Revelation 21:21

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} the twelve {G1427} gates {G4440} were twelve {G1427} pearls {G3135}; every {G1538}{G303} several {G1520} gate {G4440} was {G2258} of {G1537} one {G1520} pearl {G3135}: and {G2532} the street {G4113} of the city {G4172} was pure {G2513} gold {G5553}, as it were {G5613} transparent {G1307} glass {G5194}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The twelve gates were twelve pearls, with each gate made of a single pearl. The city’s main street was pure gold, transparent as glass.

Berean Standard Bible

And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, with each gate consisting of a single pearl. The main street of the city was pure gold, as clear as glass.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 21:21 offers a breathtaking glimpse into the New Jerusalem, the eternal city of God, by describing its magnificent gates and thoroughfare. John's vision reveals twelve gates, each fashioned from a single, immense pearl, and the city's main street composed of pure gold, possessing the clarity of transparent glass. This imagery conveys an unparalleled sense of value, purity, and divine glory, far transcending any earthly conception of wealth or beauty, signifying the ultimate dwelling place prepared by God for His redeemed people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the climactic vision of the new heaven and new earth in [Revelation chapters 21-22](/revelation/21 "Revelation 21-22 - The New Heaven and New Earth"). Following the final judgment and the complete renewal of creation, John is given a detailed tour of the New Jerusalem, which descends from God out of heaven ([Revelation 21:2](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2 - The New Jerusalem Descends")). The preceding verses ([Revelation 21:10-20](/revelation/21-10-20 "Revelation 21:10-20 - Description of the New Jerusalem")) describe the city's immense size, its radiant glory likened to a precious jewel, its high wall, and the twelve foundation stones adorned with various gems. Verse 21 specifically zooms in on the city's entry points and its primary pathway, elaborating on the extraordinary materials that constitute even the most common elements of this divine metropolis, setting the stage for further descriptions of its light, inhabitants, and the river of life.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient world, cities were defined by their walls and gates, which served as both defense and points of entry, often symbolizing the city's strength and identity. Pearls and gold were among the most valuable commodities known, representing ultimate wealth, luxury, and status. Pearls, formed from irritation within an oyster, were particularly rare and prized, often associated with royalty and immense personal fortune. Gold was universally recognized as a standard of purity and incorruptibility. The concept of a "street" (Greek: _plateia_) refers to a wide public square or thoroughfare, the central artery of urban life. By describing these fundamental urban elements with such extraordinary materials, John’s vision would have immediately communicated to his original audience a city of unimaginable splendor and divine origin, far surpassing even the most magnificent imperial cities of their time, such as Rome or Ephesus.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Revelation and the biblical narrative. The theme of **Inestimable Value** is paramount, as the gates of single, massive pearls and streets of pure, transparent gold convey a worth beyond human comprehension. These materials, earthly symbols of ultimate wealth, are here used for the most basic components of the city, underscoring its divine richness. The **Accessibility and Entrance** theme is highlighted by the twelve gates, which correspond to the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles ([Revelation 21:12-14](/revelation/21-12-14 "Revelation 21:12-14 - Gates and Foundations of the City")), signifying universal access for God's redeemed people. The idea of a pearl gate may also subtly echo the "pearl of great price" in [Matthew 13:45-46](/matthew/13-45-46 "Matthew 13:45-46 - The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price"), suggesting the preciousness of entering God's kingdom. Furthermore, the **Absolute Purity and Transparency** of the city, particularly the street of pure gold like "transparent glass," speaks to the unblemished holiness, openness, and absence of all corruption and darkness within the New Jerusalem. This purity reflects the very nature of God and the Lamb, who dwell there ([Revelation 22:5](/revelation/22-5 "Revelation 22:5 - No Night There")). Finally, the **Divine Glory** of God permeates the entire city, with these radiant materials serving not merely as decoration but as reflections of His inherent splendor and light ([Revelation 21:23](/revelation/21-23 "Revelation 21:23 - God's Glory Lights the City")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **pearls (Greek, _margarítēs'_):** From the provided Strong's data (G3135), this word refers to a pearl, derived from a pearl-oyster. In the context of Revelation 21:21, the use of "pearls" for the gates signifies extraordinary preciousness and value. Each gate being "of one pearl" emphasizes their immense size and unparalleled beauty, far exceeding any earthly gem. This imagery elevates the concept of entrance into the New Jerusalem to something of supreme value, echoing the biblical motif of the kingdom of heaven as a treasure worth everything.
* **pure (Greek, _katharós'_):** As per Strong's G2513, this term denotes something clean, literally or figuratively. When applied to the "pure gold" of the city's street, it emphasizes absolute unblemished quality, holiness, and freedom from any impurity or corruption. This purity is not merely aesthetic but theological, reflecting the perfect righteousness and holiness of God and the redeemed who dwell in His presence.
* **transparent (Greek, _diaphanḗs'_):** From Strong's G1307, meaning "appearing through" or "diaphanous." This word describes the quality of the gold street, suggesting it is not merely reflective but allows light to pass through it, like glass. This unique characteristic implies a paradoxical combination of the solidity and value of gold with the clarity and openness of glass, symbolizing the complete absence of hiddenness, deception, or darkness in the New Jerusalem. Everything is revealed in the light of God's glory.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the twelve gates [were] twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl:"** This clause immediately establishes the unparalleled magnificence of the New Jerusalem. The "twelve gates" signify complete accessibility for God's people, aligning with the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles. The astonishing detail that each gate is not merely adorned with pearls, but *is* a single, colossal pearl, conveys a sense of unimaginable value and divine craftsmanship. This imagery suggests that entry into God's eternal presence is supremely precious and unique, a gift of immense worth.
* **"and the street of the city [was] pure gold, as it were transparent glass."** This second clause describes the main thoroughfare of the city. The "street of the city" being "pure gold" reinforces the theme of ultimate wealth and divine glory. However, the addition "as it were transparent glass" introduces a profound and paradoxical quality. Earthly gold is opaque, but this heavenly gold possesses the clarity of glass, allowing light to pass through it. This symbolizes the absolute purity, holiness, and transparency of the New Jerusalem, where there is no darkness, no hidden sin, and everything is illuminated by the glory of God. It speaks to a reality where the material world is transformed and perfected to reflect divine attributes.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 21:21 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. **Symbolism** is paramount, as the pearls, gold, and transparent glass are not merely literal materials but potent symbols of divine value, purity, and glory. Pearls, traditionally associated with great price and beauty, symbolize the preciousness of entry into God's kingdom. Gold, the most esteemed metal, represents divine wealth, incorruptibility, and the inherent glory of God. The combination of gold with **Paradox** in "transparent glass" creates a striking image. Earthly gold is opaque, so "transparent gold" is a contradiction that highlights the supernatural, perfected nature of the heavenly city, where physical properties are transformed to reflect spiritual realities—absolute clarity, purity, and the absence of hiddenness. This also serves as a form of **Hyperbole**, exaggerating earthly concepts of beauty and wealth to describe a reality that utterly transcends human imagination, emphasizing the incomparable splendor of God's eternal dwelling.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 21:21 vividly portrays the ultimate culmination of God's redemptive plan, presenting a city whose very fabric declares His glory, holiness, and the preciousness of salvation. The inestimable value of the gates and streets underscores that God's eternal dwelling is beyond human comprehension in its splendor and purity, reflecting His perfect character and the glorious inheritance awaiting His people. This vision serves as a powerful reminder that the struggles and fleeting treasures of this world are insignificant compared to the eternal, incorruptible glory prepared for those who are in Christ. It speaks to the absolute transformation of creation under God's reign, where even the most common elements are imbued with divine radiance and purity, signifying a world completely free from sin, decay, and darkness.

* [Isaiah 60:11](/isaiah/60-11 "Isaiah 60:11 - Gates Always Open")
* [Matthew 13:45-46](/matthew/13-45-46 "Matthew 13:45-46 - The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price")
* [1 Peter 1:3-4](/1_peter/1-3-4 "1 Peter 1:3-4 - Incorruptible Inheritance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The breathtaking imagery of Revelation 21:21 invites believers to lift their gaze beyond the transient realities of this world to the glorious hope of their eternal home. The gates of single, massive pearls remind us of the immense value of the kingdom of heaven, perhaps prompting us to consider what we truly treasure and if our lives reflect a pursuit of this "pearl of great price." The street of pure, transparent gold challenges us to live lives of increasing purity and transparency now, knowing that in God's presence, nothing will be hidden. This vision provides profound comfort and motivation, assuring us that our present sufferings are temporary and incomparable to the weight of glory awaiting us. It calls us to persevere in faith, to live with hope, and to anticipate the day when we will walk on streets of transparent gold, bathed in the unmediated light of God's presence, where every aspect of creation perfectly reflects His holiness and beauty.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of gates made of single pearls challenge your understanding of what is truly valuable in life?**
* **What does the "pure gold, as it were transparent glass" street reveal about the nature of the New Jerusalem and, by extension, God's character?**
* **How does this vision of future glory encourage you to live a life of greater purity and transparency in the present?**
* **In what ways does meditating on this verse strengthen your hope and perseverance amidst current challenges?**

