Revelation 21:13

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

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}.

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

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

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

Revelation 21:13 provides a specific architectural detail of the New Jerusalem, the glorious, eternal city that descends from heaven, as seen in John's vision. Following the description of the city's immense scale and its magnificent wall in Revelation 21:12, this verse clarifies the arrangement of its twelve gates.

Context

This verse is part of a vivid description of the New Jerusalem, God's eternal dwelling place with humanity, as revealed to the Apostle John. After the old heaven and earth pass away, this new creation emerges, symbolizing perfect communion between God and His people. The description of the city's structure, including its gates, foundations, and precious materials, emphasizes its divine origin, security, and beauty. The detailed enumeration of the gates on each side highlights the city's comprehensive and welcoming nature.

Key Themes

  • Universal Accessibility: The most prominent theme is the city's openness. With gates on all four cardinal directions (east, north, south, and west), the heavenly city is depicted as universally accessible. This signifies that people from all parts of the world, from every nation and background, are welcome into God's eternal presence, provided they are in Christ.
  • Divine Order and Completeness: The precise arrangement of three gates on each of the four sides, totaling twelve gates, underscores God's perfect order and design. The number twelve is highly symbolic in biblical literature, representing completeness, divine government, and the people of God (e.g., the twelve tribes of Israel, the twelve apostles). This meticulous detail assures believers of the divine precision in God's eternal plan.
  • Inclusivity and Fellowship: The distribution of gates across all directions reinforces the New Testament's message of salvation being offered to "all nations" (Matthew 28:19). It speaks to the ultimate unity and fellowship of believers from every corner of the earth, gathered together in the presence of God.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "gates" is pylon (πυλών), which denotes a large, imposing gate or portal, often associated with grand structures. The specific mention of each cardinal direction (east, north, south, west) leaves no ambiguity about the comprehensive reach of the city's access points. This reinforces the idea that there is no exclusion based on geographical origin; all who are redeemed are welcome to enter this glorious eternal home.

Practical Application

Revelation 21:13 offers profound comfort and hope to believers today:

  • Assurance of Access: It provides a powerful image of an eternal home that is open and welcoming to all who have put their faith in Christ. This vision offers assurance that the path to God's presence is not restricted but universally available through His grace.
  • Embrace of Diversity: The gates facing every direction serve as a beautiful reminder of the global and diverse nature of God's kingdom. It encourages believers to embrace and celebrate the spiritual unity found in Christ, recognizing that people from "every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation" will ultimately dwell together in harmony.
  • Hope for the Future: This detailed description of the New Jerusalem builds anticipation for the future. It paints a picture of a secure, orderly, and accessible eternal dwelling where there will be no more tears, death, sorrow, or pain, reinforcing the ultimate triumph of God's redemptive plan.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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