Revelation 21:16-18
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
16 The city was square, its length the same as [also] its width. He measured the city with the rod and found it fifteen hundred miles[a] in length and width and height. 17 He also measured its wall: one hundred and forty-four cubits[b] according to the standard unit of measurement the angel used. 18 [c]The wall was constructed of jasper, while the city was pure gold, clear as glass.
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- 21:16 Fifteen hundred miles: literally, twelve thousand stades, about 12,000 furlongs (see note on Rev 14:20); the number is symbolic: twelve (the apostles as leaders of the new Israel) multiplied by 1,000 (the immensity of Christians); cf. Introduction. In length and width and height: literally, “its length and width and height are the same.”
- 21:17 One hundred and forty-four cubits: the cubit was about eighteen inches in length. Standard unit of measurement the angel used: literally, “by a human measure, i.e., an angel’s.”
- 21:18–21 The gold and precious gems symbolize the beauty and excellence of the church; cf. Ex 28:15–21; Tb 13:16–17; Is 54:11–12.
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