What the Bible Says About Gate Symbolism

In the Bible, gates often symbolize access, protection, and judgment. They represent both physical entrances to cities and spiritual thresholds, such as the “narrow gate” leading to life (Matthew 7:13-14) and the gates of heaven, which signify entry into God’s presence.

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Scripture

1 Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brothers the priests, and they built the Sheep Gate. They consecrated it and set its doors. They consecrated it as far as the Tower of the Hundred, as far as the Tower of Hananel.
2 And next to him the men of Jericho built. And next to them Zaccur the son of Imri built.
3 The sons of Hassenaah built the Fish Gate. They laid its beams and set its doors, its bolts, and its bars.
4 And next to them Meremoth the son of Uriah, son of Hakkoz repaired. Next to them Meshullam the son of Berechiah, son of Meshezabel repaired. Next to them Zadok the son of Baana repaired.
5 And next to them the Tekoites repaired, but their nobles would not stoop to serve their Lord.
6 Joiada the son of Paseah and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah repaired the Gate of Yeshanah. They laid its beams and set its doors, its bolts, and its bars.
7 And next to them repaired Melatiah the Gibeonite and Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon and of Mizpah, the seat of the governor of the province Beyond the River.
8 Next to him Uzziel the son of Harhaiah, goldsmiths, repaired. Next to him Hananiah, one of the perfumers, repaired, and they restored Jerusalem as far as the Broad Wall.
9 Next to them Rephaiah the son of Hur, ruler of half the district of Jerusalem, repaired.
10 Next to them Jedaiah the son of Harumaph repaired opposite his house. And next to him Hattush the son of Hashabneiah repaired.
11 Malchijah the son of Harim and Hasshub the son of Pahath-moab repaired another section and the Tower of the Ovens.
12 And next to him Shallum the son of Hallohesh, ruler of half the district of Jerusalem, repaired, he and his daughters.
13 Hanun and the inhabitants of Zanoah repaired the Valley Gate. They rebuilt it and set its doors, its bolts, and its bars, and repaired a thousand cubits of the wall, as far as the Dung Gate.
14 And the Dung Gate repaired Malchijah the son of Rechab, ruler of the district of Beth-haccherem. He rebuilt it and set its doors, its bolts, and its bars.
15 And Shallum the son of Col-hozeh, ruler of the district of Mizpah, repaired the Fountain Gate. He rebuilt it and covered it and set its doors, its bolts, and its bars. And he built the wall of the Pool of Shelah of the king’s garden, as far as the stairs that go down from the city of David.
16 After him Nehemiah the son of Azbuk, ruler of half the district of Beth-zur, repaired to a point opposite the tombs of David, as far as the artificial pool, and as far as the house of the mighty men.
17 After him the Levites repaired, Rehum the son of Bani. Next to him Hashabiah, ruler of half the district of Keilah, repaired for his district.
18 After him their brothers repaired Bavvai the son of Henadad, ruler of half the district of Keilah.
19 Next to him Ezer the son of Jeshua, ruler of Mizpah, repaired another section opposite the ascent to the armory at the buttress.
20 After him Baruch the son of Zabbai repaired another section, from the buttress to the door of the house of Eliashib the high priest.
21 After him Meremoth the son of Uriah, son of Hakkoz repaired another section, from the door of the house of Eliashib to the end of the house of Eliashib.
22 And after him the priests, the men of the surrounding area,
23 After them Benjamin and Hasshub repaired opposite their house. After them Azariah the son of Maaseiah, son of Ananiah, repaired beside his own house.
24 After him Binnui the son of Henadad repaired another section, from the house of Azariah to the buttress.
25 Palal the son of Uzai repaired opposite the buttress and the tower projecting from the upper house of the king at the court of the guard.
26 and the temple servants living on Ophel repaired to a point opposite the Water Gate on the east and the projecting tower.
27 After them the Tekoites repaired another section opposite the great projecting tower as far as the wall of Ophel.
28 Above the Horse Gate the priests repaired, each one opposite his own house.
29 After them Zadok the son of Immer repaired opposite his own house. And after him Shemaiah the son of Shecaniah, the keeper of the East Gate, repaired.
30 After him Hananiah the son of Shelemiah and Hanun the sixth son of Zalaph repaired another section. After him Meshullam the son of Berechiah repaired opposite his chamber.
31 After him Malchijah, one of the goldsmiths, repaired as far as the house of the temple servants and of the merchants, opposite the Muster Gate, and to the upper chamber of the corner.
32 And between the upper chamber of the corner and the Sheep Gate the goldsmiths and the merchants repaired.

