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.

And {G2532} he that sat {G2521} was {G2258} to look upon {G3706} like {G3664} a jasper {G2393} and {G2532} a sardine {G4555} stone {G3037}: and {G2532} there was a rainbow {G2463} round about {G2943} the throne {G2362}, in sight {G3706} like {G3664} unto an emerald {G4664}.

The One sitting there gleamed like diamonds and rubies, and a rainbow shining like emerald encircled the throne.

The One seated there looked like jasper and carnelian, and a rainbow that gleamed like an emerald encircled the throne.

and he that sat was to look upon like a jasper stone and a sardius: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, like an emerald to look upon.

Revelation 4:3 offers a breathtaking glimpse into the throne room of God, as witnessed by the Apostle John in his prophetic vision. This verse describes the majestic appearance of God Himself and the immediate surroundings of His throne, emphasizing His glory, purity, and faithfulness.

Context

This verse is part of John's vision of heavenly worship, which begins in Revelation chapter 4. After receiving messages for the seven churches, John is invited to "come up hither" to see what must take place after these things. The scene shifts from earthly churches to the celestial court, providing the foundational understanding of God's sovereignty over all creation and future events. This vivid imagery sets the stage for the dramatic unfolding of God's plan throughout the book of Revelation.

Key Themes

  • Divine Majesty and Glory: The description of God's appearance as "like a jasper and a sardine stone" conveys immense brilliance, purity, and fiery intensity. The jasper, in ancient understanding, was often a clear, crystalline stone, perhaps like a diamond, symbolizing God's dazzling light and holiness. The sardine (or carnelian) stone is typically reddish-orange, suggesting divine passion, judgment, or the consuming fire of God's presence. These colors combine to paint a picture of awe-inspiring glory.
  • God's Sovereignty and Authority: The very presence of a throne signifies ultimate kingship and dominion. God is depicted as the supreme ruler, seated in power, from whom all authority flows. This vision reassures believers that despite earthly turmoil, God remains firmly in control.
  • Covenant Faithfulness and Mercy: The "rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald" is a profound symbol. The rainbow itself immediately brings to mind the covenant God made with Noah, a promise of never again destroying the earth by flood. Its emerald color, a vibrant green, suggests freshness, life, and hope, reminding us that even amidst God's overwhelming power and impending judgment, His promises of mercy and faithfulness endure. It's a sign of His enduring grace surrounding His throne of judgment.

Linguistic Insights

The specific gemstones chosen by John are significant. The jasper (ancient Greek iaspis) likely referred to a transparent or translucent stone, radiating light, possibly similar to a diamond or rock crystal, emphasizing God's pure, blinding light. The sardine (Greek sardion), also known as carnelian, is a fiery red or orange stone, perhaps alluding to God's holiness as a "consuming fire" (Hebrews 12:29) or His righteous judgment. The emerald (Greek smaragdinos) for the rainbow's appearance reinforces the themes of life, freshness, and the enduring nature of God's covenant promises, providing a calming contrast to the fiery brilliance of His presence.

Practical Application

Revelation 4:3 invites us to stand in awe of God's majesty and power. It reminds us that the God we worship is not distant or uncaring, but supremely glorious, righteous, and faithful to His promises. The vision of the rainbow around the throne offers comfort and hope, assuring us that God's mercy surrounds His judgment. For believers today, this verse should inspire profound worship, trust in God's sovereign control over all things, and a renewed appreciation for His unwavering covenant love, even as the dramatic events of Revelation unfold. This scene emphasizes God's ultimate authority, a theme continued in the subsequent chapters of Revelation, such as when the Lamb takes the scroll from Him.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Ezekiel 1:28

    As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so [was] the appearance of the brightness round about. This [was] the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw [it], I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake.

  • 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;

  • Genesis 9:13

    I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth.

  • Genesis 9:16

    And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that [is] upon the earth.

  • Revelation 10:1

    ¶ And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow [was] upon his head, and his face [was] as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire:

  • Ezekiel 28:13

    Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone [was] thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created.

  • Ezekiel 1:26

    ¶ And above the firmament that [was] over their heads [was] the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone: and upon the likeness of the throne [was] the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back