Rev 21:12-13 | RWP | e4.org | Having a wall great and high ( εχουσα τειχος μεγα κα υψηλον ). John returns, after the parenthesis in verse , to the structure in verse , only to use the accusative εχουσαν as before to agree with πολιν , but the nominative εχουσα as again with "twelve gates" ( πυλωνας δωδεκα ). Πυλων is an old word (from πυλη gate) for a large gate as in and six times in Rev. for the gate tower of a city wall ( , , , , ; ) as in ; . See . for these twelve gates, one for each tribe (cf. ). At the gates ( επ τοις πυλωσιν ). "Upon the gate towers." Twelve angels ( αγγελους δωδεκα ). As πυλωρο or φυλακες according to ; . Names written thereon ( ονοματα επιγεγραμμενα ). Perfect passive participle of επιγραφω . Which are the names ( α εστιν ). Just as in Ezekiel's vision ( .), so here the names of the twelve tribes of Israel appear, one on each gate.

‏ Revelation of John 21:12-13

Having a wall great and high ( εχουσα τειχος μεγα κα υψηλον ). John returns, after the parenthesis in verse 11, to the structure in verse 10, only to use the accusative εχουσαν as before to agree with πολιν, but the nominative εχουσα as again with "twelve gates" ( πυλωνας δωδεκα ). Πυλων is an old word (from πυλη gate) for a large gate as in Lu 16:20 and six times in Rev. for the gate tower of a city wall (Re 21:12, 13, 15, 21, 25; 22:14) as in 1Ki 17:10; Ac 14:13. See Eze 48:31ff. for these twelve gates, one for each tribe (cf. Re 7:1-8).

At the gates ( επ τοις πυλωσιν ). "Upon the gate towers."

Twelve angels ( αγγελους δωδεκα ). As πυλωρο or φυλακες according to Isa 62:6; 2Ch 8:14.

Names written thereon ( ονοματα επιγεγραμμενα ). Perfect passive participle of επιγραφω.

Which are the names ( α εστιν ). Just as in Ezekiel's vision (48:31ff.), so here the names of the twelve tribes of Israel appear, one on each gate.

Three gates ( πυλωνες τρεις ) on each of the four sides as in Eze 42:16ff.; "on the east" ( απο ανατολης, as in 16:12, starting from the east), "on the north" ( απο βορρα, from the north, as in Lu 13:29), "on the south" ( απο νοτου, from the south, as in Lu 13:29), "on the west" ( απο δυσμων, from the west, as in Mt 8:11).