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Revelation 21:16

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And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.

And {G2532} the city {G4172} lieth {G2749} foursquare {G5068}, and {G2532} the length {G3372}{G846} is {G2076} as large {G5118} as {G3745}{G2532} the breadth {G4114}: and {G2532} he measured {G3354} the city {G4172} with the reed {G2563}{G1909}, twelve {G1427} thousand {G5505} furlongs {G4712}. The length {G3372} and {G2532} the breadth {G4114} and {G2532} the height {G5311} of it {G846} are {G2076} equal {G2470}.

The city is laid out in a square, its length equal to its width. With his rod he measured the city at 1,500 miles, with length, width and height the same.

The city lies foursquare, with its width the same as its length. And he measured the city with the rod, and all its dimensions were equal—12,000 stadia in length and width and height.

And the city lieth foursquare, and the length thereof is as great as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs: the length and the breadth and the height thereof are equal.

Commentary

Context

Revelation 21:16 is part of John's awe-inspiring vision of the New Jerusalem, the eternal dwelling place of God and His redeemed people, descending from heaven. This section, beginning in Revelation 21:1, describes the culmination of God's redemptive plan after the old heaven and earth have passed away. Following the promise of no more tears or pain, John turns to detailing the glorious city itself, emphasizing its divine design and perfection.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Perfection and Completeness: The description of the city as "foursquare" and having "the length and the breadth and the height of it are equal" signifies a perfect cube. This shape is highly symbolic, echoing the dimensions of the Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies) in both the Tabernacle and Solomon's Temple (1 Kings 6:20). This suggests that the entire New Jerusalem will be saturated with God's presence, a vast, holy sanctuary where He dwells intimately with His people.
  • Immeasurable Grandeur and Vastness: The measurement of "twelve thousand furlongs" (approximately 1,500 miles or 2,400 kilometers) in each dimension depicts a city of colossal, almost incomprehensible size. This vastness assures that there is ample room for all who are saved, and it emphasizes the boundless generosity and power of God in providing such an eternal home. It is a city beyond human scale, reflecting divine majesty.
  • Order, Stability, and Security: The precise geometric form of the New Jerusalem underscores its absolute stability and unshakeable nature. This is not a temporary dwelling but an eternal, perfectly ordered city, secure from any external threat or internal decay. It represents the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise of a secure and permanent abode for His children.

Linguistic Insights

The term "foursquare" (Greek: tetragonos) highlights the perfect symmetry and balance of the city. The unit of measurement, "furlongs" (Greek: stadion), was a common ancient linear measure. However, the number "twelve thousand" is profoundly symbolic. The number twelve frequently appears in Revelation and other biblical contexts, representing divine government, completeness, and the totality of God's people (e.g., twelve tribes of Israel, twelve apostles). Multiplying twelve by a thousand (a number signifying vastness or divine fullness) further amplifies the city's symbolic perfection and immense scope.

Practical Application

This vision of the New Jerusalem offers immense hope and assurance to believers. It provides a tangible (though symbolic) glimpse into the glorious future God has prepared, reminding us that our ultimate destiny is not in this passing world but in a perfect, eternal city where God Himself resides. It encourages us to live with an eternal perspective, focusing on the spiritual realities and the promises of God, knowing that He meticulously plans and perfectly executes His redemption for His people. This detailed description of a perfect, vast, and secure dwelling reinforces the trustworthiness and love of God for His church, the bride of Christ.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 48:8 (3 votes)

    And by the border of Judah, from the east side unto the west side, shall be the offering which ye shall offer of five and twenty thousand [reeds in] breadth, and [in] length as one of the [other] parts, from the east side unto the west side: and the sanctuary shall be in the midst of it.

  • Ezekiel 48:20 (3 votes)

    All the oblation [shall be] five and twenty thousand by five and twenty thousand: ye shall offer the holy oblation foursquare, with the possession of the city.

  • Ezekiel 48:35 (3 votes)

    [It was] round about eighteen thousand [measures]: and the name of the city from [that] day [shall be], The LORD [is] there.