Nehemiah 3:1-32

Symbolism of Gates in the Bible

Gates in the Bible serve as powerful symbols of access and transitions, reflecting both the physical and spiritual realms. They often represent the means through which individuals enter into new experiences or relationships. For example, the “narrow gate” mentioned in Matthew 7:13-14 signifies the challenging path that leads to eternal life, contrasting with the wide gate that leads to destruction. This imagery emphasizes the importance of making careful choices in life, illustrating that the journey to salvation is not merely about an open door but requires diligence and direction toward righteousness.

In addition to access, gates frequently embody themes of protection and judgment. In the context of cities, gates served as places of security—where walls safeguarded inhabitants from external threats, as seen in Proverbs 25:28, which compares a city without self-control to a broken-down wall. Moreover, gates are associated with judgment; for instance, in Ezekiel 44:1-3, the east gate of the temple is described as closed, signifying the sacredness of God’s presence and the holiness required to approach Him. Thus, the symbolism of gates weaves a complex narrative that challenges believers to examine their entry points into their spiritual lives and the careful consideration of the paths they choose in their quest for divine connection and protection.

The symbolism of gates in the Bible transcends mere physical structures, connecting deeply with themes of community, authority, and initiation. In ancient Israel, gates were not only protective barriers but also critical social hubs where important legal and civic activities took place. Decisions were made, disputes settled, and elders convened at the city gates. This underscores the gate’s role as a communal entry point into societal life and governance. The Book of Ruth highlights this aspect when Boaz approaches the city gate to secure his right to marry Ruth, signifying both a personal commitment and adherence to community law. Through this narrative, the gate symbolizes the intersection of personal choices with communal obligations, inviting believers to consider how their decisions impact both their spiritual journeys and their communities.

Further exploring the theme of gates as thresholds, they also reflect the transition into covenant relationship with God. In the Old Testament, gates often symbolize an entrance to the sanctuary or the presence of the Lord. The temple gates, as depicted in passages highlighting the splendor of the tabernacle and later the temple in Jerusalem, serve as metaphors for divine invitation. Through these gates, priests and worshipers alike would enter into the sacred space, representing a move from the ordinary to the holy. The book of Psalms encapsulates this notion of entrance with verses that call the faithful to enter His gates with thanksgiving. Therefore, in the biblical narrative, gates not only facilitate physical passage but also act as profound invitations to a deeper relationship with the Divine, illuminating the transformative power inherent in both coming and going.

Entrance to Salvation and Judgment

Gates in the Bible often symbolize the threshold between two realms: the world of the faithful and the world of the lost. They represent the choices individuals must make regarding their spiritual journey. The imagery of gates serves as a reminder that entering through the right gate leads to salvation, while the wrong gate leads to judgment. This duality emphasizes the importance of discernment in one’s spiritual life and the consequences of one’s choices.

Community and Protection

Gates also symbolize the boundaries of community and the protection that comes with belonging. In ancient times, city gates were crucial for defense and security, serving as points of entry and exit for the community. In a biblical context, gates can represent the safety found within the community of believers, where individuals are nurtured in faith and protected from external threats. This symbolism highlights the importance of fellowship and the collective strength of the faithful.

Divine Authority and Governance

Another significant meaning of gates in the Bible relates to divine authority and governance. Gates often symbolize the power and sovereignty of God over His creation. They can represent the establishment of His kingdom and the order He brings to the world. The imagery of gates being opened or closed can signify God’s control over access to His presence, blessings, and judgment, illustrating the divine right to govern the affairs of humanity.

