Revelation 21:13
What does Revelation 21:13 mean?
A plain-English look at Revelation 21:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Revelation 21:13 means
The gates are evenly distributed—three on each side: east, north, south, and west. This balanced arrangement suggests comprehensive access and the gathering of God’s people from every direction. No corner of the earth is excluded from God’s saving purpose. The city’s openness is intentional, yet ordered and guarded. The symmetry reinforces the idea that this is not a haphazard refuge but a perfectly designed dwelling. All who enter come through the ways God has appointed, and all who belong will find a welcoming gate oriented toward them.
Revelation 21:13 in context
Revelation 21 — A New Heaven and a New Earth
John's final vision. The first heaven and earth pass away, and the New Jerusalem comes down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. God himself dwells with his people; he wipes away every tear; there is no more death, sorrow, crying, or pain. The former things are passed away. The light of the city is the glory of God; its lamp is the Lamb. The story that began in the garden of Genesis ends in the city of Revelation, and the gates are never shut.
- New creation
- God dwelling with man
- End of death and sorrow
- Eternal worship
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000on the east were three gates; and on the north three gates; and on the south three gates; and on the west three gates.
KJV
King James Version · 1611On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901on the east were three gates; and on the north three gates; and on the south three gates; and on the west three gates.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And on the east were three doors; and on the north three doors; and on the south three doors; and on the west three doors.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862at the east three gates, at the north three gates, at the south three gates, at the west three gates;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752On the east, three gates: and on the north, three gates: and on the south, three gates: and on the west, three gates.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890On [the] east three gates; and on [the] north three gates; and on [the] south three gates; and on [the] west three gates.
Context
After naming the gates and their tribal inscriptions, this verse highlights their placement, underscoring the city’s universal welcome within secure boundaries. Verse 14 will complete the picture by turning from gates to foundations, adding the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. The flow thus moves from access (gates) to stability (foundations), before the angel measures the entire city to convey its vastness and flawless proportions.
v.12having 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:
v.13This passage
v.14And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ezekiel 48:31
and the gates of the city shall be after the names of the tribes of Israel, three gates northward: the gate of Reuben, one; the gate of Judah, one; the gate of Levi, one.
Sermon ideas from Revelation 21:13
Angles a pastor or small-group leader might preach or teach from this passage, drawn from the chapter's main themes.
What Revelation 21:13 teaches us about new creation
What Revelation 21:13 teaches us about god dwelling with man
What Revelation 21:13 teaches us about end of death and sorrow
What Revelation 21:13 teaches us about eternal worship
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Revelation 21
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Revelation 21.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Adoption as Sons
God’s plan for us includes adoption into his family, bringing us from spiritual orphanhood to beloved children.
Topic
Bible Verses About Glorification
Glorification is the final stage of salvation, where believers receive perfect, incorruptible bodies and are made completely like Christ.
Topic
Bible Verses About God as Light
Exploring how God reveals Himself as light, symbolizing His holiness, truth, and presence in scripture
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for the Fear of Death
When you're afraid to die — what scripture promises about the last enemy.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Grief After Losing Someone You Love
When the room is empty — verses that grieve with you, not around you.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Grief After a Miscarriage
A holy ache the world rarely names — scripture for the weight you're carrying.