### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **shaʻar**, represented by `{{H8179}}`, defines an **opening, i.e. door or gate**. It appears 371 times across 302 unique verses in the Bible, signifying its importance as a physical structure and a symbolic concept. It refers not just to the gate itself but also to the area of public assembly and city life.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H8179}}` functions as the center of civic, military, and social activity. It is the location for legal judgments and public declarations, where leaders were to "establish judgment in the **gate**" [[Amos 5:15]] and "execute the judgment of truth and peace" [[Zechariah 8:16]]. The **gate** also represents a city's security and strength; possessing an enemy's **gate** signified complete victory [[Genesis 22:17]]. Conversely, destroyed gates were a sign of national ruin and reproach, as seen when Jerusalem's **gates** were "burned with fire" [[Nehemiah 1:3]]. The term could even refer to the entire city's population, as in "all the **city** of my people doth know" [[Ruth 3:11]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller picture of the structures and concepts associated with the gate:
* `{{H1280}}` **bᵉrîyach** (bar): This word for a bolt or **bar** describes the gate's security mechanism. God strengthens the **bars** of the gates to provide security [[Psalms 147:13]], while broken **bars** signify destruction [[Lamentations 2:9]].
* `{{H2346}}` **chôwmâh** (wall): Gates are openings within a **wall**, a structure of protection. The state of the gates and the **wall** are often linked, as when Nehemiah observes that Jerusalem's **wall** was broken down and its gates burned [[Nehemiah 2:17]].
* `{{H6607}}` **pethach** (door, entrance way): This term refers to an opening or entrance and is used in parallel with **gate**. [[Psalm 24:7]] calls to "Lift up your heads, O ye **gates**; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting **doors**."
* `{{H2691}}` **châtsêr** (court): This refers to the enclosed yard or **court** often situated near the gate. It marks a progression into a sacred or important space, as worshippers are invited to "Enter into his **gates** with thanksgiving, and into his **courts** with praise" [[Psalms 100:4]].
### Theological Significance
The theological importance of `{{H8179}}` is expressed through its use as a powerful metaphor.
* **Access to God's Presence:** The **gate** is a symbol of entry into a relationship with God. The Psalms speak of "the **gates** of righteousness" [[Psalms 118:19]] and identify a specific **gate** "of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter" [[Psalms 118:20]]. Jacob, upon seeing a vision, declares a place to be "the **gate** of heaven" [[Genesis 28:17]].
* **Divine Sovereignty and Promise:** Control over gates reflects God's power. He promises Abraham's descendants that they will "possess the **gate** of his enemies" [[Genesis 22:17]]. For his anointed king Cyrus, God promises to **open** gates that will not be shut [[Isaiah 45:1]].
* **Symbol of Salvation and Righteousness:** In prophetic visions of a restored city, gates take on new meaning. A city's walls will be called "Salvation" and its **gates** "Praise" [[Isaiah 60:18]]. These gates are to be opened so that "the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in" [[Isaiah 26:2]].
### Summary
In summary, **shaʻar** `{{H8179}}` extends far beyond its literal meaning of a physical gateway. It represents the heart of ancient civic life—a place of justice, commerce, and community identity. As a symbol, it is crucial for understanding biblical concepts of security, judgment, and divine authority. Ultimately, the **gate** serves as a profound metaphor for the path to righteousness, salvation, and access to the very presence of God.
TRV