What does Revelation 21:15 mean?

And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof. Revelation 21:15

Explanation

Revelation 21:15 describes a scene from the apostle John’s vision of the New Jerusalem, a heavenly city promised to believers at the end of time. In this verse, an angel carries a golden reed, an instrument for measurement, and uses it to measure the dimensions of the city, its gates, and its walls.

The literal meaning is straightforward: the angel is gauging the city’s size. However, the deeper significance lies in what the measurements represent. The use of a golden reed implies a divine standard and perfection. The measurements suggest that the New Jerusalem will be a place of order, symmetry, and exquisite construction, created by God Himself. The walls and gates symbolize protection and the controlled entry into this sacred space.

Historical Context

The Book of Revelation was written by John of Patmos, likely around the end of the first century A.D. during a time of persecution of Christians under the Roman Empire. The visions in Revelation served to provide hope and assurance to the early Christian community that God would ultimately triumph over evil. In the ancient world, cities were often measured and their dimensions recorded as a sign of grandeur, and the concept of a measured, symmetrical city would communicate prosperity and divine perfection to readers of that era.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse can be interpreted in various ways.

• Eschatological Interpretation: Many Christian traditions see it as a prophetic look at the end times, where the New Jerusalem represents the eternal dwelling place of the saved, designed and measured by God, indicating its heavenly perfection.

• Symbolic Interpretation: Others may view it more symbolically, seeing the city as representing the body of the church or the body of Christ, measured and thus approved by God.

• Historicist Interpretation: Some Christians throughout history interpreted this as a timeline or period in church history, identifying the New Jerusalem with a physical or spiritual state of the church on earth.

Practical Applications

In daily life, Revelation 21:15 might encourage believers to consider the importance of living by God’s divine standards. It suggests that there is divine order to the universe and a plan for humanity that is precise and intentional, and believers might find hope in the promise of a perfect and secure eternal home.

Cross-References

• Ezekiel 40:3-5: Here, a man with a measuring reed also appears, measuring the temple, somewhat prefiguring the Revelation verse.

• Revelation 11:1: This verse also mentions a reed like unto a rod and the act of measuring the temple of God, and those that worship therein.

• Revelation 21:2: Earlier in the same chapter, John describes the holy city, New Jerusalem, descending from Heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

Language Study

In Greek, the term for “reed” is κάλαμος (kalamos), which here refers to a measuring rod made of reed. “Measure” is translated from the Greek word μετρέω (metreo), which implies not only the act of measuring but also the capacity to evaluate or appraise. The terms “city” (πόλις – polis), “gates” (πυλών – pulon), and “wall” (τεῖχος – teichos) would have evoked the image of a formidable, well-planned, and secure city to a contemporary reader.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient cultures, measuring a city was not only practical but also symbolized control and understanding of the city’s aspects. The imagery of a walled city with gates has parallels in many ancient cultures, symbolizing security and exclusivity. In the biblical context, the New Jerusalem stands in contrast to the sinful city of Babylon, often representing worldly corruption and imperfection.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific viewpoint, the description of New Jerusalem’s measurements often raises questions about the city’s physical reality and dimensions. While some take the measurements literally, hoping to one day scientifically verify them, others understand that apocalyptic literature frequently uses numbers and measurements symbolically to convey completeness and perfection, not meant to align with physical realities.

Commentaries

Various Bible scholars and commentators have offered interpretations of Revelation 21:15:

• Matthew Henry’s Commentary: Suggests that the measurements indicate the greatness and perfection of the New Jerusalem.

• The Pulpit Commentary: Views these acts of measurement as signifying that everything in the New Jerusalem is ordered by God, and everything is fitting and proportionate.

• The MacArthur Study Bible: Notes suggest that the measurements imply that the New Jerusalem is a literal city with specific, immense dimensions, emphasizing God’s majesty and the city’s glory.

Overall, experts appreciate the vision’s rich symbolism coupled with the comfort of promised security and divine order.