What is the significance of the number 144 in Revelation 21:17?

The number 144 is highly symbolic, representing divine completeness and the totality of God's redeemed people. It is derived from 12 multiplied by 12. In biblical numerology, 12 is a foundational number associated with God's people and divine government, seen in the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles of the Lamb. Therefore, 144 signifies the full, perfect, and complete company of God's people from both the Old and New Covenants, securely encompassed within the New Jerusalem. This number also echoes the 144,000 sealed in Revelation 7:4, who represent the preserved and faithful remnant.

Why is the measurement "according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel"?

This phrase serves to bridge the gap between heavenly realities and human comprehension. It indicates that the angelic messenger used a standard of measurement (a cubit) that was familiar and understandable to John, and by extension, to all humanity. It assures the reader that these are not arbitrary or incomprehensible divine dimensions, but tangible, real measurements, even if they describe a spiritual reality. It highlights God's gracious condescension in revealing profound truths in a way that His human creation can grasp, affirming the reliability and tangibility of the vision.

21:16 21:16

Revelation 21:17

21:18 21:18

Bible Versions

And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred [and] forty [and] four cubits, [according to] the measure of a man, that is, of the angel.

And {G2532} he measured {G3354} the wall {G5038} thereof {G846}, an hundred {G1540} and forty {G5062} and four {G5064} cubits {G4083}, according to the measure {G3358} of a man {G444}, that is {G3603}, of the angel {G32}.

He measured its wall at 216 feet by human standards of measurement, which the angel was using.

And he measured its wall to be 144 cubits, by the human measure the angel was using.

And he measured the wall thereof, a hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of an angel.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Verse Lookup

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 3:11

For only Og king of Bashan remained of the remnant of giants; behold, his bedstead [was] a bedstead of iron; [is] it not in Rabbath of the children of Ammon? nine cubits [was] the length thereof, and four cubits the breadth of it, after the cubit of a man.
Revelation 13:18

Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number [is] Six hundred threescore [and] six.
Revelation 7:4

And I heard the number of them which were sealed: [and there were] sealed an hundred [and] forty [and] four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.
Revelation 21:9

¶ And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife.
Revelation 14:3

And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred [and] forty [and] four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.

Bible Versions

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