What is the significance of the "jasper stone, clear as crystal" in Revelation 21:11?

The "jasper stone, clear as crystal" holds profound significance. Traditionally, jasper was an opaque, often reddish or greenish stone. However, the description "clear as crystal" radically transforms its meaning here, suggesting a stone of unparalleled transparency, brilliance, and purity, perhaps akin to a diamond or pure quartz. This imagery emphasizes the absolute purity, flawlessness, and reflective quality of the New Jerusalem. It symbolizes that in God's eternal dwelling, there will be no hiddenness, no blemish, and perfect clarity, reflecting the unadulterated holiness of God Himself. It also suggests that the divine light will pass through the city unimpeded, illuminating everything with perfect clarity, just as Revelation 21:23 explicitly states there will be no need for sun or moon, for the glory of God will illuminate it.

How does the "glory of God" relate to the city's light in this verse?

The "glory of God" is presented as the direct and sole source of the New Jerusalem's light. This means the city's radiance is not from an external light source, but an intrinsic emanation of God's own majestic presence and inherent splendor. In biblical terms, God's glory often manifests as brilliant light, signifying His holiness, power, and manifest presence, as seen when the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle in the Old Testament. In the New Jerusalem, this glory is the city's perpetual illumination, signifying a perfect, unhindered communion between God and His people, where His light dispels all darkness and reveals all truth. This concept is further reinforced in Revelation 22:5, where it states, "And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light."

21:10 21:10

Revelation 21:11

21:12 21:12

Bible Versions

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:

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Verse Lookup

Cross-References

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.

Bible Versions

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