Revelation 21:16

Foursquare. There is beauty inherent in right proportion, perfect balance, and congruity. For various foursquare items see Ex. 27:1; 28:16; 30:2; 39:9; 2 Chron. 3:8; Eze. 41:21; 43:16; 45:2; 48:20.

Twelve thousand furlongs. A furlong (stadion) is about 606 ft. 6 in., or 185 m. (see Vol. V. p. 50). Thus, 12,000 furlongs would be about 1,378.4 mi. (2,218 km.). The text does not state whether this is a measure of the circumference or of one side. If the former, the city would measure about 344.6 mi. (551.4 km.) to a side. For the custom of measuring a city by its circumference see The Letter of Aristeas 105. It should be noted that the English furlong is not identical with the stadion.

Equal. Various attempts have been made to explain the dimensions of the city. It is difficult to envision a city reaching upward of 12,000 (or 3,000) furlongs (see above on “twelve thousand furlongs”). Some, though not denying the reality of the city, believe that the measurements here, like those of the wall, are “the measure … of the angel” (see on v. 17). They hold that it is therefore scarcely possible that human dimensions can here be intended. Others point to a similarity between the size of the city here described and that envisioned by the Jews. This question is discussed thus in the Midrash: “Whence the length and breadth and height [of Jerusalem]? And it enlarged itself and increased ever upward, Eze. 41:7. It has been taught, R. Eli‘ezer b. Ja‘aqob has said: Jerusalem will ultimately rise up and mount up to the throne of glory, and will say to God: ‘Too restricted is my space, recede from me that I may dwell!’ Isa. 49:20” (Pesiqtha 143a, cited in Strack and Billerbeck, Kommentar zum Neuen Testament, vol. 3, p. 849).

Still others assign to the word here translated “equal” (isos) the meaning “proportion,” and believe that although the length and breadth may well be equal, the height will be proportionate to the other dimensions. This is possible, although it is difficult to demonstrate such a definition from either Biblical or classical sources. Another interpretation permits isos to retain its normal meaning but observes that the word here translated height (hupsos) may mean not only “height” but also “the high part,” “the top,” “the summit,” “the crown.” If hupsos is understood in this sense, John means that the distance around the top of the wall is the same as that around the bottom.

Whatever uncertainty there may be as to the exact proportion or size of the city, it is certain that the glories of that celestial city will far exceed the fondest imagination. None need be concerned, for there will be room enough for all who desire residence. In the Father’s house there are “many mansions” (John 14:2).