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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//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" /><title>Revelation 21:12 The city had a great and high wall with twelve gates inscribed with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, and twelve angels at the gates.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/revelation/21-12.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/66_Rev_21_12.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Revelation 21:12 - The New Jerusalem" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The city had a great and high wall with twelve gates inscribed with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, and twelve angels at the gates." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script> <script src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/biblehub.js' type='text/javascript'></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="/vmenus/revelation/21-12.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="/bmc/revelation/21-12.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="/revelation/">Revelation</a> > <a href="/revelation/21.htm">Chapter 21</a> > Verse 12</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><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/revelation/21-11.htm" title="Revelation 21:11">◄</a> Revelation 21:12 <a href="/revelation/21-13.htm" title="Revelation 21:13">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comment </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/revelation/21.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/revelation/21.htm">New International Version</a> It had a great, high wall with twelve gates, and with twelve angels at the gates. On the gates were written the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. <a href="/nlt/revelation/21.htm">New Living Translation</a> The city wall was broad and high, with twelve gates guarded by twelve angels. And the names of the twelve tribes of Israel were written on the gates. <a href="/esv/revelation/21.htm">English Standard Version</a> It had a great, high wall, with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and on the gates the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel were inscribed— <a href="/bsb/revelation/21.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> The city had a great and high wall with twelve gates inscribed with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, and twelve angels at the gates. <a href="/blb/revelation/21.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> having a great and high wall, having twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names having been inscribed which are the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel. <a href="/kjv/revelation/21.htm">King James Bible</a> And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: <a href="/nkjv/revelation/21.htm">New King James Version</a> Also she had a great and high wall with twelve gates, and twelve angels at the gates, and names written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: <a href="/nasb_/revelation/21.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> It had a great and high wall, with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels; and names were written on the gates, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel. <a href="/nasb/revelation/21.htm">NASB 1995</a> It had a great and high wall, with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels; and names were written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel. <a href="/nasb77/revelation/21.htm">NASB 1977 </a> It had a great and high wall, with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels; and names were written on them, which are those of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel. <a href="/lsb/revelation/21.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> It had a great and high wall. It had twelve gates and at those gates, twelve angels; and names have been written on those gates, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel. <a href="/amp/revelation/21.htm">Amplified Bible</a> It had a massive and high wall, with twelve [large] gates, and at the gates [were stationed] twelve angels; and on the gates the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel were written. <a href="/csb/revelation/21.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> The city had a massive high wall, with twelve gates. Twelve angels were at the gates; the names of the twelve tribes of Israel’s sons were inscribed on the gates. <a href="/hcsb/revelation/21.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> The city had a massive high wall, with 12 gates. Twelve angels were at the gates; the names of the 12 tribes of Israel&#8217s sons were inscribed on the gates. <a href="/asv/revelation/21.htm">American Standard Version</a> having a wall great and high; having twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels; and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: <a href="/cev/revelation/21.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> The city had a high and thick wall with twelve gates, and each one of them was guarded by an angel. On each of the gates was written the name of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. <a href="/erv/revelation/21.htm">English Revised Version</a> having a wall great and high; having twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels; and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: <a href="/gwt/revelation/21.