What does Revelation 21:12 mean?

"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:" - Revelation 21:12

Revelation 21:12 - "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:"

Revelation 21:12 - "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:"

Revelation 21:12 (KJV) reads, "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."

One of the most significant aspects of this particular verse comes from its placement in the Book of Revelation. The scripture is part of the final chapter of the Bible, which is also known as the Apocalypse. The book deals with profound and highly symbolic visions that the apostle John received while exiled on the island of Patmos.

The verse is part of a larger vision of a new heaven and a new earth, which includes a new holy city, the New Jerusalem. The New Jerusalem is described as a place where God dwells with his people, and it is meant to be a place of pure perfection and eternal joy. The verse describes the impressive grandeur of the city, emphasizing its great and high wall, as well as its twelve gates, each guarded by an angel and inscribed with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel.

The imagery of a city with great and high walls, as well as multiple gates, evokes a sense of security and exclusivity. It suggests that this new holy city is a place of protection and separation from anything unclean or impure. The number twelve is also highly significant in biblical symbolism. It represents completeness and perfection, as seen in the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles. The emphasis on the twelve gates and the twelve angels guarding them symbolizes the accessibility and inclusivity of the New Jerusalem, which is open to all who are part of the twelve tribes of Israel.

The names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel are inscribed on the gates as a reminder of God's covenant with His chosen people. The use of the names of the twelve tribes on the gates conveys the idea that the New Jerusalem is a place where the promises and blessings given to the twelve tribes will be realized and fulfilled. Additionally, the presence of twelve angels at the gates signifies divine protection and guidance for those who enter the city.

The verse also serves as a reminder of the continuity between the Old Testament and the New Testament. The New Jerusalem is presented as the culmination of God's redemptive plan and the fulfillment of the promises made to the children of Israel. In this way, the verse points to the unity of God's plan for salvation throughout history, from the Old Testament to the New Testament.

Overall, Revelation 21:12 is a verse rich in symbolism and significance. It serves as a portrayal of the glorious and secure nature of the New Jerusalem, as well as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His chosen people. The imagery of the twelve gates, angels, and names of the tribes of Israel encapsulates the themes of inclusivity, divine protection, and the fulfillment of God's promises. As the final chapter of the Bible, this verse stands as a fitting conclusion to the overarching narrative of God's redemptive plan for humanity.

Revelation 21:12 Artwork

Revelation 21:12 - "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:"

Revelation 21:12 - "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:"

Matthew 2:1-2

Matthew 2:1-2

Revelation 21:11

Revelation 21:11

Revelation 21:11

Revelation 21:11

Revelation 21: 10

Revelation 21: 10

Revelation 21:1

Revelation 21:1

Revelation 21:5

Revelation 21:5

Revelation 21: 1

Revelation 21: 1

Revelation 21:3

Revelation 21:3

Revelation 21:6

Revelation 21:6

Revelation 19:19-21

Revelation 19:19-21

Revelation 19:19-21

Revelation 19:19-21

Revelation 19:19-21

Revelation 19:19-21

Revelation 12:7

Revelation 12:7

Revelation 12:1

Revelation 12:1

Revelation 1:12-16

Revelation 1:12-16

revelation 12:1-3

revelation 12:1-3

Revelation 1:12-16

Revelation 1:12-16

Revelation 21:21 – "The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl."

Revelation 21:21 – "The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl."

Revelation 21:21 – "The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl."

Revelation 21:21 – "The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl."

Revelation 21:21 – "The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl."

Revelation 21:21 – "The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl."

Revelation 21:26 - "And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it."

Revelation 21:26 - "And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it."

Revelation 21:21 – "The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl."

Revelation 21:21 – "The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl."

Revelation 21:21 – "The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl."

Revelation 21:21 – "The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl."

Revelation 21:21 – "The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl."

Revelation 21:21 – "The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl."

Genesis 21-12

Genesis 21-12

Revelation 21:25 - "And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there."

Revelation 21:25 - "And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there."

Revelation 12, an angry red dragon pursuing a woman with a child

Revelation 12, an angry red dragon pursuing a woman with a child

Revelation 12, an angry red dragon chasing a woman with a child

Revelation 12, an angry red dragon chasing a woman with a child

Revelation 22:21 - "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen."

Revelation 22:21 - "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen."