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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: The Gates</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/t/the_gates.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/ruth/4.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/g/gates.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > The Gates</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/t/the_gateposts.htm" title="The Gateposts">◄</a> The Gates <a href="/topical/t/the_gates_and_the_wall.htm" title="The Gates and the Wall">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>In biblical literature, "gates" hold significant symbolic and practical importance, serving as places of authority, judgment, commerce, and social interaction. They are mentioned frequently throughout the Scriptures, both in literal and metaphorical contexts.<br><br><b>Old Testament Context</b><br><br>In ancient Israel, city gates were central to community life. They were not merely entry points but also places where leaders and elders gathered to make decisions and administer justice. For example, in the Book of Ruth, Boaz goes to the town gate to settle the matter of Ruth's redemption (<a href="/ruth/4.htm">Ruth 4:1-11</a>). The gates served as a public forum where legal transactions were confirmed and witnessed.<br><br>The gates also had a protective function, as they were part of the city's fortifications. In Nehemiah, the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls and gates symbolizes the restoration of the community and its covenant with God (<a href="/nehemiah/3.htm">Nehemiah 3:1-32</a>). The gates mentioned include the Sheep Gate, Fish Gate, and Dung Gate, each serving specific purposes for the city's inhabitants.<br><br><b>Symbolic and Prophetic Significance</b><br><br>Gates often symbolize power and authority in the Bible. In <a href="/genesis/22-17.htm">Genesis 22:17</a>, God promises Abraham that his descendants will possess the gates of their enemies, indicating victory and dominion. Similarly, in <a href="/psalms/24-7.htm">Psalm 24:7-10</a>, the psalmist calls for the gates to lift up their heads to welcome the King of Glory, a prophetic reference to the coming of the Messiah.<br><br>The prophets frequently use gates as metaphors for judgment and salvation. <a href="/isaiah/60-11.htm">Isaiah 60:11</a> speaks of gates that will always be open, symbolizing the perpetual access to God's presence and blessings. Conversely, in <a href="/jeremiah/7-2.htm">Jeremiah 7:2</a>, the prophet is instructed to stand at the gate of the Lord's house to proclaim a message of repentance to the people of Judah.<br><br><b>New Testament Context</b><br><br>In the New Testament, gates continue to hold spiritual significance. Jesus refers to the "narrow gate" in <a href="/matthew/7-13.htm">Matthew 7:13-14</a>, contrasting it with the wide gate that leads to destruction. This metaphor emphasizes the challenging path of discipleship and the need for commitment to enter the Kingdom of God.<br><br>The gates of Hades are mentioned in <a href="/matthew/16-18.htm">Matthew 16:18</a>, where Jesus declares that they will not prevail against His church. This statement underscores the ultimate victory of Christ over death and evil.<br><br>In the Book of Acts, Peter is miraculously freed from prison, and he finds himself at the iron gate leading to the city, which opens by itself (<a href="/acts/12-10.htm">Acts 12:10</a>). This event highlights God's intervention and the power of prayer.<br><br><b>Eschatological Vision</b><br><br>The Book of Revelation presents a vision of the New Jerusalem with twelve gates, each made of a single pearl and inscribed with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel (<a href="/revelation/21-12.htm">Revelation 21:12-21</a>). These gates are never shut, signifying eternal access to God's presence and the fulfillment of His promises to His people.<br><br>Throughout the Bible, gates serve as powerful symbols of access, authority, and divine interaction with humanity. They represent both the physical and spiritual thresholds that define the relationship between God and His people.</div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/g/gates.htm">Gates</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/g/gates_of_christ.htm">Gates of Christ</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/g/gates_of_cities.htm">Gates of Cities</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/g/gates_of_cities--battering_rams_used_against.htm">Gates of Cities: Battering Rams Used Against</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/g/gates_of_cities--chief_places_of_concourse.htm">Gates of Cities: Chief Places of Concourse</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/g/gates_of_cities--chief_points_of_attack_in_war.htm">Gates of Cities: Chief Points of Attack in War</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/g/gates_of_cities--conferences_held_at.htm">Gates of Cities: Conferences Held At</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/g/gates_of_cities--councils_of_state_held_at.htm">Gates of Cities: Councils of State Held At</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/g/gates_of_cities--courts_of_justice_held_at.htm">Gates of Cities: Courts of Justice Held At</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/g/gates_of_cities--criminals_punished_at.htm">Gates of Cities: Criminals