Revelation 21:13

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

Revelation 21:13 Meaning and Commentary

Revelation 21:13

On the east three gates
On which were written the names of Joseph, Benjamin, and Dan:

on the north three gates;
on which were written the names of Reuben, Judah, and Levi:

on the south three gates;
on which were written the names of Simeon, Issachar, and Zabulon:

and on the west three gates;
on which were written the names of Gad, Asher, and Naphtali; see ( Ezekiel 48:31-34 ) . This denotes the collection of the saints from all parts of the world, who shall come from east, west, north, and south, and sit down in the kingdom of God; and therefore here are gates at every point to enter in at; see ( Isaiah 43:5 Isaiah 43:6 ) ( Luke 13:29 ) .

Revelation 21:13 In-Context

11 and bringing with it the glory of God. It shone with a radiance like that of a very precious stone--such as a jasper, bright and transparent.

12 It has a wall, massive and high, with twelve large gates, and in charge of the gates were twelve angels. And overhead, above the gates, names were inscribed which are those of the twelve tribes of the descendants of Israel.

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

14 The wall of the city had twelve foundation stones, and engraved upon them were twelve names--the names of the twelve Apostles of the Lamb.

15 Now he who was speaking to me had a measuring-rod of gold, with which to measure the city and its gates and its wall.