


Revelation 21:17
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.
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.
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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.
Context of Revelation 21:17
The book of Revelation, particularly chapters 21 and 22, presents a glorious vision of the New Jerusalem descending from heaven. This section describes the eternal dwelling place of God and His people, after the old heavens and earth have passed away. Following the general description of the city's immense size, mentioned in Revelation 21:16 (12,000 furlongs in length, breadth, and height), verse 17 focuses specifically on the measurement of its wall. This intricate detail underscores the precision and divine design of God's eternal kingdom.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The phrase "an hundred and forty and four cubits" refers to an ancient unit of linear measure. A cubit was typically the length from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger, varying slightly but generally estimated between 18 and 21 inches (approximately 45-53 cm). Therefore, 144 cubits would be roughly 216 to 252 feet (66 to 77 meters) high.
The most intriguing phrase is "according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel." This can be interpreted in a few ways:
Practical Application
Revelation 21:17 offers comfort and assurance to believers today. The precise and intentional measurements of the New Jerusalem's wall speak to God's careful design for our eternal home. It is a place of perfect order, divine security, and complete holiness. This vision reassures us that God's promises are concrete and meticulously planned, not vague or ethereal. It encourages us to live with the hope of an eternal future where God Himself dwells among His people, protected and perfectly ordered, a stark contrast to the chaos and uncertainty of the present world. The emphasis on the "measure of a man" suggests that God reveals divine truths in ways we can grasp, inviting us to trust in His glorious future.