apparently a primary word; a gate, i.e. the leaf or wing of a folding entrance (literally or figuratively):--gate.
Transliteration:pýlē
Pronunciation:poo'-lay
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word πύλη (pýlē) `{{G4439}}` primarily denotes a "gate." This refers not merely to an opening but often to the substantial, structural components of an entrance, such as the leaf or wing of a folding door, particularly those associated with larger structures like cities, temples, or grand estates. Its core meaning is an access point, a controlled entry or exit. Beyond its literal sense, πύλη extends metaphorically to represent power, authority, access, or even destiny. The "gates of Hades," for instance, exemplify this figurative extension, signifying the realm or formidable power of death and the underworld. It can also metaphorically represent a point of decision or a path to a particular outcome.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
πύλη appears in various significant contexts throughout the New Testament, illustrating both its literal and figurative applications.
* **Literal Gates:**
* In the narrative of Peter's miraculous liberation, he and the angel pass through an "iron gate that leads into the city" which opens supernaturally ([[Acts 12:10]]). Here, πύλη functions as a physical barrier to freedom.
* Lazarus, the beggar, is described as being laid at the πύλη of the rich man ([[Luke 16:20]]), indicating the entrance to his house or estate.
* The "Beautiful Gate" of the Temple, where Peter and John heal the lame man, is another literal πύλη ([[Acts 3:2]], [[Acts 3:10]]), serving as a public thoroughfare and a site for almsgiving.
* **Figurative Gates:**
* **The Narrow Gate:** Jesus' exhortation in the Sermon on the Mount, "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow is the road that leads to life, and only a few find it" ([[Matthew 7:13-14]]). Here, πύλη symbolizes a crucial choice, a demanding path of discipleship, and the conditions for entering into God's kingdom. The "narrow gate" implies a commitment requiring intentionality and sacrifice, contrasting with the ease and popularity of the "wide gate" of worldly living.
* **The Gates of Hades:** Perhaps the most profound figurative use is in Jesus' declaration to Peter: "And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it" ([[Matthew 16:18]]). "Gates of Hades" (πύλαι ᾅδου) is a powerful metaphor for the power of death, the realm of the dead, or the forces of evil. This phrase does not suggest a defensive posture of Hades, but rather its aggressive, destructive power. The promise is that the Church will stand firm and ultimately triumph against the ultimate adversary. This concept has roots in Old Testament references to the "gates of Sheol" (e.g., [[Isaiah 38:10]]).
* **The Gates of the New Jerusalem:** In the apocalyptic vision of Revelation, the New Jerusalem is described with twelve gates, each fashioned from a single pearl ([[Revelation 21:12]], [[Revelation 21:21]], [[Revelation 21:25]]). These gates are never shut, symbolizing unrestricted access to God's presence for the redeemed and the perpetual light of God's glory. The exclusion of anything impure from these gates ([[Revelation 21:27]]) underscores their role as a boundary for divine holiness.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Related Greek Terms:**
* θύρα (thýra) `{{G2374}}`: While also meaning "door" or "entrance," θύρα generally refers to any door (e.g., a house door), whereas πύλη often denotes a larger, more substantial, often fortified, entrance like a city gate. Significantly, Jesus identifies himself as the "door" (θύρα) of the sheep ([[John 10:7]], [[John 10:9]]), emphasizing His role as the sole means of access and protection for His flock.
* πυλών (pylōn) `{{G4440}}`: A derivative of πύλη, this term refers to a gateway, porch, or vestibule, often the entrance structure to a large house or public building, emphasizing the surrounding architecture of the gate.
* **Old Testament Parallels (Hebrew):**
* שַׁעַר (sha'ar) `{{H8179}}`: This is the primary Hebrew equivalent for "gate" and shares a similar broad semantic range with πύλη. In ancient Israel, city gates were vital centers for judicial proceedings, commerce, public assembly, and strategic defense (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 21:19]], [[Ruth 4:1]], [[2 Samuel 18:24]]). The concept of "gates of death" or "gates of Sheol" is well-attested in the Old Testament (e.g., [[Psalm 9:13]], [[Psalm 107:18]], [[Isaiah 38:10]]), directly paralleling the New Testament's πύλαι ᾅδου.
* **Theological Concepts:**
* **Access and Exclusion:** Gates inherently define boundaries, granting access to some while restricting others. This concept is fundamental to understanding salvation, judgment, and the nature of God's kingdom.
* **Authority and Power:** The "gates of Hades" metaphor directly links πύλη to the realm of spiritual power and conflict between light and darkness.
* **Decision and Destiny:** The "narrow gate" imagery highlights the volitional aspect of faith and the consequential nature of spiritual choices leading to differing eternal destinies.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of πύλη is profound, extending beyond its literal meaning to encapsulate core Christian doctrines.
* **The Nature of Salvation and Discipleship:** The "narrow gate" ([[Matthew 7:13-14]]) serves as a foundational metaphor for the demanding yet ultimately life-giving path of following Christ. It underscores that true discipleship necessitates intentional choice, self-denial, and adherence to God's will, standing in stark contrast to the broad, easy path that leads to destruction. This gate is not about legalistic barriers but about the transformative journey of faith in Christ, who himself is the "door" (using θύρα, `{{G2374}}`) to eternal life ([[John 10:7]], [[John 10:9]]).
* **The Invincibility of the Church:** Jesus' declaration concerning the "gates of Hades" ([[Matthew 16:18]]) provides immense theological comfort and assurance. It signifies that the forces of death, evil, and the underworld, no matter how formidable, will not prevail against the Church built upon the confession of Christ. This is a divine promise of preservation and ultimate triumph, asserting the eschatological victory of God's kingdom over all opposing powers.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment:** The gates of the New Jerusalem ([[Revelation 21:12]], [[Revelation 21:21]], [[Revelation 21:25]]) symbolize both the open access to God's presence for the redeemed and the clear boundary against all impurity ([[Revelation 21:27]]). They represent God's holy sovereignty, where only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life may enter, highlighting the final separation of the righteous from the unrighteous. The perpetual openness of these gates signifies the unending fellowship and light within God's eternal city.
* **Christ as the Way:** While πύλη refers to a gate, it implicitly points to the one who provides access. Jesus' declaration "I am the door" (using θύρα, `{{G2374}}`) in [[John 10:7]] and [[John 10:9]] complements the πύλη imagery, clarifying that access to true life and salvation is exclusively through Him. He is the singular entrance to the Father and the kingdom.
### Summary
The Greek word πύλη (pýlē) `{{G4439}}` signifies a "gate," encompassing both literal physical entrances and profound figurative meanings. Literally, it denotes access points like city gates or house entrances ([[Acts 12:10]], [[Luke 16:20]]). Figuratively, its semantic range expands to represent power, authority, access, and destiny. Key biblical uses include the "narrow gate" ([[Matthew 7:13-14]]), symbolizing the demanding path of discipleship leading to life, and the "gates of Hades" ([[Matthew 16:18]]), a potent metaphor for the destructive power of death and evil that will not overcome the Church. In the New Jerusalem, the twelve gates of pearl ([[Revelation 21:12]], [[Revelation 21:21]]) signify unrestricted access to God's presence for the redeemed, while also marking the boundary of holiness. Related terms like θύρα (door) `{{G2374}}` and the Old Testament שַׁעַר (gate) `{{H8179}}` enrich its understanding. Theologically, πύλη underscores the nature of salvation as a conscious choice, the invincibility of the Church against spiritual adversaries, and God's sovereign control over access to His eternal kingdom, with Christ Himself being the ultimate access point.
TRV