Revelation 21 20

Revelation 21:20 kjv

The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolyte; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst.

Revelation 21:20 nkjv

the fifth sardonyx, the sixth sardius, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst.

Revelation 21:20 niv

the fifth onyx, the sixth ruby, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth turquoise, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst.

Revelation 21:20 esv

the fifth onyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, the twelfth amethyst.

Revelation 21:20 nlt

the fifth onyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, the twelfth amethyst.

Revelation 21 verses

Revelation 21 20 Meaning

Revelation 21:20 continues the descriptive listing of the New Jerusalem's twelve foundation stones, specifically detailing the eighth through twelfth foundations: beryl, topaz, chrysoprase, jacinth, and amethyst. This verse, along with the preceding one, depicts the city's unparalleled beauty, stability, and preciousness through its use of radiant and diverse gemstones. These foundations are not merely aesthetic but signify the eternal security and divine splendor of God's dwelling with humanity, symbolizing the unified glory of His redemptive plan throughout history.

Revelation 21 20 Context

Revelation 21:20 is embedded within a profound prophetic vision describing the New Jerusalem, a literal and spiritual city descending from God out of heaven (Rev 21:2). This section, from Revelation 21:9 through 22:5, provides a detailed depiction of the eternal dwelling place of God with His redeemed people. Specifically, verses 18-21 elaborate on the material composition of the city's immense wall, foundations, gates, and street. Verse 20 completes the enumeration of the twelve foundation stones, building upon the description begun in verse 19. Each of these distinct, brilliantly colored jewels contributes to the dazzling glory of the city, which is metaphorically presented as the Bride of Christ and the culmination of God's redemptive plan. The inclusion of these precious stones also deeply resonates with Old Testament prophecies concerning the restoration and glorification of Jerusalem, as well as the symbolic use of jewels in the Israelite tabernacle and priesthood, highlighting the continuity and fulfillment of God's promises.

Revelation 21 20 Word analysis

• The eighth, beryl: (Greek: bērullos, βήρυλλος). Beryl is typically known for its beautiful sea-green or bluish-green hue. In ancient contexts, it was a highly prized gem. Symbolically, its clarity and watery colors might suggest purity, vitality, and heavenly freshness, or connection to divine serenity.

• the ninth, topaz: (Greek: topazion, τοπάζιον). Ancient topaz, often yellow to golden-brown, may refer to what we now call peridot or chrysolite. It was esteemed for its fiery glow and brilliance. It often symbolized light, divine wisdom, or strength. This stone was also present in the high priest's breastplate.

• the tenth, chrysoprase: (Greek: chrysoprasos, χρυσόπρασος). A green variety of chalcedony, usually apple-green or greenish-yellow. Its name comes from Greek chrysos (gold) and prason (leek), indicating its golden-green tint. This vibrant green can symbolize new life, growth, and prosperity, radiating divine energy.

• the eleventh, jacinth: (Greek: hyakinthos, ὑάκινθος). The precise identity and color are debated among scholars, potentially a blue-purple, reddish-orange, or amber stone. Named after the hyacinth flower, it suggests a rich, translucent quality. It often points to a majestic or heavenly presence due to its deep and striking color.

• the twelfth, amethyst: (Greek: amethustos, ἀμέθυστος). A purple or violet quartz, highly valued in the ancient world and associated with royalty and spiritual power due to its regal color. The Greek root (meaning "not intoxicated") refers to an ancient belief in its power to prevent drunkenness, which might symbolically tie into sobriety, spiritual clarity, or freedom from worldly inebriation in the New Jerusalem.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "The eighth, beryl; the ninth, topaz; the tenth, chrysoprase; the eleventh, jacinth; the twelfth, amethyst": This numerical listing underscores divine order, completeness, and thoroughness in God's creation of the New Jerusalem. Each successive stone adds to the cumulative brilliance and perfection.
  • "beryl; topaz; chrysoprase; jacinth; amethyst": The collection of these specific gems signifies a breathtaking array of colors—greens, yellows, purples—creating a rainbow-like spectrum. This diversity in beauty, yet perfect harmony, represents the manifold perfections of God's character and the composite glory of His eternal dwelling place. The value and rarity of each stone emphasize the immense preciousness and peerless excellence of the heavenly city, a fitting home for God's redeemed. The stones as foundations imply unwavering stability, support, and an unshakeable permanence that distinguishes this city from any earthly structure.

Revelation 21 20 Bonus section

• The collective beauty of the twelve foundations, described in Rev 21:19-20, echoes the twelve stones on the breastplate of the Old Testament high priest (Exo 28), symbolizing God's covenant people. In the New Jerusalem, these stones bear the names of the twelve apostles (Rev 21:14), unifying God's redemptive work through Israel and the Church into a single glorious completion.
• The New Jerusalem's description heavily relies on imagery of precious materials. This signifies not worldly wealth, but transcendent divine value, permanence, and purity. Unlike transient earthly structures, this city is intrinsically eternal and perfectly fashioned by God.
• The varying colors of the gemstones likely convey a symbolic "rainbow" of light, similar to the glory around God's throne in Revelation 4:3, reflecting the full spectrum of God's character and divine presence.

Revelation 21 20 Commentary

Revelation 21:20 culminates the magnificent description of the New Jerusalem's twelve foundation stones, detailing the final five gems: beryl, topaz, chrysoprase, jacinth, and amethyst. These precious and vibrantly colored stones, forming the city's bedrock, convey not only unparalleled beauty and splendor but also deep theological truths. Their inclusion speaks to the immeasurable value God places on His redeemed dwelling with humanity. As foundations, they signify the absolute stability, eternal security, and divine unchangeableness of God's ultimate kingdom. Each jewel contributes to a multifaceted brilliance, mirroring the multifaceted glory of God Himself. This lavish display transcends earthly opulence, serving as a powerful promise of the profound and beautiful reality awaiting God's people, a reality built on His flawless wisdom, power, and love, fulfilling all Old Testament prophetic hopes for a glorified Zion.