In the Book of Revelation, the New Jerusalem has twelve gates, according to its apocalyptic vision.
Revelation 21 describes the New Jerusalem as a radiant city descending from heaven as the dwelling place of God with humanity. The city has a great wall with twelve gates, and an angel is associated with each gate. The gates are named for the twelve tribes of Israel.
The city’s structure is highly symbolic. It is measured as a cube, with equal length, width, and height, and its precious materials communicate holiness, abundance, and divine glory. The twelve gates connect the vision with Israel’s twelve tribes, while the twelve foundations are associated with the apostles of the Lamb.
The New Jerusalem is not the same image as a generic heaven or a separate “pearly gates” story. The phrase “pearly gates” comes from Revelation’s description of each gate as a pearl, but the vision also includes walls, foundations, streets, and the absence of a temple because God’s presence fills the city.