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Revelation 21:16-18
New Catholic Bible
Revelation 21:16-18
New Catholic Bible
16 The city was laid out like a square, with its length and its width identical. He measured the city with his measuring rod: it was fifteen hundred miles[a] in length and width, and equal in height.
17 Then he measured its wall, and it was one hundred and forty-four cubits[b] high by human measurements, which the angel employed. 18 [c]The wall was built of jasper, while the city itself was of pure gold, as bright as clear glass.
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- Revelation 21:16 Fifteen hundred miles: literally, “twelve hundred stadia,” about twelve thousand furlongs. In the mind of the ancients the square was the perfect form. When the number twelve, which symbolizes the new Israel, is multiplied by 1000, it signifies supreme perfection. The city possesses the symmetrical dimensions of a perfect cube, which is akin to its earthly counterpart, the inner sanctuary in the tabernacle and temple (see 1 Ki 6:20).
- Revelation 21:17 One hundred and forty-four cubits: a cubit measured about eighteen inches in length.
- Revelation 21:18 The materials used show that this is not an earthly city. The twelve foundation stones of the wall are decorated with twelve precious stones, which correspond to the twelve stones on the high priest’s breastplate (see Ex 28:39). The gems form a magnificent kaleidoscope of colors symbolizing the ineffable glory of God.