How to Embrace Unity and Strengthen Your Faith Journey

Embracing unity in your faith journey is not just about attending church services or participating in group activities; it’s about cultivating genuine relationships with fellow believers and recognizing the beauty of our diverse experiences. Start by engaging in open conversations with others, sharing your struggles and victories, and listening to their stories. This vulnerability fosters a deeper connection and reminds us that we are all part of the same body of Christ, as Paul beautifully illustrates in 1 Corinthians 12. Additionally, consider joining a small group or a ministry where you can serve alongside others, as working together towards a common goal strengthens not only your faith but also the bonds of community. Remember, unity doesn’t mean uniformity; it’s about celebrating our differences while focusing on our shared mission to love and serve. As you embrace this journey, you’ll find that your faith deepens, and you’ll be better equipped to face life’s challenges with the support of your brothers and sisters in Christ.

Bible References to Symbolism of Gates:

Nehemiah 12:27-43: 27 And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites in all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem to celebrate the dedication with gladness, with thanksgivings and with singing, with cymbals, harps, and lyres.
28 And the sons of the singers gathered together from the district surrounding Jerusalem and from the villages of the Netophathites;
29 And from the house of Gilgal, and from the fields of Geba and Azmaveth, for the singers had built for themselves villages around Jerusalem.
30 And the priests and the Levites purified themselves, and they purified the people and the gates and the wall.
31 Then I brought the leaders of Judah up onto the wall and appointed two great choirs that gave thanks. One went to the south on the wall to the Dung Gate.
32 And after them went Hoshaiah and half of the leaders of Judah,
33 On that day men were appointed over the storerooms, the contributions, the firstfruits, and the tithes, to gather into them the portions required by the Law for the priests and for the Levites according to the fields of the towns, for Judah rejoiced over the priests and the Levites who ministered.
34 And Judah, Benjamin, Shemaiah, and Jeremiah,
35 and certain of the priests’ sons with trumpets: Zechariah the son of Jonathan, son of Shemaiah, son of Mattaniah, son of Micaiah, son of Zaccur, son of Asaph,
36 and his relatives, Shemaiah, Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, Judah, and Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of God. And Ezra the scribe went before them.
37 At the Fountain Gate they went up straight before them by the stairs of the city of David, at the ascent of the wall, above the house of David, to the Water Gate on the east.
38 The other choir of those who gave thanks went to the north, and I followed them with half of the people, on the wall, above the Tower of the Ovens, to the Broad Wall,
39 and above the Gate of Ephraim, and by the Gate of Yeshanah, and by the Fish Gate and the Tower of Hananel and the Tower of the Hundred, to the Sheep Gate; and they came to a halt at the Gate of the Guard.
40 So the two choirs stood in the house of God, and I and half of the officials with me;
41 And the priests Eliakim, Maaseiah, Miniamin, Micaiah, Elioenai, Zechariah, and Hananiah, with trumpets,
42 and the singers sang with Jezrahiah as their leader.
43 And they offered great sacrifices that day and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy; the women and children also rejoiced. And the joy of Jerusalem was heard far away.

Psalm 24:7-10: 7 Lift up your heads, O gates! And be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.
8 Who is this King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle!
9 Lift up your heads, O gates; and be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.
10 Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory!