Punished At</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/g/gates_of_cities--custom_of_sitting_at,_in_the_evening,_alluded_to.htm">Gates of Cities: Custom of Sitting At, in the Evening, Alluded To</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/g/gates_of_cities--experienced_officers_placed_over.htm">Gates of Cities: Experienced officers Placed Over</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/g/gates_of_cities--idolatrous_rites_performed_at.htm">Gates of Cities: Idolatrous Rites Performed At</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/g/gates_of_cities--land_redeemed_at.htm">Gates of Cities: Land Redeemed At</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/g/gates_of_cities--land_sold_at.htm">Gates of Cities: Land Sold At</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/g/gates_of_cities--markets_held_at.htm">Gates of Cities: Markets Held At</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/g/gates_of_cities--often_razed_and_burned.htm">Gates of Cities: Often Razed and Burned</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/g/gates_of_cities--proclamations_made_at.htm">Gates of Cities: Proclamations Made At</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/g/gates_of_cities--public_censure_passed_at.htm">Gates of Cities: Public Censure Passed At</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/g/gates_of_cities--public_commendation_given_at.htm">Gates of Cities: Public Commendation Given At</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/g/gates_of_cities--shut_at_night-fall.htm">Gates of Cities: Shut at Night-Fall</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/g/gates_of_cities--troops_reviewed_at,_going_to_war.htm">Gates of Cities: Troops Reviewed At, Going to War</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/g/gates_of_death.htm">Gates of Death</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/g/gates_of_hell.htm">Gates of Hell</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/g/gates_of_jerusalem--corner_gate.htm">Gates of Jerusalem: Corner Gate</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/g/gates_of_jerusalem--dung_gate.htm">Gates of Jerusalem: Dung Gate</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/g/gates_of_jerusalem--fish_gate.htm">Gates of Jerusalem: Fish Gate</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/g/gates_of_jerusalem--gate_of_ephraim.htm">Gates of Jerusalem: Gate of Ephraim</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/g/gates_of_jerusalem--gate_of_miphkad.htm">Gates of Jerusalem: Gate of Miphkad</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/g/gates_of_jerusalem--gate_of_the_fountain.htm">Gates of Jerusalem: Gate of the Fountain</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/g/gates_of_jerusalem--high_gate_of_benjamin.htm">Gates of Jerusalem: High Gate of Benjamin</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/g/gates_of_jerusalem--horse_gate.htm">Gates of Jerusalem: Horse Gate</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/g/gates_of_jerusalem--old_gate.htm">Gates of Jerusalem: Old Gate</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/g/gates_of_jerusalem--sheep_gate.htm">Gates of Jerusalem: Sheep Gate</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/g/gates_of_jerusalem--valley_gate.htm">Gates of Jerusalem: Valley Gate</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/g/gates_of_jerusalem--water_gate.htm">Gates of Jerusalem: Water Gate</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/g/gates_of_righteousness.htm">Gates of Righteousness</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/g/gates_of_salvation.htm">Gates of Salvation</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/g/gates_of_the_gospel.htm">Gates of the Gospel</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/g/gates_of_the_grave.htm">Gates of the Grave</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/g/gates_of_the_people_of_a_city.htm">Gates of the People of a City</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/g/gates_of_the_powers_of_hell_(hades).htm">Gates of the Powers of Hell (Hades)</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/g/gates_of_the_temple--called_gates_of_righteousness.htm">Gates of the Temple: Called Gates of Righteousness</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/g/gates_of_the_temple--called_gates_of_the_lord.htm">Gates of the Temple: Called Gates of the Lord</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/g/gates_of_the_temple--called_gates_of_zion.htm">Gates of the Temple: Called Gates of Zion</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/g/gates_of_the_temple--charge_of,_given_by_lot.htm">Gates of the Temple: Charge of, Given by Lot</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/g/gates_of_the_temple--frequented_by_beggars.htm">Gates of the Temple: Frequented by Beggars</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/g/gates_of_the_temple--levites_the_porters_of.htm">Gates of the Temple: Levites the Porters of</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/g/gates_of_the_temple--one_specially_beautiful.htm">Gates of the Temple: One Specially Beautiful</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/g/gates_of_the_temple--overlaid_with_gold.htm">Gates of the Temple: Overlaid With Gold</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/g/gates_of_the_temple--the_pious_israelites_delighted_to_enter.htm">Gates