πύλη (pulē)
pulē
gate
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun pulē refers to a substantial gate, typically one set into the wall of a city, palace, or temple complex. In the New Testament, it appears nine times, often marking significant locations such as the Beautiful Gate of the Jerusalem temple in Acts 3:10 or the prison gates opened for Paul and Silas in Acts 16:26. These physical entrances served as critical points of entry and exit, controlling access to the community’s heart.
Beyond its literal use, the word carries metaphorical weight. Jesus employs it in Matthew 7:13–14 to describe the narrow and wide gates leading to different destinies, framing life choices as paths through an entrance. Most notably, he declares that “the gates of Hades” will not overcome his church in Matthew 16:18, using the image of a fortified city’s entrance to signify the power of death itself.
This term distinguishes a major defensive or ceremonial gate from a simple door. Its presence in Scripture highlights themes of access, protection, and transition. Whether describing the physical gates of Jerusalem or the spiritual boundaries between life and death, pulē underscores the importance of where one enters and what lies beyond.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word pulē refers to a substantial gate within a city wall or temple complex. In ancient times, these were not simple doors but fortified entrances controlling access to safety and community life. When Jesus spoke of the "narrow gate" in Matthew 7:13, He used this concrete image to describe the choice between two paths. One leads to destruction, while the other leads to life. This imagery reminds us that our daily decisions determine where we ultimately end up.
Beyond personal choice, gates also represent spiritual protection and transition. In Acts 16:26, prison doors opened supernaturally, showing that God can break through any barrier that keeps His people bound. Similarly, Jesus suffered "outside the gate" in Hebrews 13:12, identifying with those on the margins of society. This tells us that He understands exclusion and pain.
Whether we are facing difficult choices or feeling locked out by circumstances, this word invites trust. It reminds us that access to God is always open through Christ. We can approach Him with confidence, knowing that no gate of darkness can overcome the church built on His truth. May you find peace in knowing that your path is held securely in His hands.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- gate6×
- gates1×
- gate,1×
- [the] gates1×
- Gate1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- πύλῃ2×
- πύλης2×
- πύλη2×
- πύλης,1×
- πύλην1×
- πύλας1×
- πύλαι1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 7:13
“Enter in by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter in by it.
This verse uses pulē to contrast two distinct life paths, framing moral choices as entering through specific entrances.
-
Matthew 16:18
I also tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my assembly, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.
Here the word signifies the power of death itself, asserting that no fortified barrier can overcome the church.
-
Acts 12:10
When they were past the first and the second guard, they came to the iron gate that leads into the city, which opened to them by itself. They went out and went down one street, and immediately the angel departed from him.
The iron gate opens by itself, demonstrating divine intervention breaking physical constraints to free believers.
-
Hebrews 13:12
Therefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people through his own blood, suffered outside of the gate.
This reference places Jesus outside the city walls, highlighting His identification with those excluded from religious centers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word pulē mean?
How is pulē different from thura?
Why did Jesus suffer outside the gate?
What is the significance of the "narrow gate"?
Every Occurrence (9 verses across 4 books)
Matthew 3 verses
“Enter in by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many…
Matthew 7:14How narrow is the gate and the way is restricted that leads to life! There are few who find it.
Matthew 16:18I also tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my assembly, and the gates of Hades will not prevail…