Is the description of the New Jerusalem's materials literal or symbolic?

The description in Revelation 21:18, like much of apocalyptic literature, uses highly symbolic language to convey spiritual truths about a future reality that transcends human comprehension. While the materials (jasper, gold, glass) are literal in their earthly forms, their properties as described ("pure gold, like unto clear glass") defy earthly physics. This suggests that the literal materials will be transformed and glorified in a way that perfectly reflects God's own nature—radiant, pure, and utterly magnificent. So, it's not a literal description in the sense of earthly construction, but a literal promise of a city whose glory and purity are truly beyond imagination, expressed through the most precious and radiant imagery available to John.

Why is the city described as "pure gold, like unto clear glass"? Gold is opaque.

This seemingly paradoxical description highlights the supernatural and transcendent nature of the New Jerusalem. Gold typically symbolizes immense value, wealth, and divine glory throughout Scripture (e.g., the Ark of the Covenant, the Temple). However, its opacity would hinder the pervasive light of God's glory that fills the city (Revelation 21:23). By describing it as "like unto clear glass," John conveys a material that retains the preciousness and glory of gold but gains the transparency and luminosity of glass. This implies a glorified state of matter, where even the most solid elements become permeable to divine light, allowing God's unhindered glory to radiate through every part of the city, making it a place of unparalleled brilliance, purity, and clarity. It speaks to a divine transformation where all things are perfected and illuminated by God's presence.

21:17 21:17

Revelation 21:18

21:19 21:19

Bible Versions

And the building of the wall of it was [of] jasper: and the city [was] pure gold, like unto clear glass.

And {G2532} the building {G1739} of the wall {G5038} of it {G846} was {G2258} of jasper {G2393}: and {G2532} the city {G4172} was pure {G2513} gold {G5553}, like {G3664} unto clear {G2513} glass {G5194}.

The wall was made of diamond and the city of pure gold resembling pure glass.

The wall was made of jasper, and the city itself of pure gold, as pure as glass.

And the building of the wall thereof was jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto pure glass.

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 21:11

Having the glory of God: and her light [was] like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;
Revelation 21:21

And the twelve gates [were] twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city [was] pure gold, as it were transparent 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;

Bible Versions

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