How long is a stadia in the Bible?

In the Bible, the term "stadia" is mentioned in the New Testament in the Book of Revelation. The exact length of a stadia in the Bible has been a topic of debate among scholars and historians. The Book of Revelation describes a measurement in stadia in reference to the dimensions of the heavenly city, New Jerusalem.

The passage in question is Revelation 21:16, which states, "The city lies foursquare, its length the same as its width. And he measured the city with his rod, 12,000 stadia. Its length and width and height are equal." This description has led to various interpretations and discussions regarding the actual length of a stadia as mentioned in the Bible.

The term "stadia" is a transliteration of the Greek word "stadion," which was a unit of length used in ancient Greece and Rome. In the ancient world, the exact length of a stadia varied from region to region. However, a common understanding is that a stadia was approximately 607 feet or 185 meters.

Some scholars argue that the measurement of 12,000 stadia in the Book of Revelation is meant to be symbolic rather than a literal measurement. They suggest that the number 12,000, being a highly symbolic number in the Bible, represents completeness and perfection. Therefore, the measurement of 12,000 stadia may symbolize the perfect and complete dimensions of the heavenly city rather than an actual physical measurement.

Others believe that the measurement of 12,000 stadia should be taken literally. If we consider a stadia to be approximately 607 feet, then the heavenly city, New Jerusalem, would have dimensions of about 1,400 miles (2,200 kilometers) on each side. This interpretation presents a grand and awe-inspiring image of the heavenly city, emphasizing its vastness and magnificence.

Regardless of the exact length of a stadia in the Bible, the description in the Book of Revelation serves to convey the grandeur and splendor of the heavenly city, portraying it as a place of divine perfection and completeness. Whether interpreted symbolically or literally, the mention of stadia in the Bible invites contemplation on the spiritual and metaphysical dimensions of the heavenly realm.