Revelation 21:18
The wall was built of jasper, while the city was pure gold, like clear glass.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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While we often focus on the dazzling gold of the city, the verse subtly highlights that the wall is built entirely of jasper. This emphasizes that the city's ultimate security and purity are rooted in this foundational, immovable material, not just its gleaming surface. The gold itself is then described as being like clear glass, suggesting transparency and an unmarred radiance, pointing to the unhidden purity and open fellowship within God’s eternal dwelling.
The angel is showing John a magnificent vision of the New Jerusalem, the ultimate dwelling place of God with His people. Following descriptions of the city's immense size and foundation, this verse focuses on the very materials that make up its walls and structures, emphasizing a purity and radiance that surpasses anything on earth. This vision continues the depiction of heaven's glory, directly following the description of the city's light and preceding details about its gates and street.
The outer wall of the New Jerusalem isn't just a barrier; it's a statement of divine security and beauty. What does this gemstone reveal about God's protection?
The description of the wall being built of jasper speaks volumes about the security and glory of God's eternal dwelling place.
A Stone of Strength and Radiance
Jasper is known for its hardness and brilliance. In ancient times, it was often associated with strength and protection. Its presence in the wall signifies that the New Jerusalem is utterly impregnable and eternally secure. No harm can ever breach its defenses.
Divine Presence Made Visible
Furthermore, jasper is often described as having a fiery, radiant quality. This imagery connects to the glorious presence of God, who is the very light and life of the heavenly city. The wall itself, therefore, isn't merely a boundary but a reflection of God's own dazzling holiness and unwavering protection surrounding His people.
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The city itself is described as pure gold, like clear glass. This isn't just wealth; it's a profound picture of absolute purity and perfect transparency.
The description of the city as 'pure gold, like unto clear glass' offers a breathtaking glimpse into the nature of heaven and its inhabitants.
The Essence of Purity
The 'pure gold' signifies immense value, perfection, and incorruptibility. It speaks to the absolute purity and holiness of the New Jerusalem. Unlike earthly cities, which can be marred by sin and decay, this city is eternally pure.
Transparency and Radiance
The comparison to 'clear glass' is crucial. It suggests that this gold is not opaque but transparent, allowing light to pass through. This imagery conveys the idea of perfect transparency, openness, and unhindered access to God's glory. Everything within the city, including its inhabitants and their interactions, will be characterized by complete honesty and divine radiance, reflecting God's own perfect light without obstruction.
Understand the original words
iaspis · Greek Noun
A precious stone often associated with the glory, radiance, and holiness of God’s presence; in Revelation, it symbolizes the brilliant, untarnished purity of the New Jerusalem.
chrysion · Greek Noun
Gold represents the highest value, divine royalty, and incorruptibility; as a building material, it signifies the heavenly realm's eternal nature and glorious worth.
This passage also describes God's glorious appearance using jasper, connecting the stone's brilliance and beauty to divine presence, mirroring the depiction of New Jerusalem's wall.
1 Corinthians 3:12-13Paul's imagery of building with gold, silver, and precious stones, versus wood, hay, and straw, parallels Revelation's use of precious materials to signify the quality and enduring nature of God's work and presence in the eternal city.
Psalm 73:24This psalm speaks of being received into glory, connecting with God's guidance and the ultimate reception into His presence, echoing the preciousness and glory described for the New Jerusalem.
Isaiah 60:17This prophecy foretells a future transformation where brass is replaced by gold and iron by silver, reflecting a divine upgrade and glory that resonates with the pure gold city described in Revelation.
ellicottRevelation 21:18: "And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass."
THE BUILDING OR MATERIAL OF THE CITY. (18) And the building of the wall . . .—Or, And the building-work (or, the masonry, so Alford) of the wall of it was jasper, and the city was pure gold, like pure glass. The general aspect of the city was jasperlike, because the material of the wall was of the jasper stone. On this stone, see Note on Revelation 4:3, and on Revelation 21:1…
pulpitRevelation 21:18: "And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass."
Verse 18. - And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass; pure glass. The exceeding brightness and purity is the idea contained in both expressions - the light of ver. 11, which is there associated with jasper and crystal. (On "jasper," see on ver. 11 and Revelation 4:3.) The whole description is, of course, typical, not…
While we often focus on the dazzling gold of the city, the verse subtly highlights that the wall is built entirely of jasper. This emphasizes that the city's ultimate security and purity are rooted in this foundational, immovable material, not just its gleaming surface. The gold itself is then described as being like clear glass, suggesting transparency and an unmarred radiance, pointing to the unhidden purity and open fellowship within God’s eternal dwelling.
The angel is showing John a magnificent vision of the New Jerusalem, the ultimate dwelling place of God with His people. Following descriptions of the city's immense size and foundation, this verse focuses on the very materials that make up its walls and structures, emphasizing a purity and radiance that surpasses anything on earth. This vision continues the depiction of heaven's glory, directly following the description of the city's light and preceding details about its gates and street.
The angel is showing John a magnificent vision of the New Jerusalem, the ultimate dwelling place of God with His people. Following descriptions of the city's immense size and foundation, this verse focuses on the very materials that make up its walls and structures, emphasizing a purity and radiance that surpasses anything on earth. This vision continues the depiction of heaven's glory, directly following the description of the city's light and preceding details about its gates and street.
"The wall was built of jasper, while the city was pure gold, like clear glass." — While we often focus on the dazzling gold of the city, the verse subtly highlights that the wall is built entirely of jasper. This emphasizes that the city's ultimate security and purity are rooted…
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