New Testament

Revelation 21:16

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In Revelation 21:16, the description of the New Jerusalem emphasizes its perfect geometric shape, being a perfect square.

Author
John the apostle
Written
Around AD 95
Genre
Apocalyptic prophecy
Original Audience
The seven churches of Asia Minor
CBTClear Bible Translation

The city was laid out as a perfect square, with its length equal to its width. He measured it with the rod: 12,000 furlongs on each side. Its length, width, and height were all equal.

KJVKing James Version

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.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Revelation 21:16, the description of the New Jerusalem emphasizes its perfect geometric shape, being a perfect square. Each side measures 12,000 furlongs, which is about 1,500 miles, indicating a vast and magnificent city. The equal length, width, and height suggest completeness and perfection, symbolizing the divine nature of this heavenly city. This imagery conveys the idea of a place that is not only beautiful but also perfectly designed, reflecting God's glory and order. The measurements highlight the grandeur of the city, which is intended for the redeemed, showcasing the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to His people. The perfect dimensions also suggest that there is ample space for all who will inhabit it, emphasizing inclusivity in God's kingdom. Overall, this verse paints a picture of hope and eternal life in a place where God dwells with His people, free from suffering and sin.

How to apply Revelation 21:16 to your life

Understanding the dimensions of the New Jerusalem encourages believers to look forward to the hope of eternal life with God. It reminds us that God's plans are perfect and that He has prepared a place for us, inspiring us to live faithfully in anticipation of that future.

Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Revelation 21:16 mean?

Revelation 21:16 describes the New Jerusalem as a perfect square, measuring 12,000 furlongs on each side, symbolizing completeness and divine perfection. This imagery highlights the grandeur of the city prepared for the redeemed, reflecting God's glory and order.

What is the significance of the measurements in Revelation 21:16?

The measurements in Revelation 21:16, with each side being 12,000 furlongs, emphasize the vastness and magnificence of the New Jerusalem. They suggest that there is ample space for all inhabitants, symbolizing inclusivity in God's kingdom.

What does 'foursquare' mean in Revelation 21:16?

'Foursquare' in Revelation 21:16 means that the city is shaped like a perfect square, with equal length, width, and height. This geometric perfection symbolizes completeness and the divine nature of the New Jerusalem.

What is the New Jerusalem mentioned in Revelation 21:16?

The New Jerusalem in Revelation 21:16 is described as a heavenly city prepared by God for His people, representing hope, eternal life, and the fulfillment of God's promises. It is depicted as a place free from suffering and sin.

The Book of Revelation
Book Summary

The Book of Revelation

Revelation 1: The Revelation of Jesus Christ

This is the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gives Him to show His servants things which must shortly come to pass, sent and signified by His angel to John, who bears record of the word of God. A blessing is pronounced upon those who read and hear the words of this prophecy and keep the things written therein, for the time is at hand. John writes to the seven churches in Asia, sending grace and peace from Him which is, and which was, and which is to come, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first begotten of the dead, who washed us from our sins in His own blood. He declares Himself Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending. John, in the isle of Patmos for the word of God, is in the Spirit on the Lord's day and hears behind him a great voice as a trumpet. Turning, he sees seven golden candlesticks and one like the Son of man among them, clothed to the foot, His head and hairs white as wool, His eyes as a flame of fire, His feet like fine brass, His voice as the sound of many waters, seven stars in His right hand, and a sharp twoedged sword going out of His mouth. John falls at His feet as dead, and the Lord lays His right hand upon him, saying, Fear not, I am the first and the last, He that liveth and was dead and is alive for evermore. He reveals that the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches and the seven candlesticks are the seven churches.

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