Revelation 4:3

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 4:3 offers a profound glimpse into the divine majesty and awe-inspiring presence of God, as witnessed by the Apostle John in his heavenly vision. This verse vividly describes the appearance of the One seated on the throne, likened to precious, radiant gemstones—jasper and sardine—and encircling the throne, a brilliant emerald-like rainbow. It serves to emphasize God's unparalleled glory, purity, holiness, and unwavering covenant faithfulness, setting the stage for the unfolding of His sovereign plan throughout the book of Revelation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 4:3 is an integral part of John's grand vision of God's throne room, which commences in [Revelation 4:1](/revelation/4-1 "Revelation 4:1 - John's Call to Heaven"). Following the messages to the seven churches in [Revelation chapters 2-3](/revelation/2 "Revelation 2 - Messages to the Churches") that address the earthly church's state, John is called "up hither" to witness "what must take place after these things." This transition marks a pivotal shift from the earthly realm to the celestial, establishing God's ultimate sovereignty and control over all history and future events. The description of God's appearance and His immediate surroundings in [Revelation 4:2-11](/revelation/4-2-11 "Revelation 4:2-11 - The Throne Room Vision") provides the theological foundation for all subsequent judgments, redemptive acts, and worship scenes in the book, affirming that all events unfold under the watchful eye and supreme authority of the Almighty God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** John's vision was received while he was exiled on the island of Patmos, likely during the reign of Emperor Domitian, a period of intense persecution for Christians. In this context, the imagery of a supreme throne and an unassailable King would have offered immense comfort and reassurance to believers facing imperial power and suffering. Ancient Near Eastern cultures, including Roman and Jewish traditions, deeply understood the symbolism of thrones as centers of power, authority, and justice. Gemstones were highly valued and often associated with royalty, divinity, and sacred spaces (e.g., the high priest's breastplate in [Exodus 28:15-21](/exodus/28-15-21 "Exodus 28:15-21 - The High Priest's Breastplate")). The rainbow, in particular, carried a profound covenantal significance from the account of [Noah in Genesis 9](/genesis/9 "Genesis 9 - The Noahic Covenant"), symbolizing God's faithfulness and promise amidst judgment.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Revelation and the broader biblical narrative. The primary theme is **Divine Majesty and Glory**, conveyed through the dazzling, fiery appearance of God, which evokes awe and reverence. Linked to this is **God's Sovereignty and Authority**, as His presence on the throne unequivocally declares His ultimate kingship and dominion over all creation and history. The description also highlights God's **Holiness and Purity**, with the jasper representing blinding light and perfection. Crucially, the "rainbow round about the throne" introduces the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness and Mercy**. While God's presence is awe-inspiring and even fearsome, the rainbow, reminiscent of the covenant with Noah in [Genesis 9:13](/genesis/9-13 "Genesis 9:13 - The Rainbow Covenant"), assures believers that His promises endure and His mercy surrounds His throne of judgment, even as He is described as a "consuming fire" in [Hebrews 12:29](/hebrews/12-29 "Hebrews 12:29 - God as a Consuming Fire").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **throne (Greek, _thrónos'_):** From the base meaning "to sit," this word denotes a stately seat, specifically a royal chair. By implication, it signifies power, dominion, and the authority of a potentate. In [Revelation 4:3](/revelation/4-3 "Revelation 4:3 - The Throne of God"), it underscores God's supreme kingship and ultimate rule over all creation and events.
* **jasper (Greek, _íaspis'_):** A gem, probably of foreign origin. In ancient understanding, this stone was often described as clear, crystalline, and brilliant, possibly like a diamond or rock crystal. Its association with God's appearance here suggests dazzling light, purity, and the unapproachable holiness of His presence.
* **rainbow (Greek, _îris'_):** This term refers to a rainbow, a natural phenomenon. In biblical context, particularly drawing from [Genesis 9](/genesis/9 "Genesis 9 - The Noahic Covenant"), the rainbow is a powerful symbol of God's covenant faithfulness and His promise of mercy. Its appearance around the throne in [Revelation 4:3](/revelation/4-3 "Revelation 4:3 - The Rainbow Around the Throne") signifies that even amidst the awesome power and impending judgment emanating from God's throne, His enduring grace and covenant promises remain steadfast.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone:"** This clause describes the visual appearance of God Himself, though not as a literal form, but through the analogy of precious stones. The "jasper" (likely a brilliant, clear stone) conveys blinding purity, light, and holiness, suggesting God's absolute moral perfection and dazzling glory. The "sardine stone" (a fiery red or orange gem, also known as carnelian) evokes images of consuming fire, righteous judgment, and divine passion, aligning with biblical descriptions of God's holiness as a "consuming fire" ([Hebrews 12:29](/hebrews/12-29 "Hebrews 12:29 - God as a Consuming Fire")). Together, these stones present a picture of God's glorious, pure, and awe-inspiring, yet potentially terrifying, presence.
* **"and there was a rainbow round about the throne,"** This phrase introduces a striking contrast and a profound symbol. The rainbow, encircling the throne, immediately recalls God's covenant with Noah ([Genesis 9:13](/genesis/9-13 "Genesis 9:13 - The Rainbow Covenant")), a promise of preservation and faithfulness despite human sin. Its presence around the throne signifies that God's power and judgment are always tempered by His unwavering covenant love and mercy. It is a visible assurance of His enduring promises, even in the context of His supreme authority.
* **"in sight like unto an emerald."** This specifies the color and nature of the rainbow. The emerald, a vibrant green stone, symbolizes life, freshness, hope, and renewal. This color provides a calming, reassuring visual element amidst the fiery brilliance of God's immediate presence. It reinforces the message of God's enduring grace and the life-giving nature of His covenant, indicating that His faithfulness brings forth life and hope even in the face of impending judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 4:3 is rich in **Symbolism** and **Simile**, which are crucial for conveying the ineffable nature of God. The entire description of God's appearance is not literal but symbolic, using familiar earthly elements—gemstones and a rainbow—to represent divine attributes. The **Simile** "like a jasper and a sardine stone" and "like unto an emerald" helps the reader grasp the ungraspable, comparing God's glory and the rainbow's appearance to known precious objects. This use of **Imagery** creates a vivid, multisensory experience for the reader, evoking awe, reverence, and comfort. The **Contrast** between the fiery brilliance of the sardine stone (judgment, holiness) and the calming green of the emerald rainbow (mercy, covenant) is also a significant literary technique, highlighting the dual nature of God's character—both just and merciful—that surrounds His throne.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 4:3 profoundly anchors our understanding of God's character and His ultimate authority. The description of God's appearance as dazzling and fiery speaks to His unapproachable holiness and purity, a theme consistent throughout Scripture where God is often depicted with overwhelming light and fire. Yet, the presence of the emerald rainbow around His throne serves as a powerful theological statement: God's sovereign power and impending judgment are always enveloped by His covenant faithfulness and mercy. This balance reassures believers that even in the midst of terrifying visions of divine judgment, God's promises of grace and His commitment to His people remain unwavering. It underscores that His rule is not arbitrary but founded on His righteous character and His steadfast love.

