Revelation 21:11

Authorized King James Version

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

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἔχουσαν
G2192
Having
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#2
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
δόξαν
G1391
the glory
glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)
#4
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
θεοῦ
G2316
of God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#6
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#7
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
φωστὴρ
G5458
light
an illuminator, i.e., (concretely) a luminary, or (abstractly) brilliancy
#9
αὐτῆς
G846
her
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#10
ὅμοιος
G3664
was like
similar (in appearance or character)
#11
λίθῳ
G3037
stone
a stone (literally or figuratively)
#12
τιμιωτάτῳ
G5093
most precious
valuable, i.e., (objectively) costly, or (subjectively) honored, esteemed, or (figuratively) beloved
#13
ὡς
G5613
even like
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#14
λίθῳ
G3037
stone
a stone (literally or figuratively)
#15
ἰάσπιδι
G2393
a jasper
"jasper", a gem
#16
κρυσταλλίζοντι
G2929
clear as crystal
to make (i.e., intransitively, resemble) ice ("crystallize")

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to Revelation. The concept of glory reflects the ultimate establishment of divine rule over creation. The divine name or title here functions within apocalyptic literature revealing God's ultimate victory to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of Jewish apocalyptic literature using symbolic imagery to convey hope shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of kingdom of God within the theological tradition of Revelation Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes glory in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection