Revelation 21:17

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 21:17 provides a specific measurement for the wall of the New Jerusalem, stating it is "an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel." This precise detail, revealed by an angelic guide, emphasizes the divine order, security, and symbolic completeness of God's eternal dwelling place for His redeemed people, bridging the gap between heavenly realities and human comprehension through a relatable unit of measure.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 21:17 is situated within the climactic vision of the New Heavens and New Earth, culminating in the descent of the New Jerusalem from God out of heaven, as described in [Revelation 21:1-8](/revelation/21-1-8 "Revelation 21:1-8 - The New Creation"). Following the general description of the city's immense, cubic dimensions (12,000 furlongs in length, breadth, and height) in [Revelation 21:16](/revelation/21-16 "Revelation 21:16 - Dimensions of the New Jerusalem"), verse 17 narrows the focus to the specific measurement of its wall. This progression from the macro to the micro underscores the meticulous detail and divine design inherent in God's eternal kingdom, providing tangible, albeit symbolic, descriptions of an otherworldly reality. The immediate context of the city's description, including its gates, foundations, and precious materials, sets the stage for understanding the wall's significance as an integral part of this divinely constructed sanctuary.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient world, city walls were paramount for defense, defining the boundaries of a community and providing security against external threats. The measurement of a "cubit" was a common unit of length, generally understood as the distance from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger (approximately 18-21 inches or 45-53 cm). This human-centric measurement system was familiar to John's original audience. The concept of an angel acting as a guide and interpreter for divine visions was also a recognized motif in biblical prophecy, seen in books like Daniel and Zechariah. The phrase "measure of a man, that is, of the angel" therefore serves to ground a celestial measurement in human terms, making the divine revelation comprehensible and relatable to earthly understanding, while simultaneously affirming its divine origin and authority.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Revelation 21 and the broader book. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Precision and Order**, demonstrating that God's eternal plan is not chaotic but meticulously designed, down to the very dimensions of His dwelling. Secondly, the number 144 (12 x 12) strongly reinforces the theme of **Symbolism of Numbers and Completeness**. The number 12 is foundational in biblical numerology, representing the [twelve tribes of Israel](/genesis/49 "Genesis 49 - Jacob's Blessings on the Twelve Tribes") and the [twelve apostles of the Lamb](/revelation/21-14 "Revelation 21:14 - The Twelve Foundations and Apostles"), symbolizing the entirety of God's redeemed people from both Old and New Covenants. This echoes the [144,000 sealed in Revelation 7:4](/revelation/7-4 "Revelation 7:4 - The 144,000 Sealed"), representing the complete number of God's faithful. Finally, the wall's dimensions, while substantial, are not impossibly high compared to the city's vastness, suggesting a theme of **Defined Holiness and Accessible Security**. The wall defines a sacred space, providing protection and order, but its height also implies that it does not entirely obscure the glory of God that emanates from within, allowing for divine light to permeate.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **measured (Greek, _metréō'_):** G3354. This verb signifies ascertaining size by a fixed standard or allotting by rule. In the context of Revelation 21:17, it emphasizes the precise, deliberate, and divinely ordained nature of the New Jerusalem's dimensions. The act of measuring implies order, design, and a tangible reality, even for a heavenly city.
* **cubits (Greek, _pēchys'_):** G4083. Referring to the fore-arm, this is an ancient unit of linear measure, typically 18-21 inches. Its use here grounds the celestial description in a humanly understandable scale, making the vastness and specific details of the New Jerusalem comprehensible to John and his readers.
* **man (Greek, _ánthrōpos'_):** G444. This term refers to a human being, emphasizing the human standard of measurement. The phrase "measure of a man" indicates that the angel used a unit familiar to humanity, bridging the gap between divine and earthly understanding, and affirming the tangibility of the heavenly vision.
* **angel (Greek, _ángelos'_):** G32. Meaning "messenger," this term refers to the divine agent conveying the measurement. The angel's role underscores the divine authority and origin of the revelation, confirming that these precise details are not human conjecture but divinely communicated truths about God's eternal dwelling.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he measured the wall thereof":** This opening clause introduces the action of the angel, who is systematically surveying the New Jerusalem. The focus shifts from the overall city dimensions in the previous verse to the specific protective and defining structure of its wall. The act of measurement implies a deliberate, precise, and divinely ordered construction.
* **"an hundred and forty and four cubits":** This provides the exact height of the wall. The number 144 (12 x 12) is highly symbolic, representing the completeness and perfection of God's people (the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles of the Lamb). This dimension suggests a wall that is substantial enough for security and definition, yet not so astronomically high as to be purely impenetrable or to overshadow the city's glory.
* **"[according to] the measure of a man, that is, of the angel":** This crucial phrase clarifies the standard by which the measurement was taken. It means the cubit used by the angel was equivalent to a human cubit. This ensures that the divine revelation is communicated in terms comprehensible to human understanding, bridging the gap between heavenly realities and earthly perception. It affirms the tangibility of the vision while maintaining its divine origin, as the angel, a divine messenger, is the one performing the measurement.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 21:17 employs several literary devices to convey its profound meaning. **Symbolism** is paramount, particularly with the number 144. This number, being 12 multiplied by 12, is a powerful symbol of divine completeness and the totality of God's redeemed people, encompassing both Old and New Covenant believers. It connects to the 144,000 sealed in [Revelation 7:4](/revelation/7-4 "Revelation 7:4 - The 144,000 Sealed"), signifying the full company of those preserved by God. The phrase "measure of a man, that is, of the angel" functions as a form of **Clarification** or **Explanatory Parenthesis**, ensuring the human reader can grasp the divine dimension. It acts as a **Bridge Metaphor**, connecting the heavenly realm to earthly understanding by using a familiar unit of measure. This also subtly employs **Anthropomorphism** in the sense that a divine reality is presented in human terms, making it accessible. The precise numerical detail itself, in contrast to the vast, almost incomprehensible dimensions of the city in the preceding verse, serves as a form of **Specific Detail as Emphasis**, highlighting the meticulousness of God's design for the New Jerusalem.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 21:17 underscores the profound theological truth that God's eternal dwelling place is characterized by divine order, security, and perfect design. The specific measurement of the wall, rooted in the symbolic number 144, speaks to the completeness and unity of God's redeemed community, encompassing both Israel and the Church. It signifies that the New Jerusalem is a place where God's people are perfectly gathered, protected, and established in holiness. The "measure of a man, that is, of the angel" highlights God's condescension in revealing heavenly truths in a way that is comprehensible to humanity, ensuring that His ultimate plan for redemption and eternal fellowship is not an ethereal concept but a tangible, meticulously prepared reality. This precision offers immense comfort and assurance, contrasting with the chaos and uncertainty of the fallen world.