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> It had a large, high wall with 12 gates. Twelve angels were at the gates. The names of the 12 tribes of Israel were written on the gates. <a href="/gnt/revelation/21.htm">Good News Translation</a> It had a great, high wall with twelve gates and with twelve angels in charge of the gates. On the gates were written the names of the twelve tribes of the people of Israel. <a href="/isv/revelation/21.htm">International Standard Version</a> It had a large, high wall with twelve gates. Twelve angels were at the gates, and the names of the twelve tribes of Israel were written on the gates. <a href="/msb/revelation/21.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> The city had a great and high wall with twelve gates inscribed with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, and twelve angels at the gates. <a href="/net/revelation/21.htm">NET Bible</a> It has a massive, high wall with twelve gates, with twelve angels at the gates, and the names of the twelve tribes of the nation of Israel are written on the gates. <a href="/nheb/revelation/21.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> having a great and high wall; having twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels; and names written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel. <a href="/wbt/revelation/21.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel. <a href="/wey/revelation/21.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> 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. <a href="/web/revelation/21.htm">World English Bible</a> having a great and high wall with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/revelation/21.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> also having a great and high wall, having twelve gates, and at the gates twelve messengers, and names written thereon, which are [those] of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel— <a href="/blb/revelation/21.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> having a great and high wall, having twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names having been inscribed which are the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel. <a href="/ylt/revelation/21.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> having also a wall great and high, having twelve gates, and at the gates twelve messengers, and names written thereon, which are those of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel, <a href="/slt/revelation/21.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And having a wall great and high, having twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and the names inscribed, which are of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel:<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/revelation/21.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And it had a wall great and high, having twelve gates, and in the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel. <a href="/cpdv/revelation/21.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And it had a wall, great and high, having twelve gates. And at the gates were twelve Angels. And names were written upon them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel. <a href="/nabre/revelation/21.htm">New American Bible</a> It had a massive, high wall, with twelve gates where twelve angels were stationed and on which names were inscribed, [the names] of the twelve tribes of the Israelites. <a href="/nrsvce/revelation/21.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> It has a great, high wall with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and on the gates are inscribed the names of the twelve tribes of the Israelites;<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/revelation/21.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> It had a wall great and high, and it had twelve gates, with names inscribed thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/revelation/21.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And it had a wall, great and high, and it had twelve gates, and at the gates, twelve Angels, and names written which are the names of the twelve tribes of Israel;<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/revelation/21.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> It had a wall, great and high; and it had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel; <a href="/godbey/revelation/21.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> having a wall great and high, having twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written upon them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel. <a href="/haweis/revelation/21.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> and she had a great wall and lofty, having twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names inscribed on them, which are those of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel. <a href="/mace/revelation/21.htm">Mace New Testament</a> her walls were large and high; the gates were twelve; and at the gates twelve angels, with the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel inscrib'd thereon. <a href="/wey/revelation/21.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> 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. <a href="/worrell/revelation/21.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> having a wall great and high; having twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names inscribed, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel; <a href="/worsley/revelation/21.