What does Revelation 21:21 mean?

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. Revelation 21:21

Explanation

Revelation 21:21 paints a vivid picture of the New Jerusalem, as envisioned by John the Apostle in his apocalyptic revelation. In this verse, particular attention is given to the city’s gates and streets. The “twelve gates” are described as being made of “twelve pearls,” each gate crafted from a single pearl. This portrayal emphasizes the immense value and beauty of these entryways. The “street of the city” is said to be “pure gold,” yet unlike any earthly gold, it is described as having the clarity of “transparent glass”. This suggests a level of divine purity and beauty surpassing human understanding and the material wealth of the earthly realm.

Historical Context

The Book of Revelation, also known as the Apocalypse, was penned during a time of significant persecution of early Christians, likely around 95 AD. John, traditionally identified as the Apostle John, was exiled on the island of Patmos in the Aegean Sea when he received the visions he records in this book. The imagery is steeped in Jewish apocalyptic literature, which often uses grandiose and symbolic language to convey hope to the people enduring hardship, assuring them of God’s ultimate victory and the establishment of a new and perfect order.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse is loaded with symbolism. The number twelve, repeated in the mention of gates and pearls, often represents completeness and God’s authority in biblical texts. It may also refer to the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles, symbolizing the unity of God’s people. The use of pearls for gates rather than a more conventional material might signify the incalculable worth of entering God’s kingdom. Additionally, the image of the golden street reflects biblical themes of the restored paradise, the end of corruption, and God’s glory filling the earth.

Practical Applications

In daily life, this verse can serve as a reminder of the transient nature of earthly possessions and the eternal value of spiritual truths. Even the most precious materials on earth pale in comparison to the glory described in Revelation. The passage encourages believers to seek spiritual riches over material wealth, to prioritize their relationship with God and the pursuit of a character that reflects His glory.

Cross-References

• Revelation 21:18-19: “And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass. And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones…”
• Isaiah 54:12: “And I will make thy windows of agates, and thy gates of carbuncles, and all thy borders of pleasant stones.”

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the term used for “pearls” is “margaritai,” which refers directly to pearls as precious gems. The word for “gate” is “pylōn,” meaning a large, imposing gate. The Greek “chrysion” denotes gold, implying not just any gold but that of the highest quality or purity. “Diaphanes” translates to “transparent” or “clear.”

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The imagery in Revelation 21:21 bears similarities to other ancient myths that describe heavenly or utopian cities. For instance, in ancient Mesopotamian literature, the city of the gods is often depicted with opulent materials. In some Buddhist texts, descriptions of Pure Land, or Sukhavati, likewise depict a realm of extraordinary splendor. This suggests a recurring motif across cultures and religions of an ideal state of existence marked by beauty and perfection.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientifically, the concept of streets made of transparent gold and gates made of single large pearls challenges our understanding of material properties. Transparent gold and pearls large enough to form gates are not known to exist. Such descriptions remind us that the language in Revelation is highly symbolic, intended to express visions of a reality beyond the physical and empirical world as we know it.

commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians offer various interpretations of Revelation 21:21. Some view it purely symbolically, representing the perfection and glory of the heavenly city. Others might see in it an allegorical message about the church—pearls formed through suffering, and transparent gold reflecting a community of believers without deceit. Commentators often note that the lavish imagery serves to create a stark contrast between the flawed and transient nature of earthly cities and the enduring perfection of the New Jerusalem, encouraging faith and hope in the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises.