Revelation 21:19

Authorized King James Version

And 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;

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

οἱ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεμέλιος

G2310

foundation

something put down, i.e., a substruction (of a building, etc.), (literally or figuratively)

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τείχους

G5038

of the wall

a wall (as formative of a house)

τῆς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πόλεως

G4172

of the city

a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)

παντὶ

G3956

all manner of

all, any, every, the whole

λίθῳ

G3037

stones

a stone (literally or figuratively)

#10

τιμίῳ

G5093

precious

valuable, i.e., (objectively) costly, or (subjectively) honored, esteemed, or (figuratively) beloved

#11

κεκοσμημένοι·

G2885

were garnished with

to put in proper order, i.e., decorate (literally or figuratively); specially, to snuff (a wick)

#12

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#13

θεμέλιος

G2310

foundation

something put down, i.e., a substruction (of a building, etc.), (literally or figuratively)

#14

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#15

πρῶτος

G4413

The first

foremost (in time, place, order or importance)

#16

ἴασπις

G2393

was jasper

"jasper", a gem

#17

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#18

δεύτερος

G1208

the second

(ordinal) second (in time, place, or rank; also adverb)

#19

σάπφειρος·

G4552

sapphire

a "sapphire" or lapis-lazuli gem

#20

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#21

τρίτος

G5154

the third

third; neuter (as noun) a third part, or (as adverb) a (or the) third time, thirdly

#22

χαλκηδών

G5472

a chalcedony

copper-like, i.e., "chalcedony"

#23

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#24

τέταρτος

G5067

the fourth

fourth

#25

σμάραγδος

G4665

an emerald

the emerald or green gem so called

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

The historical context of the Domitian persecution period (c. 95 CE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address the apparent delay of Christ's return and God's justice, and how should the church respond?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of kingdom of God, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of eschatology and the doctrine of last things?
How does the kingdom of God theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?