Isaiah 60:11-18: 11 Your gates shall be open continually;
day and night they shall not be shut,
that people may bring to you the wealth of the nations,
with their kings led in procession.
12 For the nation and kingdom that will not serve you shall perish; those nations shall be utterly laid waste.
13 The glory of Lebanon shall come to you,
the cypress, the plane, and the pine,
to beautify the place of my sanctuary,
and I will make the place of my feet glorious.
14 The sons of those who afflicted you
shall come bending low to you,
and all who despised you
shall bow down at your feet;
they shall call you the City of the Lord,
the Zion of the Holy One of Israel.
15 Whereas you have been forsaken and hated, with no one passing through, I will make you majestic forever, a joy from age to age.
16 You shall suck the milk of nations;
you shall nurse at the breast of kings;
and you shall know that I, the Lord, am your Savior
and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.
17 Instead of bronze I will bring gold,
and instead of iron I will bring silver;
instead of wood, bronze,
instead of stones, iron.
I will make your overseers peace
and your taskmasters righteousness.
18 Violence shall no more be heard in your land,
devastation or destruction within your borders;
you shall call your walls Salvation,
and your gates Praise.

Jeremiah 17:19-27: 19 Thus said the Lord to me: “Go and stand in the People’s Gate, by which the kings of Judah enter and by which they go out, and in all the gates of Jerusalem,
20 “And say to them, ‘Hear the word of the Lord, you kings of Judah, and all Judah, and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, who enter by these gates.”
21 Thus says the Lord: Take care for the sake of your lives, and do not bear a burden on the Sabbath day or bring it in by the gates of Jerusalem.
22 “Do not carry a burden out of your houses on the Sabbath day or do any work, but keep the Sabbath day holy, as I commanded your fathers.”
23 Yet they did not listen or incline their ear, but stiffened their neck, that they might not hear and receive instruction.
24 But if you listen to me, declares the Lord, and bring in no burden by the gates of this city on the Sabbath day, but keep the Sabbath day holy and do no work on it,
25 then there shall enter the gates of this city kings and princes who sit on the throne of David, riding in chariots and on horses, they and their officials, the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem. And this city shall be inhabited forever.
26 And people shall come from the cities of Judah and the places around Jerusalem, from the land of Benjamin, from the Shephelah, from the hill country, and from the Negeb, bringing burnt offerings and sacrifices, grain offerings and frankincense, and bringing thank offerings to the house of the Lord.
27 But if you do not listen to me, to keep the Sabbath day holy, and not to bear a burden and enter by the gates of Jerusalem on the Sabbath day, then I will kindle a fire in its gates, and it shall devour the palaces of Jerusalem and shall not be quenched.”

