Revelation 21:15
New International Version
The angel who talked with me had a measuring rod of gold to measure the city, its gates and its walls.

New Living Translation
The angel who talked to me held in his hand a gold measuring stick to measure the city, its gates, and its wall.

English Standard Version
And the one who spoke with me had a measuring rod of gold to measure the city and its gates and walls.

Berean Standard Bible
The angel who spoke with me had a golden measuring rod to measure the city and its gates and walls.

Berean Literal Bible
And the one speaking with me had a golden measuring reed, so that he could measure the city, and its gates, and its wall.

King James Bible
And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof.

New King James Version
And he who talked with me had a gold reed to measure the city, its gates, and its wall.

New American Standard Bible
The one who spoke with me had a gold measuring rod to measure the city, its gates, and its wall.

NASB 1995
The one who spoke with me had a gold measuring rod to measure the city, and its gates and its wall.

NASB 1977
And the one who spoke with me had a gold measuring rod to measure the city, and its gates and its wall.

Legacy Standard Bible
And the one who spoke with me had a gold measuring rod to measure the city and its gates and its wall.

Amplified Bible
The one who was speaking with me had a gold measuring rod to measure the city, and its gates and its wall.

Christian Standard Bible
The one who spoke with me had a golden measuring rod to measure the city, its gates, and its wall.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The one who spoke with me had a gold measuring rod to measure the city, its gates, and its wall.

American Standard Version
And he that spake with me had for a measure a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof.

Contemporary English Version
The angel who spoke to me had a gold measuring stick to measure the city and its gates and its walls.

English Revised Version
And he that spake with me had for a measure a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The angel who was talking to me had a gold measuring stick to measure the city, its gates, and its wall.

Good News Translation
The angel who spoke to me had a gold measuring stick to measure the city, its gates, and its wall.

International Standard Version
The angel who was talking to me had a gold measuring rod to measure the city, its gates, and its walls.

Majority Standard Bible
The angel who spoke with me had a golden measuring rod to measure the city and its gates and walls.

NET Bible
The angel who spoke to me had a golden measuring rod with which to measure the city and its foundation stones and wall.

New Heart English Bible
He who spoke with me had for a measure, a golden reed, to measure the city, its gates, and its wall.

Webster's Bible Translation
And he that talked with me, had a golden reed to measure the city, and its gates, and its wall.

Weymouth New Testament
Now he who was speaking to me had a measuring-rod of gold, with which to measure the city and its gates and its wall.

World English Bible
He who spoke with me had for a measure a golden reed to measure the city, its gates, and its walls.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And he who is speaking with me had a golden reed, that he may measure the city, and its gates, and its wall;

Berean Literal Bible
And the one speaking with me had a golden measuring reed, so that he could measure the city, and its gates, and its wall.

Young's Literal Translation
And he who is speaking with me had a golden reed, that he may measure the city, and its gates, and its wall;

Smith's Literal Translation
And he speaking with me had a golden reed that he might measure the city, and her gates, and her wall.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And he that spoke with me, had a measure of a reed of gold, to measure the city and the gates thereof, and the wall.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And he who was speaking with me was holding a golden measuring reed, in order to measure the City, and its gates and wall.

New American Bible
The one who spoke to me held a gold measuring rod to measure the city, its gates, and its wall.

New Revised Standard Version
The angel who talked to me had a measuring rod of gold to measure the city and its gates and walls.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And he who talked with me had a measuring rod of golden reed to measure the city, and its gates, and its wall.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And he who spoke with me had with him a measuring reed of gold to measure the city and its wall.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And he that talked with me had a measure, a golden reed, that he might measure the city, and its gates, and its wall.

Godbey New Testament
And the one speaking with me, had a measure, a golden reed, that he might measure the city, and its gates, and its wall.

Haweis New Testament
And he that talked with me held a golden cane to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof.

Mace New Testament
he that talked with me, had a golden reed to measure the city, its gates, and its walls.

Weymouth New Testament
Now he who was speaking to me had a measuring-rod of gold, with which to measure the city and its gates and its wall.

Worrell New Testament
And he who was talking with me had as a measure a golden reed, that he might measure the city, and its gate, and its wall.

