Revelation 21:13

13 There were three gates on the east, three gates on the north, three gates on the south, and three gates on the west.^[a]

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 arrayed with God's glory. Her radiance was like a very precious stone, like a jasper stone, bright as crystal.

12 [The city] had a massive high wall, with 12 gates. Twelve angels were at the gates; [on the gates], names were inscribed, the names of the 12 tribes of the sons of Israel.

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

14 The city wall had 12 foundations, and on them were the 12 names of the Lamb's 12 apostles.

15 The one who spoke with me had a gold measuring rod to measure the city, its gates, and its wall.

Footnotes

• [a]. Ezk 48:30-34