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.

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

  • Divine Precision and Order: The specific measurement of "an hundred and forty and four cubits" highlights God's meticulous planning and the perfect order of the New Jerusalem. Nothing in God's eternal creation is left to chance or chaos; it is divinely structured.
  • Symbolism of Numbers: The number 144 is significant. It is 12 multiplied by 12, a number often associated with completeness and divine foundation in biblical numerology. The number 12 represents the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles of the Lamb, symbolizing the entire redeemed community of both Old and New Covenants. This measurement could symbolically represent the completeness and security of God's people within the city. It also echoes the 144,000 sealed in Revelation 7:4.
  • Accessibility and Security: While the wall is strong and its foundations precious, its height of 144 cubits (approximately 216 feet) is not astronomically high compared to the city's vast dimensions (1,500 miles per side). This suggests that the wall serves not merely as an impenetrable barrier, but as a defined boundary for a holy space, offering protection while still allowing for the glory of God to radiate.

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:

  • It might mean that the angel used a standard human cubit for measurement, making the divine dimensions comprehensible to John (and thus to us).
  • Alternatively, it could imply that the angel's measure is consistent with what humans would understand, bridging the gap between heavenly realities and earthly comprehension. It reassures us that these are real, tangible dimensions, even if revealed by an angel.

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.

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.

  • 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.
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