New Testament
Revelation 21:12
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Revelation 21:12, the description of the New Jerusalem includes a great, high wall that signifies protection and separation from evil.
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 95
- Genre
- Apocalyptic prophecy
- Original Audience
- The seven churches of Asia Minor
It had a great, high wall with 12 gates, and an angel stood at each gate. Written on the gates were the names of the 12 tribes of the children of Israel.
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:
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Revelation 21:12, the description of the New Jerusalem includes a great, high wall that signifies protection and separation from evil. The twelve gates represent access points into the city, each guarded by an angel, emphasizing the holiness and security of this divine place. The names of the twelve tribes of Israel inscribed on the gates highlight the continuity of God's covenant with His people and the inclusion of Israel in His eternal plan. This imagery reflects the fulfillment of God's promises and the unity of His people, both Jew and Gentile, in the new creation. The gates symbolize that all who belong to God can enter, while the angels signify His watchful care over those who enter the city. This passage reassures believers of their place in God's kingdom and the eternal security they have in Him.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Revelation 21:12 to your life
This verse encourages believers to remember their identity as part of God's family, rooted in the history of Israel. It reminds us that we have access to God through Christ and that our eternal home is secure. We should live with hope and assurance.
Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does the great wall in Revelation 21:12 symbolize?
The great wall in Revelation 21:12 symbolizes protection and separation from evil. It signifies the security of the New Jerusalem, indicating that it is a holy place where God's presence dwells, free from sin and harm.
Why are there twelve gates in the New Jerusalem?
The twelve gates represent the twelve tribes of Israel, highlighting God's covenant with His people. Each gate signifies access into the city, emphasizing that all who belong to God, both Jew and Gentile, can enter His eternal kingdom.
What is the significance of the angels at the gates?
The angels at the gates serve as guardians, symbolizing God's watchful care over those who enter the New Jerusalem. Their presence emphasizes the holiness of the city and reassures believers of divine protection as they approach God's presence.
How does Revelation 21:12 relate to God's promises?
Revelation 21:12 reflects the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel and the inclusion of all believers in His eternal plan. The names of the twelve tribes on the gates signify continuity in God's covenant, assuring believers of their place in His kingdom.
The Book of Revelation
Revelation 1: The Revelation of Jesus Christ
This is the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gives Him to show His servants things which must shortly come to pass, sent and signified by His angel to John, who bears record of the word of God. A blessing is pronounced upon those who read and hear the words of this prophecy and keep the things written therein, for the time is at hand. John writes to the seven churches in Asia, sending grace and peace from Him which is, and which was, and which is to come, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first begotten of the dead, who washed us from our sins in His own blood. He declares Himself Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending. John, in the isle of Patmos for the word of God, is in the Spirit on the Lord's day and hears behind him a great voice as a trumpet. Turning, he sees seven golden candlesticks and one like the Son of man among them, clothed to the foot, His head and hairs white as wool, His eyes as a flame of fire, His feet like fine brass, His voice as the sound of many waters, seven stars in His right hand, and a sharp twoedged sword going out of His mouth. John falls at His feet as dead, and the Lord lays His right hand upon him, saying, Fear not, I am the first and the last, He that liveth and was dead and is alive for evermore. He reveals that the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches and the seven candlesticks are the seven churches.
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