Worsley New Testament
And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and it's gates, and it's wall.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The New Jerusalem
14The wall of the city had twelve foundations bearing the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. 15 The angel who spoke with me had a golden measuring rod to measure the city and its gates and walls. 16The city lies foursquare, with its width the same as its length. And he measured the city with the rod, and all its dimensions were equal—12,000 stadia in length and width and height.…

Cross References
Ezekiel 40:3
So He took me there, and I saw a man whose appearance was like bronze. He was standing in the gateway with a linen cord and a measuring rod in his hand.

Ezekiel 40:5
And I saw a wall surrounding the temple area. Now the length of the measuring rod in the man’s hand was six long cubits (each measuring a cubit and a handbreadth), and he measured the wall to be one rod thick and one rod high.

Ezekiel 40:10
There were three gate chambers on each side of the east gate, each with the same measurements, and the gateposts on either side also had the same measurements.

Ezekiel 40:42
There were also four tables of dressed stone for the burnt offering, each a cubit and a half long, a cubit and a half wide, and a cubit high. On these were placed the utensils used to slaughter the burnt offerings and the other sacrifices.

Ezekiel 41:1
Then the man brought me into the outer sanctuary and measured the side pillars to be six cubits wide on each side.

Ezekiel 42:15-20
Now when the man had finished measuring the interior of the temple area, he led me out by the gate that faced east, and he measured the area all around: / With a measuring rod he measured the east side to be five hundred cubits long. / He measured the north side to be five hundred cubits long. ...

Ezekiel 43:10-11
As for you, son of man, describe the temple to the people of Israel, so that they may be ashamed of their iniquities. Let them measure the plan, / and if they are ashamed of all they have done, then make known to them the design of the temple—its arrangement and its exits and entrances—its whole design along with all its statutes, forms, and laws. Write it down in their sight, so that they may keep its complete design and all its statutes and may carry them out.

Ezekiel 47:3
As the man went eastward with a measuring line in his hand, he measured off a thousand cubits and led me through ankle-deep water.

Zechariah 2:1-2
Then I lifted up my eyes and saw a man with a measuring line in his hand. / “Where are you going?” I asked. “To measure Jerusalem,” he replied, “and to determine its width and length.”

1 Kings 6:2
The house that King Solomon built for the LORD was sixty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and thirty cubits high.

1 Kings 6:20
The inner sanctuary was twenty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and twenty cubits high. He overlaid the inside with pure gold, and he also overlaid the altar of cedar.

1 Kings 7:15
He cast two pillars of bronze, each eighteen cubits high and twelve cubits in circumference.

1 Kings 7:23
He also made the Sea of cast metal. It was circular in shape, measuring ten cubits from rim to rim, five cubits in height, and thirty cubits in circumference.

1 Kings 7:27
In addition, he made ten movable stands of bronze, each four cubits long, four cubits wide, and three cubits high.

1 Kings 7:38
He also made ten bronze basins, each holding forty baths and measuring four cubits across, one basin for each of the ten stands.


Treasury of Scripture

And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof.

a golden.

Revelation 11:1,2
And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein…

Exodus 40:3-5
And thou shalt put therein the ark of the testimony, and cover the ark with the vail…

Ezekiel 41:1
Afterward he brought me to the temple, and measured the posts, six cubits broad on the one side, and six cubits broad on the other side, which was the breadth of the tabernacle.

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Angel City Gates Gold Golden Measure Measuring Reed Rod Speaking Talked Talking Thereof Wall Walls
Revelation 21
1. A new heaven and a new earth.
10. The heavenly Jerusalem, with a full description thereof.
23. She needs no sun, the glory of God being her light.
24. The kings of the earth bring their riches unto her.














The angel who spoke with me
This phrase indicates a continuation of a vision given to John, the author of Revelation. Angels often serve as messengers or guides in biblical visions, as seen in Daniel and Ezekiel. The presence of an angel underscores the divine authority and significance of the revelation being given. Angels are frequently depicted as God's servants who execute His will, emphasizing the heavenly origin of the message.

had a golden measuring rod
The use of a measuring rod is reminiscent of Ezekiel 40:3, where a man with a measuring rod measures the temple. Gold, a symbol of purity and divinity, suggests the perfection and holiness of what is being measured. The act of measuring signifies God's ownership and the precision of His plans. It also indicates the importance of the city being measured, as it is set apart for a divine purpose.

to measure the city
The city being measured is the New Jerusalem, a central theme in Revelation 21. This city represents the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to dwell with His people. Measuring the city signifies its completeness and readiness as the eternal dwelling place for believers. The New Jerusalem is depicted as a place of perfect harmony and beauty, reflecting God's glory.

