Revelation 21:20
The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σάρδιος·
sardius
G4556
σάρδιος·
sardius
Strong's:
G4556
Word #:
6 of 24
sardian (3037 being implied), i.e., (as noun) the gem so called
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χρυσόπρασος
a chrysoprasus
G5556
χρυσόπρασος
a chrysoprasus
Strong's:
G5556
Word #:
18 of 24
a greenish-yellow gem, chrysoprasus (chrysoprase)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὑάκινθος
a jacinth
G5192
ὑάκινθος
a jacinth
Strong's:
G5192
Word #:
21 of 24
the "hyacinth" or "jacinth", i.e., some gem of a deep blue color, probably the zirkon
Historical Context
Ancient gemology recognized these stones' varying properties—hardness, color, transparency. Together they represented comprehensive beauty. The list's specificity (naming each stone) reflects attention to detail in God's design. This vision assured believers that the foundation supporting eternal dwelling was both beautiful and secure, built on the comprehensive witness of all twelve apostles.
Questions for Reflection
- How does each stone's unique beauty within the one foundation encourage you to appreciate diversity within the unified church?
- What does the precious nature of all twelve stones teach about the equal inspiration and authority of all New Testament Scripture?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The continuation of foundation stones' description emphasizes comprehensive beauty and variety. The specific stones (sardonyx, sardius, chrysolite, beryl, topaz, chrysoprase, jacinth, amethyst) showcase different colors and properties, demonstrating that the foundation's beauty is multifaceted. Each stone's uniqueness within the unified foundation illustrates unity in diversity. Reformed theology sees this as the church's catholicity—diverse members united on one foundation. The precious nature of all twelve emphasizes that apostolic witness is uniformly valuable, not ranking some higher than others.