Revelation 21:18
And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτῆς
of it
G846
αὐτῆς
of it
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 16
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
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πόλις
the city
G4172
πόλις
the city
Strong's:
G4172
Word #:
11 of 16
a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)
χρυσίον
gold
G5553
χρυσίον
gold
Strong's:
G5553
Word #:
12 of 16
a golden article, i.e., gold plating, ornament, or coin
Cross References
Revelation 21:11Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;Revelation 21:21And 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 21:19And 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;
Historical Context
Ancient architecture prized precious materials, but opaque gold was universal. Transparent gold and crystal-clear jasper transcend earthly materials, communicating supernatural transformation. The vision uses earthly language (gold, jasper) to describe realities beyond complete human comprehension. First-century readers understood this represented something far beyond earthly cities' glory.
Questions for Reflection
- What does transparent gold teach about the new creation's nature—material yet transformed to perfectly display God's glory?
- How does the wall's clarity (jasper like crystal) illustrate that in the new creation, God's glory will be visible without obstruction?
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Analysis & Commentary
Jasper wall construction represents clarity and brilliance. Jasper (see 4:3) resembles God's appearance—clear as crystal, allowing divine glory to shine through unhindered. The city being pure gold, transparent as glass, combines maximum value with complete transparency. This unprecedented description defies earthly physics, indicating transformed reality where matter itself reflects divine glory. Reformed theology sees this as creation freed from corruption's curse (Romans 8:21), displaying God's glory without obstruction. The transparency suggests nothing hidden—perfect holiness allows complete openness.