* [Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Built on the Foundation of Apostles and Prophets")
* [Hebrews 11:10](/hebrews/11-10 "Hebrews 11:10 - Abraham Looked for a City")
* [Isaiah 60:18](/isaiah/60-18 "Isaiah 60:18 - Walls Called Salvation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 21:17, with its precise measurement of the New Jerusalem's wall, offers a powerful vision of our eternal hope. It reminds us that God's promises are not vague or abstract, but concrete and meticulously planned. The divine precision reflected in these dimensions assures us that our future with God is one of perfect order, absolute security, and complete holiness. In a world often marked by instability, chaos, and uncertainty, this vision grounds our faith in the unshakeable reality of God's kingdom. It invites us to live with an eternal perspective, knowing that God is actively preparing a dwelling place where His presence will be fully realized and His people perfectly protected. This detailed revelation encourages us to trust in God's sovereign design, find peace in His ultimate control, and live in anticipation of the glorious, ordered reality He has prepared for those who love Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the precise measurement of the New Jerusalem's wall (144 cubits) challenge or comfort your understanding of God's meticulous nature?**
* **Considering the symbolic significance of the number 144, how does this verse deepen your appreciation for the unity and completeness of God's redeemed people across all ages?**
* **In what ways does the phrase "according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel" assure you about God's desire to reveal profound truths in ways we can comprehend?**
* **How does the vision of a perfectly measured and secure eternal city impact your perspective on the temporary struggles and uncertainties of the present world?**

### FAQ

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

Answer: 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](/genesis/49 "Genesis 49 - Jacob's Blessings on the Twelve Tribes") and the [twelve apostles of the Lamb](/revelation/21-14 "Revelation 21:14 - The Twelve Foundations and Apostles"). 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](/revelation/7-4 "Revelation 7:4 - The 144,000 Sealed"), who represent the preserved and faithful remnant.

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

Answer: 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.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 21:17, with its precise measurement of the New Jerusalem's wall, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The perfection, security, and divine order of this eternal city are established and guaranteed through Him. As the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), Jesus is the very foundation upon which the New Jerusalem is built, as the city's twelve foundations bear the names of the [twelve apostles of the Lamb](/revelation/21-14 "Revelation 21:14 - The Twelve Foundations and Apostles"). The "measure of a man" used by the angel subtly points to Christ's humanity, through which divine truth is made accessible and comprehensible to us. He is the ultimate bridge between God and humanity, the one through whom we can [draw near to God](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus Our High Priest"). The security and completeness symbolized by the 144 cubits are realized in Christ, who gathers His entire redeemed people, making them [one new man in Himself](/ephesians/2-15 "Ephesians 2:15 - One New Man in Christ"). He is the [true and living way](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus the Way, Truth, and Life") into this perfectly ordered, secure, and holy dwelling, having [prepared a place for us](/john/14-2-3 "John 14:2-3 - Jesus Prepares a Place"). Thus, the meticulously measured wall of the New Jerusalem is a testament to the perfect, finished work of Christ, who ensures the eternal safety and blessedness of all who are in Him.

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.

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.