Revelation 21:21
New International Version
The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of gold, as pure as transparent glass.

New Living Translation
The twelve gates were made of pearls—each gate from a single pearl! And the main street was pure gold, as clear as glass.

English Standard Version
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, like transparent glass.

Berean Standard Bible
And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, with each gate consisting of a single pearl. The main street of the city was pure gold, as clear as glass.

Berean Literal Bible
And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; each one of the gates respectively was of one pearl, and the street of the city pure gold, transparent as glass.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
The twelve gates were twelve pearls: each individual gate was of one pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.

New American Standard Bible
And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; each one of the gates was a single pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.

NASB 1995
And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; each one of the gates was a single pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.

NASB 1977
And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; each one of the gates was a single pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.

Legacy Standard Bible
And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; each one of the gates was a single pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.

Amplified Bible
And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; each separate gate was of one single pearl. And the street (broad way) of the city was pure gold, like transparent crystal.

Christian Standard Bible
The twelve gates are twelve pearls; each individual gate was made of a single pearl. The main street of the city was pure gold, transparent as glass.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The 12 gates are 12 pearls; each individual gate was made of a single pearl. The broad street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.

American Standard Version
And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; each one of the several gates was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.

Contemporary English Version
Each of the twelve gates was a solid pearl. The streets of the city were made of pure gold, clear as crystal.

English Revised Version
And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; each one of the several gates was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The 12 gates were 12 pearls. Each gate was made of one pearl. The street of the city was made of pure gold, as clear as glass.

Good News Translation
The twelve gates were twelve pearls; each gate was made from a single pearl. The street of the city was of pure gold, transparent as glass.

International Standard Version
The twelve gates were twelve pearls, and each gate was made of a single pearl. The street of the city was made of pure gold, as clear as glass.

Majority Standard Bible
And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, with each gate consisting of a single pearl. The main street of the city was pure gold, as clear as glass.

NET Bible
And the twelve gates are twelve pearls--each one of the gates is made from just one pearl! The main street of the city is pure gold, like transparent glass.

New Heart English Bible
The twelve gates were twelve pearls. Each one of the gates was made of one pearl. The street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

Weymouth New Testament
And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; each of them consisting of a single pearl. And the main street of the city was made of pure gold, resembling transparent glass.

World English Bible
The twelve gates were twelve pearls. Each one of the gates was made of one pearl. The street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the twelve gates [are] twelve pearls, each one of the gates respectively was of one pearl; and the street of the city [is] pure gold—as transparent glass.

Berean Literal Bible
And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; each one of the gates respectively was of one pearl, and the street of the city pure gold, transparent as glass.

Young's Literal Translation
And the twelve gates are twelve pearls, each several one of the gates was of one pearl; and the broad-place of the city is pure gold -- as transparent glass.

Smith's Literal Translation
And the twelve gates twelve pearls; each one of the gates was of one pearl: and the broad way of the city pure gold, as transparent amber.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the twelve gates are twelve pearls, one to each: and every several gate was of one several pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And the twelve gates are twelve pearls, one for each, so that each gate was made from a single pearl. And the main street of the city was of pure gold, similar to transparent glass.

New American Bible
The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each of the gates made from a single pearl; and the street of the city was of pure gold, transparent as glass.

New Revised Standard Version
And the twelve gates are twelve pearls, each of the gates is a single pearl, and the street of the city is pure gold, transparent as glass.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the twelve gates were adorned with twelve pearls; one for each of the gates, and each gate was made of a single pearl; and the great street of the city was of pure gold. as it were transparent glass.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And 12 gates and 12 pearls, one to each, and everyone of the gates was of one pearl, but the street of the city of pure gold, as if there was glass in it.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; every gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, like clear glass.

Godbey New Testament
The twelve gates are twelve pearls; each one of the gates was of one pearl. And the street of the city is pure gold, like transparent glass.

Haweis New Testament
And the twelve gates were twelve several pearls; every one of the gates was of one pearl; and the street of the city was pure gold, as transparent glass.

Mace New Testament
the twelve gates were twelve pearls; each single gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as splendid as glass.

Weymouth New Testament
And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; each of them consisting of a single pearl. And the main street of the city was made of pure gold, resembling transparent glass.

Worrell New Testament
And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; each one of the gates, severally, was of one pearl; and the street of the city was pure gold, as transparent glass.

