Reed

The reed is a length measurement equivalent to 6 cubits long (12.6' or 3.84 meters). The cubit used is the “cubit and a handbreadth” or the true cubit of 7 handbreadths, not the Babylonian one of 6 handbreadths. The reed is mentioned in the Bible in only two places – in Ezekiel 40-48 and Revelation 11 and 21 – but in the same context: that of measuring the temple and the holy city.

The reed is used throughout the passage in Ezekiel to measure many parts of the temple and its grounds. Revelation 11 talks of measuring the temple, the altar, and “them that worship therein” (verse 1) while Revelation 21 talks of measuring the holy city. There is significant meaning to each of those parts and measurements, which will be posted on this wiki later.