of the Temple: The Pious Israelites Delighted to Enter</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/g/gates_of_the_temple--the_treasury_placed_at.htm">Gates of the Temple: The Treasury Placed At</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/g/gates--(of_heaven)_access_to_god.htm">Gates: (Of Heaven) Access to God</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/g/gates--(of_hell)_satan's_power.htm">Gates: (Of Hell) Satan's Power</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/g/gates--(of_the_grave)_death.htm">Gates: (Of the Grave) Death</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/g/gates--(strait)_the_entrance_to_life.htm">Gates: (Strait) the Entrance to Life</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/g/gates--(wide)_the_entrance_to_ruin.htm">Gates: (Wide) the Entrance to Ruin</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/g/gates--bodies_of_criminals_exposed_to_view_at.htm">Gates: Bodies of Criminals Exposed to View At</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/g/gates--carcase_of_sin-offering_burned_without.htm">Gates: Carcase of Sin-Offering Burned Without</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/g/gates--closed_at_night.htm">Gates: Closed at Night</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/g/gates--closed_on_the_sabbath.htm">Gates: Closed on the Sabbath</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/g/gates--conferences_on_public_affairs.htm">Gates: Conferences on Public Affairs</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/g/gates--criminals_generally_punished_without.htm">Gates: Criminals Generally Punished Without</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/g/gates--design_of.htm">Gates: Design of</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/g/gates--double_doors.htm">Gates: Double Doors</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/g/gates--fastened_with_bars_of_iron.htm">Gates: Fastened With Bars of Iron</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/g/gates--guards_at.htm">Gates: Guards At</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/g/gates--holding_courts_of_justice.htm">Gates: Holding Courts of Justice</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/g/gates--jails_made_in_the_towers_of.htm">Gates: Jails Made in the Towers of</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/g/gates--made_of_brass.htm">Gates: Made of Brass</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/g/gates--made_of_iron.htm">Gates: Made of Iron</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/g/gates--made_of_wood.htm">Gates: Made of Wood</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/g/gates--made_to_camps.htm">Gates: Made to Camps</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/g/gates--made_to_cities.htm">Gates: Made to Cities</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/g/gates--made_to_houses.htm">Gates: Made to Houses</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/g/gates--made_to_palaces.htm">Gates: Made to Palaces</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/g/gates--made_to_prisons.htm">Gates: Made to Prisons</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/g/gates--made_to_rivers.htm">Gates: Made to Rivers</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/g/gates--made_to_temples.htm">Gates: Made to Temples</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/g/gates--often_two-leaved.htm">Gates: Often Two-Leaved</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/g/gates--place_for_public_concourse.htm">Gates: Place for Public Concourse</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/g/gates--punishment_of_criminals_outside_of.htm">Gates: Punishment of Criminals Outside of</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/g/gates--religious_services_held_at.htm">Gates: Religious Services Held At</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/g/gates--symbolical.htm">Gates: Symbolical</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/g/gates--the_law_read_at.htm">Gates: The Law Read At</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/g/gates--the_open_square_of,_a_place_for_idlers.htm">Gates: The Open Square of, a Place for Idlers</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/g/gates--the_place_for_the_transaction_of_public_business,_announcement_of_legal_transactions.htm">Gates: The Place for the Transaction of Public Business, Announcement of Legal Transactions</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/g/gates--thrones_of_kings_at.htm">Gates: Thrones of Kings At</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/g/gateway.htm">Gateway (40 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/seemeth.htm">Seemeth (36 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/g/gates.htm">Gates (156 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/t/the_gateposts.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="The Gateposts"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="The Gateposts" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/t/the_gates_and_the_wall.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="The Gates and the Wall"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="The Gates and the Wall" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' 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