiel 40-48](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40-48 - Vision of the New Temple and Land")) and Isaiah's visions of a glorious future Jerusalem ([Isaiah 60](/isaiah/60 "Isaiah 60 - The Future Glory of Zion")). The emphasis on gates facing all four cardinal directions would have signified a city open to all, contrasting with earthly cities that might restrict access. The number twelve, prominent throughout the Bible, held significant symbolic weight, representing completeness, divine order, and the totality of God's covenant people (e.g., the twelve tribes of Israel, the twelve apostles).
* **Key Themes:** The detailed description of the New Jerusalem in [Revelation 21](/revelation/21 "Revelation 21 - The New Jerusalem") contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Revelation and biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **God's Dwelling with Humanity**, where the city itself is the ultimate fulfillment of God's desire to be present with His people, as promised in [Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God's Dwelling with Humanity"). The arrangement of the gates highlights **Universal Accessibility and Inclusivity**, demonstrating that salvation and entry into God's eternal presence are offered to people from "every tribe and language and people and nation" ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - Redemption from Every Tribe and Nation")). Furthermore, the precise numerical and directional details emphasize **Divine Order and Completeness**, showcasing God's meticulous and perfect design for His eternal kingdom, where everything is established according to His sovereign will.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **gates (Greek, _pylṓn'_):** (G4440) From _pylē_ (a gate); a gateway, doorway of a building or city; by implication, a portal or vestibule. In this context, _pylṓn_ refers to the grand, imposing entrances of the New Jerusalem. These are not mere openings but significant architectural features, symbolizing both security and access, and in this eternal city, they signify the glorious and welcoming points of entry for the redeemed.
* **three (Greek, _treîs'_):** (G5140) A primary (plural) number; "three." The repetition of "three" for each side is highly symbolic. In biblical numerology, three often represents divine completeness, perfection, or the Trinity. Here, it contributes to the total of twelve gates, a number deeply associated with God's covenant people (twelve tribes of Israel, twelve apostles), signifying the full and complete number of the redeemed.
* **east (Greek, _anatolḗ'_):** (G395) From _anatellō_ (to rise); a rising of light, i.e., dawn (figuratively); by implication, the east (also in plural). This term, along with "north," "south," and "west," specifies the cardinal directions. The explicit mention of gates on all four sides uses a literary device called **merism** to convey totality, emphasizing that access to the New Jerusalem is comprehensive and available from every conceivable direction, to people from all corners of the earth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"On the east three gates;"**: This phrase establishes the first set of three gates, strategically placed on the eastern side of the New Jerusalem. In many ancient cultures, the east was associated with new beginnings, the rising sun, and often the direction from which divine presence or salvation would come (e.g., the glory of the Lord entering the temple from the east in [Ezekiel 43:1-4](/ezekiel/43-1-4 "Ezekiel 43:1-4 - The Glory of the Lord Enters the Temple")).
* **"on the north three gates;"**: Following the east, the description moves to the north, indicating another set of three gates. This systematic enumeration of directions reinforces the city's perfect symmetry and comprehensive design, ensuring no side is left without access.
* **"on the south three gates;"**: The south side is likewise appointed with three gates, further emphasizing the balanced and exhaustive nature of the city's accessibility, demonstrating its divine completeness and order.
* **"and on the west three gates."**: Finally, the west side completes the quartet of directions, each bearing three gates. The conjunction "and" links this final direction, confirming that all four cardinal points are equally equipped with entrances, ensuring that no direction is excluded from access to God's eternal city.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 21:13 employs several significant literary devices to convey its profound meaning. Most prominently, **Repetition** is used with the phrase "three gates" appearing four times, once for each cardinal direction. This repetition emphasizes the consistent, orderly, and complete nature of the city's access points. Coupled with this is **Symbolism**, where the number "three" (representing divine completeness) and the total "twelve" gates (representing the totality of God's people, derived from 3x4, where 4 signifies the world/creation) carry deep theological weight. The listing of all four cardinal directions (east, north, south, west) constitutes a **Merism**, a rhetorical device where two or more contrasting parts are used to represent a whole. By naming all four directions, the text signifies the universal accessibility of the New Jerusalem, welcoming people from every corner of the earth. This meticulous detail paints a picture of a divinely ordered, perfectly symmetrical, and universally open eternal dwelling.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 21:13, with its detailed description of the New Jerusalem's gates, powerfully reinforces the biblical themes of divine order, universal salvation, and the ultimate dwelling of God with humanity. The precise arrangement of twelve gates, three on each of the four sides, speaks to God's meticulous design and the completeness of His redemptive plan. It signifies that the eternal city is not an exclusive fortress but a welcoming home, open to all who are redeemed by Christ, regardless of their earthly origin. This universal accessibility underscores the New Testament's expansive vision of salvation, extending God's grace to every nation, tribe, people, and language, gathering them into one unified body in the presence of God.

