Having the glory of God: and her light [was] like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;
Having {G2192} the glory {G1391} of God {G2316}: and {G2532} her {G846} light {G5458} was like {G3664} unto a stone {G3037} most precious {G5093}, even like {G5613} a jasper {G2393} stone {G3037}, clear as crystal {G2929};
It had the Sh’khinah of God, so that its brilliance was like that of a priceless jewel, like a crystal-clear diamond.
shining with the glory of God. Its radiance was like a most precious jewel, like a jasper, as clear as crystal.
having the glory of God: her light was like unto a stone most precious, as it were a jasper stone, clear as crystal:
-
Revelation 22:5
And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever. -
Revelation 4:6
And before the throne [there was] a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, [were] four beasts full of eyes before and behind. -
Revelation 22:1
¶ And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. -
Revelation 21:18
And the building of the wall of it was [of] jasper: and the city [was] pure gold, like unto clear glass. -
Revelation 21:19
And the foundations of the wall of the city [were] garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation [was] jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald; -
Ezekiel 1:22
And the likeness of the firmament upon the heads of the living creature [was] as the colour of the terrible crystal, stretched forth over their heads above. -
Revelation 4:3
And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and [there was] a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.
Revelation 21:11 offers a glimpse into the awe-inspiring glory and breathtaking beauty of the New Jerusalem, the eternal dwelling place of God with humanity. This verse describes the city's inherent radiance, which is not from an external source but emanates from the very presence of God within it.
Context
This verse is part of a grand vision given to the Apostle John, found in Revelation chapter 21, where he sees "the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven." After describing the city's vastness and foundation, John turns to its intrinsic brilliance. This vision follows the creation of a new heaven and a new earth, signifying the ultimate restoration and the perfect communion between God and His people.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The phrase "glory of God" translates the Greek doxa Theou (δόξα Θεοῦ), which denotes divine splendor, majesty, and inherent excellence. This glory is not merely an attribute but an active, illuminating presence, similar to how God's glory filled the Tabernacle in the Old Testament. The "jasper stone" (Greek: iaspis) in ancient literature was often associated with various opaque, colorful stones. However, the qualifier "clear as crystal" (Greek: krystallizōn) here radically redefines it, suggesting a stone of unparalleled brilliance and transparency, perhaps akin to a diamond or pure quartz, rather than the opaque jasper we know today. This emphasizes absolute clarity and dazzling light.
Practical Application
Revelation 21:11 offers immense hope and comfort for believers. It paints a vivid picture of our eternal home, a place saturated with God's glory, where His presence is the ultimate source of light and beauty. This vision encourages us to live lives that reflect God's purity and holiness now, knowing that our ultimate destiny is to dwell in His unblemished presence. It reminds us that the value of our eternal inheritance far surpasses any earthly treasure, instilling a forward-looking hope that anchors our faith in God's ultimate plan for redemption and dwelling with His people (Revelation 22:5).