Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the term "gateway" often refers to a physical or metaphorical entrance that holds significant spiritual and cultural meaning. Gateways in the Bible are frequently associated with cities, temples, and places of judgment, serving as points of transition and access.Physical Gateways 1. City Gates: In ancient Israel, city gates were crucial for defense, commerce, and social interaction. They were often the site of legal proceedings and public announcements. For example, in the Book of Ruth, Boaz goes to the city gate to settle the matter of Ruth's redemption (Ruth 4:1). The city gate was a place where elders and leaders gathered to make important decisions and where justice was administered. 2. Temple Gates: The gates of the temple in Jerusalem held particular significance as they were the entry points to the sacred space where God's presence dwelled. Psalm 100:4 encourages worshippers to "Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and bless His name." The temple gates symbolized the transition from the secular to the sacred. 3. Gates of Jerusalem: The gates of Jerusalem are mentioned numerous times in the Bible, often in the context of restoration and protection. Nehemiah's efforts to rebuild the walls and gates of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 3) highlight the importance of gateways in the city's defense and spiritual renewal. Metaphorical Gateways 1. Spiritual Entry: Gateways are also used metaphorically to describe spiritual entry points. Jesus refers to Himself as the "gate" in John 10:9, saying, "I am the gate; whoever enters through Me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture." Here, the gateway represents the means of salvation and access to spiritual nourishment. 2. Narrow and Wide Gates: In Matthew 7:13-14, Jesus speaks of the narrow and wide gates, illustrating the choices between the path of righteousness and the path of destruction. "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." This passage emphasizes the importance of choosing the right path in life. 3. Heavenly Gates: The concept of heavenly gates is found in visions of the New Jerusalem, as described in Revelation 21:12-13, where the city has "a great, high wall with twelve gates, and with twelve angels at the gates." These gates symbolize the entry into eternal life and the presence of God. Cultural and Theological Significance Gateways in the Bible are not merely physical structures but carry deep theological and cultural significance. They represent points of transition, decision, and access to divine presence. The imagery of gates serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual truths, illustrating the choices and pathways that lead to life or destruction. In biblical times, gates were central to community life, serving as places of gathering, judgment, and worship, reflecting their multifaceted role in the spiritual and social fabric of ancient Israel. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) A passage through a fence or wall; a gate; also, a frame, arch, etc., in which a gate in hung, or a structure at an entrance or gate designed for ornament or defense.Greek 4440. pulon -- a porch, gateway ... a porch, gateway. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: pulon Phonetic Spelling: (poo-lone') Short Definition: a large gate, a gateway, porch ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4440.htm - 7k 1129. gumnasia -- exercise Strong's Hebrew 8179. shaar -- a gate... 2), city (2), court (2), courts (1), each gate (1), every gate (1), every gate (1), Gate (49), gate (195), gatekeepers* (1), gates (88), gateway (4), gateway ... /hebrew/8179.htm - 6k 6607. pethach -- opening, doorway, entrance 1817. deleth -- a door Library The Gateway into the Kingdom. Way-Marks in John's Narrative. "O Wretched Man that I Am!" The Old, Old Story Introductory Foreign Exchange. John Chapter x. 10-Jan The Tomb of the Pharaoh Death to Self is the Way Out into a Life of Sacrifice. Introduction. Modesty in Apparel Becoming to Women, Thesaurus Gateway (40 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Gateway (40 Occurrences). ... Luke 16:20 And there was a poor man, by name Lazarus, who was laid at his gateway full of sores, (DBY). ... /g/gateway.htm - 18k Gate (248 Occurrences) Samaria (123 Occurrences) Gezer (14 Occurrences) Gate-side (1 Occurrence) Gateways (6 Occurrences) Girl (71 Occurrences) Inn (7 Occurrences) Register (14 Occurrences) Porch (37 Occurrences) Resources Who is the prince in Ezekiel 46? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Catholic understanding of baptism? | GotQuestions.org What is the significance of the rooster crowing in regards to Peter denying Jesus three times? | GotQuestions.org Gateway: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Gateway (40 Occurrences)Matthew 26:71 Mark 14:68 Luke 16:20 Acts 12:13 Genesis 19:1 Exodus 40:8 Exodus 40:33 Deuteronomy 21:19 1 Samuel 9:18 2 Samuel 3:27 2 Samuel 18:24 2 Samuel 18:33 2 Samuel 19:8 2 Kings 7:17 2 Kings 7:20 Ezekiel 8:3 Ezekiel 11:1 Ezekiel 26:2 Ezekiel 27:3 Ezekiel 40:3 Ezekiel 40:6 Ezekiel 40:8 Ezekiel 40:9 Ezekiel 40:11 Ezekiel 40:13 Ezekiel 40:14 Ezekiel 40:15 Ezekiel 40:16 Ezekiel 40:19 Ezekiel 40:21 Ezekiel 40:29 Ezekiel 40:32 Ezekiel 40:33 Ezekiel 40:39 Ezekiel 40:40 Ezekiel 40:41 Ezekiel 44:3 Ezekiel 46:2 Ezekiel 46:3 Ezekiel 46:8 Subtopics Related Terms |