The answer is: Pearls

Rev 21 vs 21

In the Book of Revelation, we get this vivid picture of the new holy city, often referred to as the New Jerusalem. Imagine stepping into a metropolis where the gates glisten like jewels – specifically, they're made of pearls. Revelation 21:21 says, "The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl." This imagery certainly speaks to luxury and beauty, but it’s packed with deeper symbolism, too!

Pearls in ancient cultures were often associated with purity and great value, making them a fitting representation for the gates of a divine city. It's interesting to note that pearls originate from living creatures! While gems are formed in stillness and pressure over time, pearls are born from the response of an oyster to an irritant – healing over the annoyance with layers of nacre. This reflects the redemption metaphor present throughout the Bible; just as pearls are created under what might be considered trial, new life emerges strong and beautiful.

Moreover, there is something poetic about the idea of a single pearl making up a gate—representing wholeness and integrity in the new creation. Some scholars clank the metaphor against Jesus’s teaching about the “pearl of great price,” invoking themes of value and sacrifice. As we learn more from this vision, let’s remember to keep our minds open to the rich layers of meaning within these captivating images, revealing enlightening glimpses of hope and renewal.