Revelation 21:19
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;
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεμέλιος
foundation
G2310
θεμέλιος
foundation
Strong's:
G2310
Word #:
3 of 25
something put down, i.e., a substruction (of a building, etc.), (literally or figuratively)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πόλεως
of the city
G4172
πόλεως
of the city
Strong's:
G4172
Word #:
7 of 25
a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)
τιμίῳ
precious
G5093
τιμίῳ
precious
Strong's:
G5093
Word #:
10 of 25
valuable, i.e., (objectively) costly, or (subjectively) honored, esteemed, or (figuratively) beloved
κεκοσμημένοι·
were garnished with
G2885
κεκοσμημένοι·
were garnished with
Strong's:
G2885
Word #:
11 of 25
to put in proper order, i.e., decorate (literally or figuratively); specially, to snuff (a wick)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεμέλιος
foundation
G2310
θεμέλιος
foundation
Strong's:
G2310
Word #:
13 of 25
something put down, i.e., a substruction (of a building, etc.), (literally or figuratively)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δεύτερος
the second
G1208
δεύτερος
the second
Strong's:
G1208
Word #:
18 of 25
(ordinal) second (in time, place, or rank; also adverb)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τρίτος
the third
G5154
τρίτος
the third
Strong's:
G5154
Word #:
21 of 25
third; neuter (as noun) a third part, or (as adverb) a (or the) third time, thirdly
Historical Context
Ancient foundations were typically hidden underground, but this city's foundations are visible and adorned, emphasizing transparency and glory. The twelve stones corresponding to twelve apostles established continuity between Christ's original apostles and the eternal church. Precious stone symbolism was familiar from temple imagery and prophetic visions.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the foundation's visibility and beauty challenge you to value and study the apostolic teaching on which the church is built?
- What does the correspondence between foundation stones and apostles teach about the church's permanent grounding in New Testament revelation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The twelve foundation stones adorned with precious stones recalls the high priest's breastplate (Exodus 28:17-20) representing Israel's twelve tribes. Here they represent the twelve apostles (v. 14), showing the church's foundation is apostolic teaching. Each stone's unique color and beauty demonstrates diversity within unity. Reformed theology emphasizes Scripture's foundation for the church—apostolic witness recorded in New Testament. The precious stones represent the incalculable value of this foundation. The foundations' visibility (unlike earthly buildings) shows the church's basis is openly displayed.