Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, gates were significant architectural and symbolic elements in ancient cities, serving as points of entry and exit, centers of commerce, and places of judgment and social interaction. The term "gate" in the Bible often carries both literal and metaphorical meanings, reflecting the multifaceted role gates played in the life and culture of the Israelites.1. Physical Gates: Gates were crucial in the defense and administration of ancient cities. They were typically part of the city walls and were fortified to protect against invaders. The construction of gates was robust, often involving heavy doors and bars. For example, the gates of Jerusalem were significant in the city's defense and daily life. In Nehemiah 3, the rebuilding of Jerusalem's gates is meticulously detailed, highlighting their importance: "The Fish Gate was rebuilt by the sons of Hassenaah. They laid its beams and installed its doors, bolts, and bars" (Nehemiah 3:3). 2. Gates as Places of Judgment and Commerce: Gates were not only defensive structures but also served as places where legal matters were settled and business transactions occurred. The elders of the city would sit at the gates to administer justice and resolve disputes. In the book of Ruth, Boaz goes to the city gate to redeem Ruth, demonstrating the gate's role as a place of legal proceedings: "Boaz went to the gate and sat down there. Soon the kinsman-redeemer of whom Boaz had spoken came along, and Boaz said, 'Come over here, my friend, and sit down.' So he went over and sat down" (Ruth 4:1). 3. Symbolic and Metaphorical Gates: Gates also hold symbolic significance in Scripture, often representing access, authority, and transition. In Psalm 24, the psalmist calls for the gates to lift up their heads to welcome the King of Glory: "Lift up your heads, O gates, be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of Glory may enter!" (Psalm 24:7). This passage metaphorically portrays gates as welcoming the divine presence. 4. Gates in Prophecy and Eschatology: Prophetic literature frequently uses gates to symbolize future hope and restoration. In Isaiah 60, the prophet envisions a time when the gates of Jerusalem will be open continually, signifying peace and prosperity: "Your gates will always stand open; they will never be shut, day or night, so that the wealth of the nations may be brought into you, with their kings being led in procession" (Isaiah 60:11). 5. New Testament References: In the New Testament, gates continue to hold spiritual significance. Jesus refers to Himself as the gate for the sheep, emphasizing His role as the way to salvation: "I am the gate. If anyone enters through Me, he will be saved. He will come in and go out and find pasture" (John 10:9). This metaphor underscores the exclusive and protective nature of Christ's salvation. 6. Gates in the Book of Revelation: The book of Revelation describes the New Jerusalem with twelve gates, each made of a single pearl, representing the twelve tribes of Israel: "The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. And the main street of the city was pure gold, as clear as glass" (Revelation 21:21). These gates symbolize the fulfillment of God's promises and the eternal access to His presence for the redeemed. In summary, gates in the Bible are rich in meaning, serving as physical structures essential for city life, as well as powerful symbols of access, authority, and divine promise. They reflect the multifaceted nature of God's interaction with His people, both in historical contexts and in the spiritual realm. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Gate OfMIPHKAD; GATE OF mif'-kad, (sha`ar ha-miphqadh; the Revised Version (British and American) "Hammiphkad" (Nehemiah 3:31)): A gate in, or near, the north end of the east wall of Jerusalem, rebuilt under Nehemiah. Its exact position is uncertain. Greek 4439. pule -- a gate ... pule. 4440 . a gate. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: pule Phonetic Spelling: (poo'-lay) Short Definition: a door, gate Definition: a gate. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4439.htm - 7k 897. Babulon -- "gate of god(s)," Babylon, a large city situated ... 4440. pulon -- a porch, gateway 2374. thura -- a door 1580. ekkomizo -- to carry out (for burial) 2375. thureos -- a shield 4262. probatikos -- of sheep 2377. thuroros -- a doorkeeper Strong's Hebrew 8179. shaar -- a gate... 8178b, 8179. shaar. 8180 . a gate. Transliteration: shaar Phonetic Spelling: (shah'-ar) Short Definition: gate. Word Origin from ... /hebrew/8179.htm - 6k 7996. Shalleketh -- "(gate of) casting forth," a temple gate on ... 8651. tera -- gate, door 5495. Sur -- "a turning aside," a gate of the temple 4663. Miphqad -- "appointed place," a gate in Jer. 1337. Bath-rabbim -- "daughter of multitudes," a name for Heshbon ... 8187. Shearyah -- perhaps "gate of Yah," a Benjamite 6607. pethach -- opening, doorway, entrance 5592. caph -- a basin, goblet 1817. deleth -- a door Library The Strait Gate The Strait Gate; The Gate of Nicanor, or the East Gate of the Court of Israel. At the Temple Gate Outside the Eden Gate. Lord of Mercy, at Thy Gate, Whether Christ Opened the Gate of Heaven to us by his Passion? O Lord of Mercy, at Thy Gate February the Fifth Everywhere the Gate of Heaven The Gate of Life Stands Wide, Resources Just how narrow is the narrow gate? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of the twelve gates in Revelation 21? | GotQuestions.org Will more people go to heaven or to hell? | GotQuestions.org Gate: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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