Worsley New Testament
And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; each of the gates was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold like resplendent glass.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The New Jerusalem
20the fifth sardonyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. 21And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, with each gate consisting of a single pearl. The main street of the city was pure gold, as clear as glass. 22But I saw no temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.…

Cross References
Isaiah 54:12
I will make your pinnacles of rubies, your gates of sparkling jewels, and all your walls of precious stones.

Isaiah 60:17-18
Instead of bronze I will bring you gold; I will bring silver in place of iron, bronze instead of wood, and iron instead of stones. I will appoint peace as your governor and righteousness as your ruler. / No longer will violence be heard in your land, nor ruin or destruction within your borders. But you will name your walls Salvation and your gates Praise.

1 Kings 10:21
All King Solomon’s drinking cups were gold, and all the utensils of the House of the Forest of Lebanon were pure gold. There was no silver, because it was accounted as nothing in the days of Solomon.

1 Kings 10:27
The king made silver as common in Jerusalem as stones, and cedar as abundant as sycamore in the foothills.

2 Chronicles 9:20
All King Solomon’s drinking cups were gold, and all the utensils of the House of the Forest of Lebanon were pure gold. There was no silver, because it was accounted as nothing in the days of Solomon.

2 Chronicles 9:27
The king made silver as common in Jerusalem as stones, and cedar as abundant as sycamore in the foothills.

Ezekiel 28:13
You were in Eden, the garden of God. Every kind of precious stone adorned you: ruby, topaz, and diamond, beryl, onyx, and jasper, sapphire, turquoise, and emerald. Your mountings and settings were crafted in gold, prepared on the day of your creation.

Ezekiel 48:31-34
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. ...

Job 28:16-19
It cannot be valued in the gold of Ophir, in precious onyx or sapphire. / Neither gold nor crystal can compare to it, nor jewels of fine gold be exchanged for it. / Coral and quartz are unworthy of mention; the price of wisdom is beyond rubies. ...

Matthew 13:45-46
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls. / When he found one very precious pearl, he went away and sold all he had and bought it.

Matthew 19:24
Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

Luke 16:19
Now there was a rich man dressed in purple and fine linen, who lived each day in joyous splendor.

John 14:2
In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?

1 Corinthians 3:12
If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw,

1 Timothy 6:17
Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides all things for us to enjoy.


Treasury of Scripture

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.

the twelve.

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 17:4
And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication:

Matthew 13:45,46
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: …

every several.

pure.

Revelation 21:18
And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass.

Revelation 17:4
And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication:

Revelation 18:16
And saying, Alas, alas, that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls!

as it.

Revelation 21:11,18
Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal; …

Jump to Previous
City Clear Consisting Doors Gate Gates Glass Gold Great Main Pearl Pearls Pure Resembling Several Single Street Transparent Twelve
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City Clear Consisting Doors Gate Gates Glass Gold Great Main Pearl Pearls Pure Resembling Several Single Street Transparent Twelve
Revelation 21
1. A new heaven and a new earth.
10. The heavenly Jerusalem, with a full description thereof.
23. She needs no sun, the glory of God being her light.
24. The kings of the earth bring their riches unto her.














And the twelve gates
The number twelve is significant throughout Scripture, often symbolizing completeness or divine authority. In the context of Revelation, the twelve gates represent the twelve tribes of Israel, indicating the fulfillment of God's promises to His people. The gates serve as entry points into the New Jerusalem, symbolizing access to God's eternal kingdom. Historically, gates were places of authority and decision-making in ancient cities, underscoring the divine governance and order in the heavenly city.

were twelve pearls
Pearls in ancient times were considered extremely valuable and rare, often associated with beauty and purity. The imagery of each gate being a single pearl emphasizes the immense value and beauty of the New Jerusalem. In a spiritual sense, pearls can symbolize wisdom and the kingdom of heaven, as seen in Jesus' parable of the pearl of great price (Matthew 13:45-46). This highlights the preciousness of entering into God's eternal presence.

each gate made of a single pearl
The idea of each gate being made from a single pearl is both astonishing and symbolic. It suggests the perfection and unity of God's creation. In the ancient world, pearls were formed through a process of irritation and transformation, which can be seen as a metaphor for the trials and tribulations that lead to spiritual maturity and the ultimate beauty of God's kingdom.

