Revelation 21:15
And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μετ'
with
G3326
μετ'
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
4 of 20
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
εἶχεν
had
G2192
εἶχεν
had
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
6 of 20
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
κάλαμον
reed
G2563
κάλαμον
reed
Strong's:
G2563
Word #:
7 of 20
a reed (the plant or its stem, or that of a similar plant); by implication, a pen
μετρήσῃ
measure
G3354
μετρήσῃ
measure
Strong's:
G3354
Word #:
10 of 20
to measure (i.e., ascertain in size by a fixed standard); by implication, to admeasure (i.e., allot by rule)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πόλιν
the city
G4172
πόλιν
the city
Strong's:
G4172
Word #:
12 of 20
a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πυλῶνας
the gates
G4440
πυλῶνας
the gates
Strong's:
G4440
Word #:
15 of 20
a gate-way, door-way of a building or city; by implication, a portal or vestibule
αὐτῆς
thereof
G846
αὐτῆς
thereof
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
16 of 20
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
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Ancient cities were measured for taxation, building, or conquest purposes. Ezekiel's temple vision (Ezekiel 40-42) featured extensive measuring, establishing precedent for this imagery. The golden rod contrasts common reed measuring sticks, emphasizing the city's incomparable value. First-century readers would recognize measuring as establishing possession and purpose.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the precise measurement of the holy city assure you that God has prepared your eternal dwelling with perfect care?
- What does the golden measuring rod reveal about the value and purity of what God has prepared for His people?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The measuring rod of gold indicates the precision and value of New Jerusalem's dimensions. Measuring symbolizes God's ownership and sovereignty—He defines the city's extent and inhabitants. Gold represents purity and divine glory. The angel's measurement demonstrates that the new creation has definite, ordained form according to God's design. Reformed theology sees this as God's meticulous preparation of eternal dwelling for the elect. Unlike earthly cities with random growth, this city reflects perfect divine planning. Every measurement reveals intentional design.