Revelation 21:18

Authorized King James Version

And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
ἦν
G2258
was
i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)
#3
ἡ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
ἐνδόμησις
G1739
the building
a housing in (residence), i.e., structure
#5
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
τείχους
G5038
of the wall
a wall (as formative of a house)
#7
αὐτῆς
G846
of it
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
#8
ἴασπις
G2393
of jasper
"jasper", a gem
#9
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#10
ἡ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
πόλις
G4172
the city
a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)
#12
χρυσίον
G5553
gold
a golden article, i.e., gold plating, ornament, or coin
#13
καθαρῷ
G2513
unto clear
clean (literally or figuratively)
#14
ὅμοια
G3664
like
similar (in appearance or character)
#15
ὑάλῳ
G5194
glass
glass
#16
καθαρῷ
G2513
unto clear
clean (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

The kingdom of God theme here intersects with the progressive revelation of God's rule from creation to consummation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of development from creation mandate through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's reign from creation through the millennial kingdom.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within imperial persecution under Domitian's demand for emperor worship. The author writes to address persecuted Christians in Asia Minor facing pressure to compromise, making the emphasis on kingdom of God particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection