King James Version

What Does Revelation 21:16 Mean?

Revelation 21:16 in the King James Version says “And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed , twelv... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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 · KJV


Context

14

And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

15

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

16

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.

17

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.

18

And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The city's cubic shape (length, breadth, height equal at 12,000 furlongs/stadia) echoes the Holy of Holies' cubic form (1 Kings 6:20), but magnified to contain the entire redeemed community. The number 12,000 (12 × 1,000) symbolizes completeness—12 tribes, 12 apostles, multiplied by 1,000 (fullness). Reformed theology sees the cube as representing perfect holiness—the entire city is now God's dwelling, not confined to a temple's inner sanctum. The enormous dimensions (about 1,400 miles) emphasize abundant space for all the redeemed. God's dwelling with humanity is now unrestricted and comprehensive.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Holy of Holies was the innermost sanctum where God's presence dwelt, accessible only to the high priest once yearly. Its cubic shape symbolized perfection and divine presence. This vision declares that the new creation is entirely holy—all believers have unrestricted access to God's presence. The measurements' symbolic nature (not literal architecture) communicated spiritual realities.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the cubic shape (like the Holy of Holies) illustrate that all believers now have direct access to God's presence?
  2. What does the enormous size teach about God's abundant provision for all the redeemed—is there any shortage in His kingdom?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 36 words
καὶ1 of 36

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

2 of 36
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πόλιν3 of 36

the city

G4172

a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)

τετράγωνος4 of 36

foursquare

G5068

four-cornered, i.e., square

κεῖται5 of 36

lieth

G2749

to lie outstretched (literally or figuratively)

καὶ6 of 36

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τὸ7 of 36
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μῆκος8 of 36

The length

G3372

length (literally or figuratively) length

αὐτῆς9 of 36

of it

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

τοσοῦτόν10 of 36

as large

G5118

apparently from g3588 and g3739) and g3778 (including its variations); so vast as this, i.e., such (in quantity, amount, number of space)

ἐστιν11 of 36

are

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ὅσον12 of 36

as

G3745

as (much, great, long, etc.) as

καὶ13 of 36

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τὸ14 of 36
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πλάτος15 of 36

the breadth

G4114

width

καὶ16 of 36

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐμέτρησεν17 of 36

he measured

G3354

to measure (i.e., ascertain in size by a fixed standard); by implication, to admeasure (i.e., allot by rule)

τὴν18 of 36
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πόλιν19 of 36

the city

G4172

a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)

τῷ20 of 36
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

καλάμῳ21 of 36

with the reed

G2563

a reed (the plant or its stem, or that of a similar plant); by implication, a pen

ἐπὶ22 of 36
G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

σταδίων23 of 36

furlongs

G4712

a stade or certain measure of distance; by implication, a stadium or race-course

δώδεκα24 of 36

twelve

G1427

two and ten, i.e., a dozen

χιλιάδων25 of 36

thousand

G5505

one thousand ("chiliad")

τὸ26 of 36
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μῆκος27 of 36

The length

G3372

length (literally or figuratively) length

καὶ28 of 36

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τὸ29 of 36
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πλάτος30 of 36

the breadth

G4114

width

καὶ31 of 36

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τὸ32 of 36
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὕψος33 of 36

the height

G5311

elevation, i.e., (abstractly) altitude, (specially), the sky, or (figuratively) dignity

αὐτῆς34 of 36

of it

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἴσα35 of 36

equal

G2470

similar (in amount and kind)

ἐστιν36 of 36

are

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Revelation. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Revelation 21:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Revelation 21:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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