Ezekiel 40:1-49: 1 In the twenty-fifth year of our exile, at the beginning of the year, on the tenth day of the month, in the fourteenth year after the city was struck down, on that very day, the hand of the Lord was upon me, and he brought me to the city.
2 In visions of God he brought me to the land of Israel, and set me down on a very high mountain, on which was a structure like a city to the south.
3 When he brought me there, behold, there was a man whose appearance was like bronze, with a linen cord and a measuring reed in his hand, and he was standing in the gateway.
4 And the man said to me, “Son of man, look with your eyes, and hear with your ears, and set your heart upon all that I shall show you, for you were brought here in order that I might show it to you. Declare all that you see to the house of Israel.”
5 And behold, there was a wall all around the outside of the temple area, and the length of the measuring reed in the man’s hand was six long cubits, each being a cubit and a handbreadth in length. So he measured the thickness of the wall, one reed; and the height, one reed.
6 Then he went into the gateway facing east, going up its steps, and measured the threshold of the gate, one reed deep.
7 And there was a vestibule in front of the guard rooms, on the inside, and it was twenty cubits long and twenty cubits wide.
8 He measured the vestibule of the gateway, eight cubits; and its jambs, two cubits; and the vestibule of the gate was at the inner end.
9 Then he measured the vestibule of the gateway, eight cubits; and its jambs, two cubits; and the vestibule of the gate was at the inner end.
10 And he measured the breadth of the entrance of the gateway, ten cubits, and the length of the gateway, thirteen cubits.
11 And he measured the breadth of the entrance of the gateway, ten cubits, and the length of the gateway, thirteen cubits.
12 There was a barrier before the side rooms, one cubit on either side.
13 And he measured the gate from the roof of the one guardroom to the roof of the other, a breadth of twenty-five cubits; the openings faced each other.
14 Then he measured the vestibule of the gateway, eight cubits; and its jambs, two cubits; and the vestibule of the gate was at the inner end.
15 From the front of the entrance at the gate to the front of the inner vestibule of the gate was fifty cubits.
16 And there were narrow windows to the sills and to the jambs of the side chambers, the latter and the former chambers were on three stories.
17 Then he brought me into the outer court. And behold, there were chambers and a pavement, all around the court. Thirty chambers faced the pavement.
18 And the gateway had windows all around, narrowing inwards toward the side rooms and toward their jambs, and likewise the vestibule had windows all around inside, and on the jambs were palm trees.
19 Then he measured the width from the front of the lower gate to the front of the inner court outside, a hundred cubits on the east and on the north.
20 As for the gate of the outer court that faced the north, he measured its length and its breadth.
21 Then he brought me into the outer court and measured the corner gateposts; they were of the same size on both sides.
22 And its windows, its vestibule, and its palm trees were of the same size as those of the gate that faced toward the east. And by seven steps people would go up to it, and find its vestibule before them.
23 And the nave and the sanctuary each had a double door.
24 And he led me toward the south, and behold, there was a gate on the south. And he measured its jambs and its vestibule; they had the same size.
25 And there were windows all around, narrowing inwards until they reached the side walls of the gate, and also for the side chambers.
26 And there were seven steps leading up to it, and its vestibule was before them, and it had palm trees on its jambs, one on either side.
27 And there was a gateway to the inner court on the south side; and he measured from gate to gate toward the south, a hundred cubits.
28 Then he brought me to the inner court through the south gate, and he measured the south gate; it was of the same size as the others.
29 And its side chambers, three on either side, and its jambs and its vestibule were of the same size as the others, and the gate and its vestibule had windows all around. It was fifty cubits long and twenty-five cubits wide.
30 And there were vestibules all around, twenty-five cubits long and five cubits broad.
31 Its vestibule faced the outer court, and palm trees were on its jambs, and its stairway had eight steps.
32 Then he led me to the inner court on the east side, and he measured the gateway.
33 And its vestibule faced the outer court, and palm trees were on its jambs, and its stairway had eight steps.
34 Its vestibule faced the outer court, and palm trees were on its jambs, and its stairway had eight steps.
35 And he brought me to the north gate and measured it. It had the same dimensions as the others,
36 its vestibule faced the outer court, and palm trees were on its jambs, and its stairway had eight steps.
37 Its vestibule faced the outer court, and palm trees were on its jambs, and its stairway had eight steps.
38 There was a chamber with its door in the vestibule of the gate, where the burnt offering was to be washed.
39 Then he measured the vestibule of the entrance, 14 feet; and the sidewalls of the entrance were 3½ feet on either side.
40 And there was a gateway in the inner court.
41 Four tables of hewn stone were there, a cubit and a half long, a cubit and a half broad, and one cubit high, on which the instruments were to be laid with which the burnt offerings and the sacrifices were slaughtered.
42 And the four tables for the burnt offering were of hewn stone, a cubit and a half long, a cubit and a half wide, and one cubit high. On them were to be placed the instruments with which the burnt offerings and sacrifices were slaughtered.
43 And there were hooks, a handbreadth long, fastened all around within. And on the tables the flesh of the offering was to be laid.
44 And on the outside of the inner gateway there were two chambers in the inner court, one at the side of the north gate facing south, the other at the side of the south gate facing north.
45 And he said to me, “This chamber that faces south is for the priests who have charge of the temple,
46 And the chamber that faces north is for the priests who have charge of the altar. These are the sons of Zadok, who alone among the sons of Levi may come near to the Lord to minister to him.
47 And he measured the court, a hundred cubits long and a hundred cubits broad, a square. And the altar was in front of the temple.
48 Then he brought me to the vestibule of the temple and measured the jambs of the vestibule, five cubits on either side. And the breadth of the gate was fourteen cubits, and the sidewalls of the gate were three cubits on either side.
49 The length of the nave was fifty cubits, and the breadth twenty-five cubits.