* [Genesis 9:13](/genesis/9-13 "The Rainbow as a Covenant Sign")
* [Ezekiel 1:28](/ezekiel/1-28 "The Appearance of the Likeness of the Glory of the Lord")
* [Isaiah 6:1](/isaiah/6-1 "Isaiah's Vision of God's Throne")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 4:3 calls us to a posture of profound awe and worship before the God of the universe. In a world often characterized by chaos, uncertainty, and the apparent triumph of evil, this vision reminds us that there is a supreme, sovereign ruler on the throne. The dazzling, fiery appearance of God should inspire reverence for His holiness and a healthy fear of His righteous judgment, prompting us to live lives that honor Him. Simultaneously, the comforting presence of the emerald rainbow assures us of His unwavering covenant faithfulness and mercy. This dual revelation encourages us to trust in God's control, even when circumstances seem overwhelming, knowing that His promises endure and His grace surrounds His throne. It invites us to find peace in His sovereignty and to worship Him with both trembling and joy, confident in His ultimate plan for redemption and justice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of God's appearance in Revelation 4:3 challenge or deepen your understanding of His character?**
* **In what ways does the "rainbow round about the throne" offer comfort and hope in your personal life or in the broader context of global events?**
* **What practical implications does recognizing God's ultimate sovereignty have for how you live, pray, and respond to trials?**

### FAQ

**What do the jasper and sardine stones symbolize in Revelation 4:3?**

Answer: The jasper and sardine stones are symbolic representations of God's ineffable glory and character, not a literal description of His physical form. The jasper, often understood as a clear, brilliant, or diamond-like stone in ancient times, symbolizes God's dazzling purity, holiness, and unapproachable light. It speaks to His absolute moral perfection. The sardine stone, or carnelian, is typically a fiery red or orange gem. This color often symbolizes divine judgment, consuming fire, and God's righteous wrath against sin, as seen in passages like [Hebrews 12:29](/hebrews/12-29 "Hebrews 12:29 - God as a Consuming Fire"). Together, they convey a God who is both perfectly pure and fiercely just, inspiring both reverence and awe.

**Why is there a rainbow around the throne, and what does its emerald color signify?**

Answer: The rainbow around the throne is a profound symbol of God's covenant faithfulness and mercy, directly recalling the covenant God made with Noah after the flood, as recorded in [Genesis 9:13-16](/genesis/9-13-16 "Genesis 9:13-16 - The Noahic Covenant and the Rainbow"). Its presence around God's throne signifies that even as He is the supreme judge and sovereign ruler, His power and justice are always enveloped by His enduring promises and steadfast love for humanity. The emerald color, a vibrant green, further enhances this symbolism. Green is often associated with life, freshness, growth, and hope. This suggests that God's covenant promises are not dead letters but are living, active, and bring forth life and renewal, providing a calming and reassuring contrast to the fiery brilliance of God's immediate presence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Revelation 4:3 describes the glory of God the Father on His throne, this vision inherently points towards the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's ultimate plan. The glory, majesty, and authority described here are not exclusive to the Father but are shared with the Son, Jesus Christ, who is the "radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being" as stated in [Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - The Supremacy of Christ"). The One who sits on the throne is the source of all authority, and it is this authority that is later seen being entrusted to the Lamb, Jesus Christ, in [Revelation 5:7](/revelation/5-7 "Revelation 5:7 - The Lamb Takes the Scroll"), as He alone is worthy to open the scroll and execute God's plan. The rainbow of covenant faithfulness, though initially given to Noah, finds its ultimate and eternal guarantee in Christ, who is the mediator of a "new covenant" ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Christ, Mediator of a Better Covenant")) and through whom God's promises are "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises in Christ")). Thus, the awe-inspiring throne room, with its display of divine holiness and steadfast mercy, anticipates the Lamb's central role in bringing God's redemptive and judgmental purposes to fruition, ultimately leading to the establishment of His eternal kingdom where Christ reigns supreme ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of Our Lord and of His Messiah")).

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.

Cross-References

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.