Revelation 21 11

Revelation 21:11 kjv

Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;

Revelation 21:11 nkjv

having the glory of God. Her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal.

Revelation 21:11 niv

It shone with the glory of God, and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal.

Revelation 21:11 esv

having the glory of God, its radiance like a most rare jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal.

Revelation 21:11 nlt

It shone with the glory of God and sparkled like a precious stone ? like jasper as clear as crystal.

Revelation 21 verses

Revelation 21 11 Meaning

Revelation 21:11 describes the brilliant, self-luminous nature of the New Jerusalem, whose radiance emanates directly from the glory of God. Its light is not from an external source but is inherent, comparable to the most valuable and flawless gemstone—specifically a jasper, yet one that possesses the unprecedented quality of being perfectly transparent, like crystal. This signifies divine presence, purity, splendor, and the ultimate consummation of God's dwelling with His people in complete revelation and untainted perfection.

Revelation 21 11 Context

Revelation 21 marks a pivotal shift from judgment and tribulation to the glorious eternal state, describing the "New Heaven and New Earth." Within this overarching vision, verses 9 through 27 focus specifically on the "holy city, New Jerusalem," depicted as the dwelling place of God with humanity. Following its majestic descent from heaven (v. 2, 10), verse 11 immediately begins to detail the city's appearance, with its luminosity taking precedence. This particular verse establishes the primary source of the city's unprecedented brilliance, indicating it is not illuminated by any created light source but directly by the uncreated glory of God Himself. Historically, this vision contrasts sharply with ancient earthly cities that depended on natural light or artificial lamps and were often marred by defilement. It directly addresses the long-held prophetic expectation of a glorified Jerusalem (e.g., Isaiah 60) where God's presence would be unequivocally manifest, eliminating all darkness and imperfection associated with human-built structures or unholy activities.

Revelation 21 11 Word analysis

• having (ἔχουσα - echousa): Implies an intrinsic possession, an inherent characteristic of the city. The city doesn't merely reflect light; it embodies or contains its source.
• the glory (τὴν δόξαν - tēn doxan): Greek "doxa." This refers to God's manifested presence, splendor, majesty, and inherent divine essence. It's the visible effulgence of God's character and power, akin to the shekinah glory in the Old Testament. This is not just a bright light, but the very essence of divinity made perceptible.
• of God (τοῦ θεοῦ - tou theou): Explicitly states the divine origin. The light and splendor of the New Jerusalem are a direct emanation of God Himself, setting it apart as entirely supernatural and divine.
• and her light (καὶ ὁ φωστὴρ αὐτῆς - kai ho phōstēr autēs): "Phōstēr" refers to a luminary, a light-bearer or illuminator. It denotes the visible brightness of the city, indicating it functions as a source of light, not merely a reflective surface.
• like unto a stone (ὅμοιος λίθῳ - homoios lithō): Emphasizes a resemblance, drawing a comparison to highlight the quality, beauty, and preciousness of the city's radiance.
• most precious (τιμιωτάτῳ - timiōtatō): A superlative adjective meaning "most honorable," "most valuable," "of highest price." It stresses the unsurpassed worth and unparalleled beauty of this divine light, distinguishing it from all earthly treasures.
• even like (ὡς - hōs): Continues the comparison, further specifying the type of stone.
• a jasper stone (λίθῳ ἴασπιδι - lithō iaspidi): "Jasper" in ancient times referred to various opaque or semi-translucent stones, often green, red, or yellow. Here, the immediate qualification "clear as crystal" radically redefines this jasper, suggesting a transcendent quality beyond earthly comprehension or that it is a symbolic rather than a literal stone. This transformation indicates the purity and radiance of God. In Rev 4:3, God's throne is described with jasper and sardius, linking this stone directly to the divine presence.
• clear as crystal (κρυσταλλίζοντι - krystallizonti): Literally "crystallizing" or "crystal-like." This phrase is crucial as it elevates the description of "jasper" to something supremely pure, transparent, and brilliant, unlike common jasper. It speaks of utter absence of impurity, perfect transparency, and intense reflective/refractive qualities, allowing God's glory to shine through unimpeded.

Words-group Analysis

• "having the glory of God": This phrase immediately establishes the absolute and foundational nature of the city's magnificence. Its splendor is not borrowed or external, but flows directly from the indwelling, radiant presence of God. This echoes Old Testament depictions of God's glory filling the Tabernacle and Temple, but in a perfected and permanent form for the entire city.
• "and her light like unto a stone most precious": This draws an analogy between the city's self-luminous quality and the inherent beauty and value of a supremely costly gem. It communicates ultimate worth and aesthetic perfection, indicative of God's perfect creation.
• "even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal": This precise, yet paradoxical, description elevates the "precious stone" imagery. While historical jasper was often opaque, this "crystal-clear jasper" points to a divine quality of absolute transparency and brilliance. It implies that nothing obscures God's presence, and His purity is perfectly manifested. It may also imply that this jasper is "light-producing" or "glorious-making" rather than just a passive reflection. It contrasts sharply with earthly limitations and human imperfection.

Revelation 21 11 Bonus section

The seemingly contradictory description of "jasper, clear as crystal" is a powerful symbolic statement. Earthly jasper is typically opaque, even though beautiful. John's vision reveals a transfigured jasper, indicating that the new creation operates on a higher plane of reality, where even the characteristics of material substances are perfected or redefined by God's glory. This implies a complete sanctification and transformation, not just of people, but of the entire created order, reaching a state of absolute purity, brilliance, and perfect receptivity to God's divine light, without any imperfection or hindrance. It is a foretaste of a reality where all things are made truly new and function in alignment with God's ultimate holy purpose.

Revelation 21 11 Commentary

Revelation 21:11 profoundly conveys that the New Jerusalem's breathtaking brilliance is not a manufactured aesthetic but the direct, inherent radiance of God Himself. The phrase "having the glory of God" means the city is imbued with and constantly shines forth His visible presence and majestic essence. It acts as the ultimate 'theophany,' where God's nature is fully and permanently manifested to His redeemed creation. The subsequent description—comparing its light to a "stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal"—uses the most exalted earthly analogies (precious gems) but then transcends them with the qualifier "clear as crystal." This signifies unimaginable purity, flawless transparency, and ultimate splendor, far beyond any terrestrial gemstone. It emphasizes that in the new creation, God's holiness and splendor are completely revealed and unobscured by sin or darkness. The city becomes a tangible expression of God's perfection and His covenant promise to dwell fully with His people, illuminating every corner of this perfected dwelling with His eternal light. It also suggests that God's people, perfected in the city, will fully reflect His light without distortion, serving as a conduit for His manifest glory.