and its gates
The gates of the city are significant as they symbolize access and security. In ancient cities, gates were crucial for protection and controlled entry. The New Jerusalem's gates, described later in Revelation as being made of pearl, signify the beauty and value of entry into God's eternal kingdom. The gates also represent the tribes of Israel, connecting the New Jerusalem to God's covenant people.

and walls
The walls of the city symbolize protection and separation from all that is unholy. In biblical times, city walls were essential for defense against enemies. The walls of the New Jerusalem, described as being made of jasper, indicate the strength and impenetrability of God's eternal kingdom. They also serve as a boundary, ensuring that only those who are redeemed may enter, highlighting the purity and sanctity of the city.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Angel
A divine messenger who guides John in his vision, symbolizing God's authority and precision in the unfolding of His plans.

2. John
The apostle and author of Revelation, receiving visions of the end times and the new creation.

3. The City
Refers to the New Jerusalem, a symbol of God's eternal dwelling place with His people.

4. Gates and Walls
Represent the security, perfection, and holiness of the New Jerusalem.

5. Golden Measuring Rod
A tool used by the angel, symbolizing divine standards and the perfection of God's creation.
Teaching Points
Divine Precision
God's plans are exact and perfect, as symbolized by the measuring rod. We can trust in His meticulous care for our lives.

Holiness and Security
The gates and walls of the New Jerusalem signify the holiness and security found in God's presence. We are called to live holy lives, secure in His promises.

Eternal Dwelling
The New Jerusalem represents our eternal home with God. This hope should inspire us to live with an eternal perspective.

God's Standards
The use of a golden rod highlights God's standards of righteousness and purity. We should strive to align our lives with His standards.

Vision of Hope
Revelation 21:15 offers a vision of hope and future glory. This should encourage us to persevere in faith, knowing that God is preparing a perfect place for us.THE MEASUREMENT OF THE CITY.

(15) And he that talked with me . . .--Or, better, And he who was talking with me had a golden reed . . . The allusion here is to the angel mentioned in Ezekiel (Ezekiel 15:3); the reed, or measuring rod, is of gold, that used in Revelation 11:1 was not said to be of gold; the measurement there was the symbol of preservation amid impending danger; the measuring here is more glorious--it is measuring which exhibits the beauty and proportion of the city which is now dwelling at peace. Gold is one of the features of the city; the street is gold (Revelation 21:18; Revelation 21:21); it may stand, as a token of the wealth (Psalm 72:15; 1Kings 10:14-21) of the royal city; but the wealth of that city is love. (Comp. Note on Revelation 3:18.) . . .

Verse 15. - And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof; had for a measure a golden reed to measure, etc. "He that spake" is the angel of ver. 9 (cf. the action of Revelation 11:1; and Ezekiel 40:3, 5; Ezekiel 42:15, et seq.). Here the measuring is evidently to indicate the large extent of the city (see on Revelation 11:1). The reed is golden, as being the typical heavenly material.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
The [angel who]
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

spoke
λαλῶν (lalōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2980: A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.

with
μετ’ (met’)
Preposition
Strong's 3326: (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives.

me
ἐμοῦ (emou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

had
εἶχεν (eichen)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2192: To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.

a golden
χρυσοῦν (chrysoun)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5552: Golden, made of gold, adorned with gold. From chrusos; made of gold.

measuring
μέτρον (metron)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3358: An apparently primary word; a measure, literally or figuratively; by implication, a limited portion.

rod
κάλαμον (kalamon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2563: A reed; a reed-pen, reed-staff, measuring rod. Or uncertain affinity; a reed; by implication, a pen.

to
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

measure
μετρήσῃ (metrēsē)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3354: To measure (out), estimate. From metron; to measure; by implication, to admeasure.

the
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

city
πόλιν (polin)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4172: A city, the inhabitants of a city. Probably from the same as polemos, or perhaps from polus; a town.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

its
αὐτῆς (autēs)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Feminine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

gates
πυλῶνας (pylōnas)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4440: From pule; a gate-way, door-way of a building or city; by implication, a portal or vestibule.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

its
αὐτῆς (autēs)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Feminine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

walls.
τεῖχος (teichos)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5038: A wall, especially of a city. Akin to the base of tikto; a wall.


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NT Prophecy: Revelation 21:15 He who spoke with me had (Rev. Re Apocalypse)
Revelation 21:14
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