The great street of the city
The street, or "plateia" in Greek, refers to the main thoroughfare of the city, symbolizing the centrality and accessibility of God's presence. Streets in ancient cities were places of commerce, communication, and community life. In the New Jerusalem, the great street signifies the life and vibrancy of the eternal city, where God's people will dwell in perfect harmony and fellowship.

was of pure gold
Gold has long been a symbol of wealth, purity, and divine glory. The use of pure gold for the street indicates the unparalleled splendor and holiness of the New Jerusalem. In biblical times, gold was used in the construction of the tabernacle and temple, signifying God's presence and majesty. Here, it underscores the divine nature of the heavenly city.

as clear as glass
The description of gold being as clear as glass suggests a level of purity and transparency beyond earthly experience. This imagery conveys the idea of a place where nothing is hidden, and everything is illuminated by God's glory. In a spiritual sense, it represents the clarity and truth of God's kingdom, where believers will see and know God fully, as described in 1 Corinthians 13:12. The transparency also signifies the absence of sin and the perfect holiness of the New Jerusalem.

(21) And the twelve gates . . .--Or, gate-towers. Each gate was of one pearl--i.e., made out of one pearl. The foundations are diverse; the gates are alike. There is one way, though there are many roads; one mode of entrance, through twelve gates. All find entrance through one new and living Way (John 14:6; Acts 4:11-12; 1Corinthians 3:11; Hebrews 10:20). The pearl was esteemed of the greatest value among the ancients; it is an appropriate emblem of the highest truth, and so of Him who is the Truth as well as the Way of Life. Lord Bacon compared truth to a pearl "that showeth best by day." Another feature may be added. It is the only precious stone which the art and skill of man cannot improve. The tools of the artificer may give fresh lustre to the emerald and the sapphire; but he must lift no tool upon the pearl. So is it with the truth, which sets men free (1Corinthians 3:10). Through truth, and Him who is Truth, we enter the city; and the street of the city was gold, pure as transparent glass. (See Note on Revelation 21:18.) . . . Verse 21. - And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl. The pearl was known to the ancients from the earliest times, and was always held in high honour by them (cf. Revelation 17:4). And the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass (cf. ver. 18). The brilliancy was so far beyond ordinary gold as to make it apparently transparent like glass. "The street" is not merely one street, but the whole collective material of which the streets are composed.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
And
Καὶ (Kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

the
οἱ (hoi)
Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

twelve
δώδεκα (dōdeka)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1427: 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 [were]
πυλῶνες (pylōnes)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4440: From pule; a gate-way, door-way of a building or city; by implication, a portal or vestibule.

twelve
δώδεκα (dōdeka)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1427: 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.

pearls,
μαργαρῖται (margaritai)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3135: A pearl. From margaros; a pearl.

[with] each
ἕκαστος (hekastos)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1538: Each (of more than two), every one. As if a superlative of hekas; each or every.

gate
πυλώνων (pylōnōn)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 4440: From pule; a gate-way, door-way of a building or city; by implication, a portal or vestibule.

consisting
ἦν (ēn)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

of
ἐξ (ex)
Preposition
Strong's 1537: From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.

a single
ἑνὸς (henos)
Adjective - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 1520: One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.

pearl.
μαργαρίτου (margaritou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3135: A pearl. From margaros; a pearl.

The
(hē)
Article - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

main street
πλατεῖα (plateia)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4113: A street, public square, broad way. Feminine of platus; a wide 'plat' or 'place', i.e. Open square.

of the
τῆς (tēs)
Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

city
πόλεως (poleōs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 4172: A city, the inhabitants of a city. Probably from the same as polemos, or perhaps from polus; a town.

[was] pure
καθαρὸν (katharon)
Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2513: Clean.

gold,
χρυσίον (chrysion)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5553: A piece of gold, golden ornament. Diminutive of chrusos; a golden article, i.e. Gold plating, ornament, or coin.

as [pure as]
ὡς (hōs)
Adverb
Strong's 5613: Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.

transparent
διαυγής (diaugēs)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1306: To shine through, dawn (of the light coming through the shadows). From dia and augazo; to glimmer through, i.e. Break.

glass.
ὕαλος (hyalos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5194: Glass, crystal, clear transparent stone. Perhaps from the same as huetos; glass.


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NT Prophecy: Revelation 21:21 The twelve gates were twelve pearls (Rev. Re Apocalypse)
Revelation 21:20
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