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> having also a great and high wall, with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels; and there were names inscribed, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel. <a href="/parallel/revelation/21-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LJfD7KQcx0I?start=4527" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/revelation/21.htm">The New Jerusalem</a> …11shining with the glory of God. Its radiance was like a most precious jewel, like a jasper, as clear as crystal. 12<a href="/greek/2192.htm" title="2192: echousa (V-PPA-NFS) -- To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.">The city had</a> <a href="/greek/3173.htm" title="3173: mega (Adj-ANS) -- Large, great, in the widest sense. ">a great</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/5308.htm" title="5308: hypsēlon (Adj-ANS) -- High, lofty. From hupsos; lofty.">high</a> <a href="/greek/5038.htm" title="5038: teichos (N-ANS) -- A wall, especially of a city. Akin to the base of tikto; a wall.">wall</a> <a href="/greek/2192.htm" title="2192: echousa (V-PPA-NFS) -- To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.">with</a> <a href="/greek/1427.htm" title="1427: dōdeka (Adj-AMP) -- Twelve; the usual way in which the Twelve apostles of Jesus are referred to. From duo and deka; two and ten, i.e. A dozen.">twelve</a> <a href="/greek/4440.htm" title="4440: pylōnas (N-AMP) -- From pule; a gate-way, door-way of a building or city; by implication, a portal or vestibule.">gates</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/1924.htm" title="1924: epigegrammena (V-RPM/P-ANP) -- To write upon, inscribe, imprint a mark on. From epi and grapho; to inscribe.">inscribed</a> <a href="/greek/3686.htm" title="3686: onomata (N-ANP) -- Name, character, fame, reputation. From a presumed derivative of the base of ginosko; a name."></a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: ha (RelPro-NNP) -- Who, which, what, that. "></a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ta (Art-NNP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">with the</a> <a href="/greek/3686.htm" title="3686: onomata (N-NNP) -- Name, character, fame, reputation. From a presumed derivative of the base of ginosko; a name.">names</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GFP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of the</a> <a href="/greek/1427.htm" title="1427: dōdeka (Adj-GFP) -- Twelve; the usual way in which the Twelve apostles of Jesus are referred to. From duo and deka; two and ten, i.e. A dozen.">twelve</a> <a href="/greek/5443.htm" title="5443: phylōn (N-GFP) -- A tribe or race of people. From phuo; an offshoot, i.e. Race or clan.">tribes</a> <a href="/greek/5207.htm" title="5207: huiōn (N-GMP) -- A son, descendent. Apparently a primary word; a son, used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship."></a> <a href="/greek/2474.htm" title="2474: Israēl (N-GMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Israel, the adopted name of Jacob, including his descendants.">of Israel,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/1427.htm" title="1427: dōdeka (Adj-AMP) -- Twelve; the usual way in which the Twelve apostles of Jesus are referred to. From duo and deka; two and ten, i.e. A dozen.">twelve</a> <a href="/greek/32.htm" title="32: angelous (N-AMP) -- From aggello; a messenger; especially an angel; by implication, a pastor.">angels</a> <a href="/greek/1909.htm" title="1909: epi (Prep) -- On, to, against, on the basis of, at. ">at</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tois (Art-DMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/4440.htm" title="4440: pylōsin (N-DMP) -- From pule; a gate-way, door-way of a building or city; by implication, a portal or vestibule.">gates.</a> 13There were three gates on the east, three on the north, three on the south, and three on the west.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/ezekiel/48-31.htm">Ezekiel 48:31-34</a> the gates of the city will be named after the tribes of Israel. On the north side there will be three gates: the gate of Reuben, the gate of Judah, and the gate of Levi. / On the east side, which will be 4,500 cubits long, there will be three gates: the gate of Joseph, the gate of Benjamin, and the gate of Dan. / On the south side, which will be 4,500 cubits long, there will be three gates: the gate of Simeon, the gate of Issachar, and the gate of Zebulun. ... <a href="/isaiah/60-11.htm">Isaiah 60:11</a> Your gates will always stand open; they will never be shut, day or night, so that the wealth of the nations may be brought into you, with their kings being led in procession. <a href="/zechariah/2-5.htm">Zechariah 2:5</a> For I will be a wall of fire around it, declares the LORD, and I will be the glory within it.’” <a href="/hebrews/11-10.htm">Hebrews 11:10</a> For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. <a href="/matthew/19-28.htm">Matthew 19:28</a> Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, in the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on His glorious throne, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. <a href="/genesis/49-28.htm">Genesis 49:28</a> These are the tribes of Israel, twelve in all, and this was what their father said to them. He blessed them, and he blessed each one with a suitable blessing. <a href="/isaiah/26-1.htm">Isaiah 26:1-2</a> In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah: We have a strong city; salvation is established as its walls and ramparts. / Open the gates so a righteous nation may enter—one that remains faithful. <a href="/john/10-7.htm">John 10:7-9</a> So He said to them again, “Truly, truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. / All who came before Me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. / I am the gate. If anyone enters through Me, he will be saved. He will come in and go out and find pasture. <a href="/luke/13-29.htm">Luke 13:29</a> People will come from east and west and north and south, and will recline at the table in the kingdom of God. <a href="/romans/9-4.htm">Romans 9:4-5</a> the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption as sons; theirs the divine glory and the covenants; theirs the giving of the law, the temple worship, and the promises. / Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them proceeds the human descent of Christ, who is God over all, forever worthy of praise! Amen. <a href="/isaiah/54-12.htm">Isaiah 54:12</a> I will make your pinnacles of rubies, your gates of sparkling jewels, and all your walls of precious stones. <a href="/1_peter/2-9.htm">1 Peter 2:9</a> But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. <a href="/exodus/28-21.htm">Exodus 28:21</a> The twelve stones are to correspond to the names of the sons of Israel, each engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes. <a href="/numbers/2-2.htm">Numbers 2:2-34</a> “The Israelites are to camp around the Tent of Meeting at a distance from it, each man under his standard, with the banners of his family. / On the east side, toward the sunrise, the divisions of Judah are to camp under their standard: The leader of the Judahites is Nahshon son of Amminadab, / and his division numbers 74,600. ... <a href="/acts/26-7.htm">Acts 26:7</a> the promise our twelve tribes are hoping to see fulfilled as they earnestly serve God day and night. It is because of this hope, O king, that I am accused by the Jews.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:a wall.<a href="/revelation/21-17.htm">Revelation 21:17-20</a> And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel… <a href="/ezra/9-9.htm">Ezra 9:9</a> For we were bondmen; yet our God hath not forsaken us in our bondage, but hath extended mercy unto us in the sight of the kings of Persia, to give us a reviving, to set up the house of our God, and to repair the desolations thereof, and to give us a wall in Judah and in Jerusalem.<a href="/nehemiah/12-27.htm">Nehemiah 12:27</a> And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites out of all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem, to keep the dedication with gladness, both with thanksgivings, and with singing, with cymbals, psalteries, and with harps.twelve gates.<a href="/revelation/21-21.htm">Revelation 21:21,25</a> And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass… <a href="/isaiah/54-12.htm">Isaiah 54:12</a> And I will make thy windows of agates, and thy gates of carbuncles, and all thy borders of pleasant stones.<a href="/isaiah/60-18.htm">Isaiah 60:18</a> Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise.twelve angels.<a href="/matthew/18-10.htm">Matthew 18:10</a> Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.<a href="/luke/15-10.htm">Luke 15:10</a> Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.<a href="/luke/16-22.htm">Luke 16:22</a> And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;and names.<a href="/revelation/7-4.htm">Revelation 7:4-8</a> And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel… <a href="/numbers/2-2.htm">Numbers 2:2-32</a> Every man of the children of Israel shall pitch by his own standard, with the ensign of their father's house: far off about the tabernacle of the congregation shall they pitch… <a href="/acts/26-7.htm">Acts 26:7</a> Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/revelation/21-9.htm">Angels</a> <a href="/revelation/16-5.htm">Charge</a> <a href="/revelation/12-17.htm">Children</a> <a href="/revelation/7-4.htm">Descendants</a> <a href="/revelation/15-5.htm">Doors</a> <a href="/revelation/1-18.htm">Gates</a> <a href="/revelation/21-11.htm">Great</a> <a href="/revelation/21-10.htm">High</a> <a href="/revelation/19-16.htm">Inscribed</a> <a href="/revelation/7-4.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-20.htm">Large</a> <a href="/mark/13-1.htm">Massive</a> <a href="/revelation/21-9.htm">Messengers</a> <a href="/revelation/19-12.htm">Names</a> <a href="/isaiah/31-5.htm">Overhead</a> <a href="/revelation/19-18.htm">Thereon</a> <a href="/revelation/11-9.htm">Tribes</a> <a href="/revelation/12-1.htm">Twelve</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-14.htm">Wall</a> <a href="/revelation/20-15.htm">Written</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/revelation/22-6.htm">Angels</a> <a href="/genesis/2-16.htm">Charge</a> <a href="/genesis/3-16.htm">Children</a> <a href="/genesis/9-9.htm">Descendants</a> <a href="/revelation/21-13.htm">Doors</a> <a href="/revelation/21-13.htm">Gates</a> <a href="/revelation/21-16.htm">Great</a> <a href="/revelation/22-1.htm">High</a> <a href="/exodus/31-18.htm">Inscribed</a> <a href="/genesis/32-28.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/revelation/21-16.htm">Large</a> <a href="/job/15-26.htm">Massive</a> <a href="/genesis/19-1.htm">Messengers</a> <a href="/revelation/21-14.htm">Names</a> <a href="/1_kings/7-11.htm">Overhead</a> <a href="/genesis/35-14.htm">Thereon</a> <a href="/genesis/25-16.htm">Tribes</a> <a href="/revelation/21-14.htm">Twelve</a> <a href="/revelation/21-14.htm">Wall</a> <a href="/revelation/21-27.htm">Written</a><div class="vheading2">Revelation 21</div>1. <a href="/revelation/21-1.htm">A new heaven and a new earth.</a> 10. <a href="/revelation/21-10.htm">The heavenly Jerusalem, with a full description thereof.</a> 23. <a href="/revelation/21-23.htm">She needs no sun, the glory of God being her light.</a> 24. <a href="/revelation/21-24.htm">The kings of the earth bring their riches unto her.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/revelation/21.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div>The city This phrase refers to the New Jerusalem, a central theme in <a href="/revelation/21.htm">Revelation 21</a>. The Greek word for "city" is "πόλις" (polis), which signifies a structured and organized community. In the context of Revelation, it symbolizes the ultimate dwelling place of God with His people, a place of divine order and eternal peace. Historically, cities were centers of culture, governance, and protection, and the New Jerusalem represents the culmination of God's redemptive plan, where His presence is fully realized among His people.had a great and high wall The "great and high wall" signifies security and separation from all that is unholy. In ancient times, city walls were essential for protection against enemies. The Greek word for "wall" is "τεῖχος" (teichos), emphasizing strength and fortification. Spiritually, this wall represents the impenetrable protection of God over His people, ensuring that nothing impure can enter. It also symbolizes the distinction between the holy and the profane, underscoring the purity and sanctity of the New Jerusalem.with twelve gates The number twelve is significant in biblical numerology, often representing completeness and divine authority. The "twelve gates" symbolize access and entry into the presence of God. Each gate provides a way for the redeemed to enter the city, reflecting the inclusivity of God's salvation plan. The gates also remind us of the twelve tribes of Israel, indicating continuity between the Old and New Covenants and the fulfillment of God's promises to His people.inscribed with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel The inscription of the "names of the twelve tribes of Israel" on the gates highlights the enduring covenant between God and His chosen people. The Greek word for "inscribed" is "ἐπιγεγραμμένα" (epigegrammena), suggesting permanence and honor. This inscription signifies the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel and the integral role of the tribes in His redemptive history. It also serves as a reminder of the faithfulness of God to His covenant and the unity of all believers, both Jew and Gentile, in the New Jerusalem. The historical context of the twelve tribes, each representing a distinct part of Israel's identity, underscores the diversity and unity within the body of Christ.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/revelation/21.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(12, 13) And had a wall great and high . . .--Or, better (for the construction is continued), Having a wall great and high, and having twelve gate-towers, and at the gate-towers twelve angels, and names inscribed which are (names) of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel: from the sun-rising (i.e., facing east) three gate-towers; from the north three gate-towers, from the south three gate-towers; from the sun-setting three gate-towers. On this arrangement of gates Numbers 2, Ezekiel 48, and Revelation 7 should be compared. In the encampment in the wilderness (Numbers 2) the tribes were arranged as follows: on the east, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun; on the south, Reuben, Simeon, Gad; on the west, Ephraim, Manasseh, Benjamin; on the north, Dan, Asher, Naphtali. There is perhaps allusion in the present passage to this wilderness encampment, and to the re-adjustment of the order of the tribes in Ezekiel (Ezekiel 48); but there is more than order here: the gates lie open to all quarters; there is no refusal of admission to any people. The representatives of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, are (<a href="/revelation/7-9.htm" title="After this I beheld, and, see, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;">Revelation 7:9</a>) in the city of Christ; in Him there is neither barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free, but all are one. The diversities of human nationality and character, of age and race, and climate, are brought into one communion and fellowship. (Comp. Note on <a href="/revelation/7-4.htm" title="And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.">Revelation 7:4</a>.) "The wall great and high" is mentioned to assure us of the security and peace of that city where no foe "or thief approacheth" (<a href="/isaiah/26-1.htm" title="In that day shall this song be sung in the land of Judah; We have a strong city; salvation will God appoint for walls and bulwarks.">Isaiah 26:1</a>; <a href="/zechariah/2-5.htm" title="For I, said the LORD, will be to her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the middle of her.">Zechariah 2:5</a>).<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/revelation/21.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 12. - And had a wall great and high; having a wall. Omit each introductory "and." The wall is a type of the absolute security of the heavenly city; not that any further assault is expected. In <a href="/ezekiel/38-11.htm">Ezekiel 38:11</a> Gog and Magog prey upon the unwalled villages. And had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel (cf. the description in <a href="/ezekiel/48.htm">Ezekiel 48</a>.). Twelve; as signifying completeness (cf. <a href="/revelation/4-9.htm">Revelation 4:9</a>; <a href="/revelation/7-4.htm">Revelation 7:4-8</a>), and as being the number of the tribes of Israel, which are the type of the spiritual Israel of God. Gates; rather, portals. The picture of the angels placed at the portals, still fulfilling their mission as guardians of men, shows the absolute security of the city. The names are written thereon: as on the stones of the ephod (<a href="/exodus/28-9.htm">Exodus 28:9</a>) and breastplate (<a href="/exodus/39-14.htm">Exodus 39:14</a>). Contrast the names of blasphemy (<a href="/revelation/18-3.htm">Revelation 18:3</a>). <a href="/commentaries/revelation/21-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>[The city] had ἔχουσα (echousa) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2192.htm">Strong's 2192: </a> To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold. a great μέγα (mega) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3173.htm">Strong's 3173: </a> Large, great, in the widest sense. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. high ὑψηλόν (hypsēlon) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5308.htm">Strong's 5308: </a> High, lofty. From hupsos; lofty. wall τεῖχος (teichos) Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5038.htm">Strong's 5038: </a> A wall, especially of a city. Akin to the base of tikto; a wall. with ἔχουσα (echousa) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2192.htm">Strong's 2192: </a> To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold. twelve δώδεκα (dōdeka) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1427.htm">Strong's 1427: </a> Twelve; the usual way in which the Twelve apostles of Jesus are referred to. From duo and deka; two and ten, i.e. A dozen. gates πυλῶνας (pylōnas) Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4440.htm">Strong's 4440: </a> From pule; a gate-way, door-way of a building or city; by implication, a portal or vestibule. inscribed ἐπιγεγραμμένα (epigegrammena) Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1924.htm">Strong's 1924: </a> To write upon, inscribe, imprint a mark on. From epi and grapho; to inscribe. with the τὰ (ta) Article - Nominative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. names ὀνόματα (onomata) Noun - Nominative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3686.htm">Strong's 3686: </a> Name, character, fame, reputation. From a presumed derivative of the base of ginosko; a 'name'. of the τῶν (tōn) Article - Genitive Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. twelve δώδεκα (dōdeka) Adjective - Genitive Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1427.htm">Strong's 1427: </a> Twelve; the usual way in which the Twelve apostles of Jesus are referred to. From duo and deka; two and ten, i.e. A dozen. tribes φυλῶν (phylōn) Noun - Genitive Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5443.htm">Strong's 5443: </a> A tribe or race of people. From phuo; an offshoot, i.e. Race or clan. of Israel, Ἰσραήλ (Israēl) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2474.htm">Strong's 2474: </a> Of Hebrew origin; Israel, the adopted name of Jacob, including his descendants. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. twelve δώδεκα (dōdeka) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1427.htm">Strong's 1427: </a> Twelve; the usual way in which the Twelve apostles of Jesus are referred to. From duo and deka; two and ten, i.e. A dozen. angels ἀγγέλους (angelous) Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_32.htm">Strong's 32: </a> From aggello; a messenger; especially an 'angel'; by implication, a pastor. at ἐπὶ (epi) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1909.htm">Strong's 1909: </a> On, to, against, on the basis of, at. the τοῖς (tois) Article - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. gates. πυλῶσιν (pylōsin) Noun - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4440.htm">Strong's 4440: </a> From pule; a gate-way, door-way of a building or city; by implication, a portal or vestibule. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/revelation/21-12.htm">Revelation 21:12 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/revelation/21-12.htm">Revelation 21:12 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/revelation/21-12.htm">Revelation 21:12 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/revelation/21-12.htm">Revelation 21:12 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/revelation/21-12.htm">Revelation 21:12 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/revelation/21-12.htm">Revelation 21:12 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/revelation/21-12.htm">Revelation 21:12 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/revelation/21-12.htm">Revelation 21:12 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/revelation/21-12.htm">Revelation 21:12 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/revelation/21-12.htm">Revelation 21:12 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/revelation/21-12.htm">NT Prophecy: Revelation 21:12 Having a great and high wall (Rev. Re Apocalypse)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/revelation/21-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Revelation 21:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Revelation 21:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/revelation/21-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Revelation 21:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Revelation 21:13" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>