Ezekiel 43:1-12: 1 Then he led me to the gate, the gate facing east.
2 And behold, the glory of the God of Israel was coming from the east. And the sound of his coming was like the sound of many waters, and the earth shone with his glory.
3 And it was like the appearance of the vision that I saw, like the vision that I saw when he came to destroy the city, and the visions were like the vision that I saw by the Chebar canal, and I fell on my face.
4 As the glory of the Lord entered the temple by the gate facing east,
5 The Spirit lifted me up and brought me into the inner court; and behold, the glory of the Lord filled the temple.
6 And I heard him speaking to me out of the temple, and the man stood by me.
7 And he said to me, “Son of man, this is the place of my throne and the place of the soles of my feet, where I will dwell in the midst of the people of Israel forever.
8 by setting their threshold by my threshold and their doorposts beside my doorposts, with only a wall between me and them. They have defiled my holy name by their abominations that they have committed, so I have consumed them in my anger.
9 Now let them put away their whoring and the dead bodies of their kings far from me, and I will dwell in their midst forever.
10 “As for you, son of man, describe to the house of Israel the temple, that they may be ashamed of their iniquities; and they shall measure the plan.
11 And if they are ashamed of all that they have done, make known to them the design of the temple, its arrangement, its exits and its entrances, its whole design, and all its regulations and all its laws, and write it down in their sight, so that they may observe all its laws and all its statutes and carry them out.
12 This is the law of the temple: the whole territory on the top of the mountain all around shall be most holy. Behold, this is the law of the temple.

Ezekiel 44:1-3: Then he brought me back to the outer gate of the sanctuary, which faces east. And it was shut.
2 And the Lord said to me, “This gate shall remain shut; it shall not be opened, and no one shall enter by it, for the Lord, the God of Israel, has entered by it. Therefore it shall remain shut.
3 Only the prince may sit in it to eat bread before the Lord. He shall enter by way of the vestibule of the gate, and shall go out by the same way.

Ezekiel 48:30-35: 30 These shall be the exits of the city: On the north side, which is to be 4,500 cubits by measure,
31 The gates of the city shall be named after the tribes of Israel, three gates to the north: the gate of Reuben, the gate of Judah, and the gate of Levi.
32 And on the east side, four thousand five hundred cubits, and three gates, and the same measurements for the north side.
33 “And the south side shall be five thousand cubits by measure.”
34 The circumference of the city shall be 18,000 cubits. And the name of the city from that time on shall be, The Lord Is There.”
35 The circumference of the city shall be 18,000 cubits. And the name of the city from that time on shall be, The Lord Is There.”

Matthew 7:13-14: 13 “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.”
14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.

Matthew 16:18-19: 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

John 10:1-10: 1 “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber.”
2 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.
3 The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.
4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.
5 A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.
6 This figure of speech Jesus used with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.
7 So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.
8 All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them.
9 I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.
10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

Revelation 21:9-27: 9 Then came one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues and spoke to me, saying, “Come, I will show you the Bride, the wife of the Lamb.”
10 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great, high mountain, and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God,
11 having the glory of God, its radiance like a most rare jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal.
12 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—
13 On the east three gates, on the north three gates, on the south three gates, and on the west three gates.
14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
15 And the one who spoke with me had a measuring rod of gold to measure the city and its gates and walls.
16 The city lies foursquare, its length the same as its width. And he measured the city with his rod, 12,000 stadia. Its length and width and height are equal.
17 He also measured its wall, 144 cubits by human measurement, which is also an angel’s measurement.
18 The wall was built of jasper, while the city was pure gold, like clear glass.
19 The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with every kind of jewel. The first was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald,
20 the fifth onyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, the twelfth amethyst.
21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, each of the gates made of a single pearl, and the street of the city was pure gold, transparent as glass.
22 And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb.
23 And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb.
24 By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it,
25 Its gates will never be shut by day—and there will be no night there.
26 They will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations.
27 But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life.