probably of foreign origin (see יָשְׁפֵה); "jasper", a gem:--jasper.
Transliteration:íaspis
Pronunciation:ee'-as-pis
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word ἴασπις (iaspis) refers to the gemstone "jasper." Its etymology is noted as "probably of foreign origin," linking it to the Hebrew `{{H3471}}` יָשְׁפֵה (yashpheh), which is one of the stones in the high priest's breastplate. In antiquity, "jasper" was a broad term for opaque, colorful chalcedony, often green, but could encompass various hues. Modern mineralogy identifies jasper as opaque, microcrystalline quartz, typically red, yellow, brown, green, or even black. However, the biblical description, particularly in Revelation, suggests a quality that might differ from the common understanding of opaque jasper, implying translucence or even transparency, emphasizing light and clarity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἴασπις (iaspis) appears exclusively in the book of Revelation in the New Testament. Its four occurrences are highly significant:
* [[Revelation 4:3]]: Describing the appearance of "Him who sat on the throne," the text states, "And He who sat there was like a jasper stone and a sardius in appearance." Here, jasper is a primary visual descriptor for the divine presence, suggesting an unparalleled brilliance and purity. The association with God's glory implies a radiant, perhaps even luminous, quality.
* [[Revelation 21:11]]: In the description of the New Jerusalem, it is said that "its radiance was like a most precious jewel, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal." This explicitly qualifies the jasper as transparent, emphasizing its light-reflecting and pure qualities, emblematic of divine glory and the city's divine origin.
* [[Revelation 21:18]]: The wall of the New Jerusalem is described as "built of jasper." This reinforces the idea of the city's structure being composed of divine light and purity, providing an impenetrable yet radiant defense.
* [[Revelation 21:19]]: Jasper is listed as the first of the twelve foundation stones of the wall of the New Jerusalem. As the inaugural stone, it signifies the foundational nature of God's glory and presence within the heavenly city, connecting it to the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles.
The consistent use of "jasper" in Revelation, especially with qualifiers like "clear as crystal," points to a symbolic understanding of the stone as representing divine glory, purity, and light, often transcending the typical opaque nature of the mineral.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Hebrew Counterpart:** The Septuagint (LXX) often translates the Hebrew יָשְׁפֵה (yashpheh) `{{H3471}}` as ἴασπις (iaspis). This stone is the twelfth stone in the high priest's breastplate ([[Exodus 28:20]], [[Exodus 39:13]]), signifying one of the tribes of Israel. This connection establishes a continuity of symbolism from the Old Testament priesthood to the New Testament vision of God's dwelling and the redeemed community.
* **Other Precious Stones:** In Revelation, jasper is frequently mentioned alongside other precious stones (e.g., sardius `{{G4556}}`, emerald `{{G4665}}`, sapphire `{{G4555}}`). These stones collectively symbolize the beauty, glory, and preciousness of God's presence and the heavenly realm. The "clear as crystal" description also links it conceptually to crystal `{{G2930}}` and light.
* **Glory (δόξα - doxa):** The primary concept associated with jasper in Revelation is the glory of God. The stone's radiance and clarity are direct metaphors for divine splendor and majesty.
* **Purity and Holiness:** The "clear as crystal" attribute also signifies purity, holiness, and the absence of blemish, which are essential attributes of God and the heavenly city.
* **New Creation:** The pervasive presence of jasper in the New Jerusalem signifies the transformed and glorified state of creation in the eschatological age.
### Theological Significance
The prominent use of ἴασπις (iaspis) in Revelation underscores its profound theological significance as a symbol of divine majesty, purity, and the radiant presence of God. In [[Revelation 4:3]], the appearance of God Himself is likened to jasper, establishing it as a primary visual representation of the divine. This suggests an ineffable brilliance and beauty that transcends human comprehension, yet is conveyed through the most precious and radiant of earthly materials.
The description of the New Jerusalem's radiance, walls, and foundations as jasper ([[Revelation 21:11]], [[Revelation 21:18]], [[Revelation 21:19]]) signifies that the entire heavenly city is permeated with God's glory. The city itself becomes a manifestation of divine light and holiness, a place where God's presence is the very essence of its being. The "clear as crystal" attribute challenges the common understanding of jasper as opaque, suggesting that John's vision transcends earthly mineralogy, pointing to a spiritual reality where even the densest materials are transformed by divine light. This transformation speaks to the ultimate renewal and sanctification of creation in the eschatological age. As the first foundation stone of the New Jerusalem, jasper signifies the foundational nature of God's glory and presence for the redeemed community, representing the secure and glorious dwelling place prepared for believers, built upon divine attributes.
### Summary
The Greek word ἴασπις (iaspis), transliterated as "jasper," is a gemstone primarily mentioned in the book of Revelation. While its ancient meaning may have encompassed a broader range of stones than modern "jasper," its consistent description in Revelation as "clear as crystal" highlights its profound symbolic function. It is used to describe the appearance of God on His throne ([[Revelation 4:3]]) and the radiant glory, walls, and first foundation of the New Jerusalem ([[Revelation 21:11]], [[Revelation 21:18]], [[Revelation 21:19]]). Theologically, ἴασπις serves as a powerful metaphor for the ineffable glory, purity, and luminous presence of God, and the divine splendor that permeates the heavenly city, signifying the ultimate state of blessedness and divine indwelling for the redeemed. Its connection to the Old Testament `{{H3471}}` in the high priest's breastplate further solidifies its enduring significance as a symbol of divine presence and preciousness.
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