* [Isaiah 60:11](/isaiah/60-11 "Isaiah 60:11 - Gates of Zion Always Open")
* [Ezekiel 48:30-35](/ezekiel/48-30-35 "Ezekiel 48:30-35 - The Gates of the New Jerusalem in Ezekiel")
* [Matthew 8:11](/matthew/8-11 "Matthew 8:11 - Many from East and West")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The vision of the New Jerusalem's gates in Revelation 21:13 offers profound comfort and inspiration for believers today. It assures us that God's eternal dwelling is a place of perfect order, divine beauty, and boundless welcome. Knowing that there are gates on every side reminds us that God's plan of salvation is truly global, extending an invitation to people from every background and corner of the earth. This should ignite within us a deeper appreciation for the diversity of God's kingdom and a renewed passion for the Great Commission, as we participate in inviting others to enter through the one true Gate, Jesus Christ. It also provides immense hope, picturing a future where all the redeemed will gather in perfect unity, free from the divisions and strife of this present world, dwelling securely in God's presence forever.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of gates on all four sides of the New Jerusalem challenge any exclusive or narrow views of God's kingdom?**
* **What does the perfect order and symmetry of the New Jerusalem's gates reveal about God's character and His ultimate plan for humanity?**
* **In what ways can the universal accessibility of the New Jerusalem inspire our own efforts to share the Gospel with people from diverse backgrounds?**

### FAQ
**Why are there twelve gates in the New Jerusalem, and what is their significance?**

Answer: The twelve gates of the New Jerusalem, as described in [Revelation 21:12-13](/revelation/21-12-13 "Revelation 21:12-13 - The Gates of the New Jerusalem"), hold profound symbolic significance. The number twelve is a recurring motif in biblical literature, representing completeness and the totality of God's people. It directly links to the twelve tribes of Israel (inscribed on the gates, [Revelation 21:12](/revelation/21-12 "Revelation 21:12 - Names on the Gates")) and the twelve apostles of the Lamb (whose names are on the city's foundations, [Revelation 21:14](/revelation/21-14 "Revelation 21:14 - Names on the Foundations")). This signifies that the New Jerusalem is the dwelling place of the entire redeemed community, encompassing both Old Testament saints (Israel) and New Testament believers (the Church). The fact that there are three gates on each of the four cardinal directions (east, north, south, west) further emphasizes the city's universal accessibility, signifying that people from every nation and background are welcomed into God's eternal presence through Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The architectural detail of Revelation 21:13, with its gates on every side, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself. While the gates of the New Jerusalem symbolize universal access to God's eternal presence, Jesus declared, "I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved" ([John 10:9](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus is the Door")). He is the singular, indispensable means by which humanity gains entry into God's kingdom and eternal life. His atoning sacrifice on the cross tore down the dividing wall of hostility ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Broke Down the Wall")), making it possible for people from "every tribe and language and people and nation" ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - Redemption from Every Tribe and Nation")) to approach God. The gates facing all directions in the New Jerusalem are a vivid illustration of the expansive reach of Christ's redemptive work, fulfilling the promise that through Him, "many will come from east and west and north and south, and recline at table in the kingdom of God" ([Luke 13:29](/luke/13-29 "Luke 13:29 - Many from All Directions")). Thus, the open gates of the eternal city are a testament to the boundless grace and inclusive invitation extended through Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way")).

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.