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Revelation 21:17

Made Simple — Modern English Translation

Translated by Verse Made Simple Editorial
KJV ORIGINAL
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.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE

Then he measured the wall, it was 144 cubits thick, using human measurements (which is apparently how angels measure things too).

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

Even in heaven's perfect city, God speaks our language and uses measurements we can actually understand.

📚 Historical Context

In the book of Revelation, written by the Apostle John during his exile on the island of Patmos around 95 AD, this verse is part of a visionary description of the New Jerusalem, a perfect city descending from heaven at the end of time. An angel measures the city's wall at 144 cubits, which is about 216 feet, symbolizing divine order, protection, and completeness in God's eternal plan. This measurement draws from biblical numerology, where 144 (12 times 12) represents the fullness of God's people, combining the 12 tribes of Israel and the 12 apostles.

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