What does Revelation 21:16 mean?

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. Revelation 21:16

Explanation

Revelation 21:16 describes a vision of the New Jerusalem given to the Apostle John. In the vision, an angel measures the city, revealing it to be a perfect cube, as its length, breadth, and height are all equal, each measuring twelve thousand furlongs. A furlong is a unit of measure roughly equivalent to one eighth of a mile. Thus, the city is described as being 1500 miles in each dimension, which is an extraordinarily large size by any ancient or modern standard.

The verse is symbolic, and its deeper meaning can be debated. The cubic shape of the city may remind readers of the Most Holy Place in the Jewish Temple, which was also a cube, suggesting that the entire city is a place where God dwells with His people. The immense size of the city could emphasize the grandeur and inclusiveness of God’s salvation, able to hold a multitude that cannot be numbered.

Historical Context

The Book of Revelation was written during a time of great persecution of the early Christian community. Revelation is apocalyptic literature and is rich with symbolic imagery and metaphorical language meant to provide hope and encouragement to the oppressed believers. The description of the New Jerusalem would have been understood in the first century in both a literal and symbolic sense. The city would represent the ultimate place of peace and security, in stark contrast to the chaotic and dangerous world that Christians were enduring at the time.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse raises interesting points about eschatology, or the study of the end times. Various interpretations exist, from a literal physical city descending from heaven to a symbolic representation of God’s people in a state of perfection.

• Premillennialism: Some interpret this passage literally and believe that Christ will return to establish a 1,000-year reign on Earth, after which the New Jerusalem will descend.
• Amillennialism: This viewpoint sees the New Jerusalem as a symbolic representation of the Church or the eternal state in which God’s people will reside.
• Postmillennialism: This interpretation suggests that the world will gradually become more Christian until Christ’s return, with the New Jerusalem symbolizing the perfected Church.

Practical Applications

The teachings from Revelation 21:16 provide several practical applications:

• Hope: Believers can find hope in the promise of a future dwelling with God that is perfect, secure, and eternal.
• Encouragement: This vision is meant to offer comfort to those facing suffering, providing assurance that suffering is temporary and glory is eternal.
• Perspective: It can remind readers to hold an eternal perspective and to value spiritual truths over present circumstances.

Cross-References

• Revelation 21:2 – Describes the New Jerusalem coming down from heaven.
• Ezekiel 48:35 – The city shall be 18,000 measures round about, suggesting a significant size though not exactly the same dimensions.
• 1 Kings 6:20 – Reference to the inner sanctuary of Solomon’s Temple being a cube.
• Hebrews 11:10 – Speaks of a city designed and built by God.
• Revelation 21:3 – God dwelling with His people.

Language Study

The original Greek word used for “furlong” is “stadion” (plural “stadia”), which refers to a measure of length roughly equivalent to 607 feet (185 meters). The use of this word indicates a very large size for the city, much larger than any ancient city. The term used for “measured” is “metreo,” suggesting a careful and precise surveying by the angel. The numbers in Revelation are often symbolic, with the number twelve often representing completeness or God’s people (as in the twelve tribes of Israel or the twelve apostles).

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The description of the city as a cube resonates with other religious traditions where geometric forms have significant meaning, such as in Hinduism, where the mandala is a spiritual and ritual symbol representing the universe. In some ancient myths, cities crafted by gods were often depicted as extraordinary in size and beauty, intended to inspire awe and convey the deities’ power.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific standpoint, a literal city with dimensions of 1500 miles in each direction would be implausible by current engineering and material standards. If taken as a literal size, such a city would have a massive impact on earth’s geography, climate, and even its gravitational field. The scientific community would view this description as metaphorical rather than a realistic proposal for a future construction project.

Commentaries

Various Bible scholars and theologians have provided commentary on Revelation 21:16:

• Matthew Henry’s Commentary notes the perfect symmetry of the city and its representation of the perfection of God’s plan, indicating that there is ample room in the city for all of God’s people.
• The ESV Study Bible comments on the immense size and shape of the city, pointing to the grandeur and absolute holiness that characterize God’s dwelling place with humanity.
• The MacArthur Study Bible often emphasizes a more literal interpretation of apocalyptic scripture and suggests that the specific measurements of the city are intended to convey its reality and splendor, even if the precise physical details are beyond human comprehension.