### FAQ
**Why are the gates made of pearls, and what is the significance of "one pearl" for each?**

Answer: The gates are made of pearls to signify immense value, beauty, and preciousness. In the ancient world, pearls were among the most valuable and rare gems, often associated with royalty and great wealth. The detail that "every several gate was of one pearl" emphasizes their colossal size and unparalleled uniqueness, suggesting a divine, supernatural origin. Theologically, this could symbolize the preciousness of salvation and the singular, costly sacrifice of Christ through whom entry into the New Jerusalem is granted, echoing the "pearl of great price" parable in [Matthew 13:45-46](/matthew/13-45-46 "Matthew 13:45-46 - The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price"). It underscores that access to God's eternal city is a gift of immeasurable worth.

**What is the meaning of the street being "pure gold, as it were transparent glass"?**

Answer: The street being "pure gold" signifies the ultimate wealth, incorruptibility, and divine glory of the New Jerusalem. Gold is a universal symbol of purity and value. The addition "as it were transparent glass" is a paradoxical and profound detail. Earthly gold is opaque, but this heavenly gold possesses the clarity and light-transmitting quality of glass. This symbolizes the absolute purity, holiness, and transparency within the city. There is no darkness, no hiddenness, no corruption, and no deception. Everything is clear, radiant, and illuminated by the glory of God and the Lamb, reflecting a perfect, unblemished existence in His presence, as described in [Revelation 21:23](/revelation/21-23 "Revelation 21:23 - God's Glory Lights the City").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 21:21, with its dazzling portrayal of the New Jerusalem, finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in Jesus Christ. The "twelve gates" of single, immense pearls are not merely decorative but symbolize the precious and singular way of entry into God's eternal presence. This entry is made possible only through Christ, who declared Himself to be "the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way")). He is the "pearl of great price" ([Matthew 13:45-46](/matthew/13-45-46 "Matthew 13:45-46 - The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price")) for whose sake believers gladly surrender all to gain the kingdom. Furthermore, the "street of the city [being] pure gold, as it were transparent glass," speaks to the absolute purity, holiness, and divine glory that permeates the New Jerusalem, a purity that is perfectly embodied in Christ. He is the one who "loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood" ([Revelation 1:5](/revelation/1-5 "Revelation 1:5 - Washed by His Blood")), making us "pure" and righteous to dwell in God's unblemished presence. The transparent nature of the street signifies the absence of all darkness and hiddenness, reflecting the truth that in Christ, all things are made new and brought into the glorious light of God's perfect fellowship ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). Ultimately, the entire city, with its radiant materials, is a testament to the glory of God and the Lamb, who is its light and its temple ([Revelation 21:22-23](/revelation/21-22-23 "Revelation 21:22-23 - God and the Lamb are the Temple and Light")).

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

Revelation 21:18

And the building of the wall of it was [of] jasper: and the city [was] pure gold, like unto clear glass.

Revelation 17:4

And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication:

Revelation 22:2

In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, [was there] the tree of life, which bare twelve [manner of] fruits, [and] yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree [were] for the healing of the nations.

Matthew 13:45

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:

Matthew 13:46

Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.

Revelation 18:16

And saying, Alas, alas, that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls!

Revelation 21:11

Having the glory of God: and her light [was] like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;