Revelation 21:18

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Revelation 21:18 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

The wall was made of jasper, and the city itself of pure gold, as pure as glass.

King James Version KJV

And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass.

American Standard Version ASV

And the building of the wall thereof was jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto pure glass.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And the building of its wall was of jasper, and the town was clear gold, clear as glass.

Free Bible Version FBV

The wall was built out of jasper. The city was made of pure gold that looked like glass.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And ye building of the wall of it was of Iasper: and the citie was pure golde, like vnto cleare glasse.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and the building of its wall was jasper, and the city [is] pure gold — like to pure glass;

World English Bible WEB

The construction of its wall was jasper. The city was pure gold, like pure glass.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like clear glass.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And the building of the wall thereof was of jasper stone: but the city itself pure gold, like to clear glass.

Translation for Translators T4T

The city wall was made of something like the green stone that we call jasper. The city itself was made of something like pure gold that looked like clear glass.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Revelation 21:18

BAB

Word Study

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Revelation 21:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK και ην η ενδομησις του τειχους αυτης ιασπις και η πολις χρυσιον καθαρον ομοιον υελω καθαρω

και kai G2532 and Conj

ην eimi G1510 to be Verb-IAI-3S

η ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NSF

ενδομησις endomēsis G1739 material Noun-NSF

του ho G3588 the/this/who Art-GSN

τειχους teichos G5038 wall Noun-GSN

αυτης autos G846 it/s/he Pron-GSF

ιασπις iaspis G2393 jasper Noun-NSF

και kai G2532 and Conj

η ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NSF

πολις polis G4172 city Noun-NSF

χρυσιον chrusion G5553 gold Noun-NSN

καθαρον katharos G2513 clean Adj-NSN

ομοιον homoios G3664 like Adj-NSN

υελω hualos G5194 glass Noun-DSM

καθαρω katharos G2513 clean Adj-DSM

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Revelation 21:18

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Definition: καί, conj., and __I. Copulative. __1. Connecting single words; __(a) in general: Mat.2:18, 16:1, Mrk.2:15, Luk.8:15, Heb.1:1, al. mult.; repeated before each of the terms in a series, Mat.23:23, Luk.14:21, Rom.7:12, 9:4, al. __(b) connecting numerals (WM, §37, 4): Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; __(with) joining terms which are not mutually exclusive, as the part with the whole: Mat.8:33, 26:59, Mrk.16:17, Act.5:29, al. __2. Connecting clauses and sentences: Mat.3:12, Act.5:21, al. mult.; esp. __(a) where, after the simplicity of the popular language, sentences are paratactically joined (WM, §60, 3; M, Pr., 12; Deiss., LAE, 128ff.): Mat.1:21, 7:25, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.10:3, al.; __(b) joining affirmative to negative sentences: Luk.3:14, Jhn.4:11, IIIJhn.10; __(with) consecutive, and so: Mat.5:1, 23:32, Heb.3:19, al.; after imperatives, Mat.4:19, Luk.7:7, al.; __(d) = καίτοι, and yet: Mat.3:14, 6:26, Mrk.12:12, Luk.18:7 (Field, Notes, 72), 1Co.5:2, al.; __(e) beginning an apodosis (= Heb. וְ; so sometimes δέ in cl.), then: Luk.2:21, 7:12, Act.1:10; beginning a question (WM, §53, 3a): Mrk.10:26, Luk.10:29, Jhn.9:36. __3. Epexegetic, and, and indeed, namely (WM, §53, 3c): Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:16, Act.23:6, Rom.1:5, 1Co.3:5, al. __4. In transition: Mat.4:23, Mrk.5:1, 21, Jhn.1:19, al.; so, Hebraistically, καὶ ἐγένετο (וַי:הִי; also ἐγένετο δέ), Mrk.1:9 (cf. Luk.5:1; V. Burton, §§357-60; M, Pr., 14, 16). __5. καὶ . . . καί, both . . . and (for τε . . . καί, see: τε); __(a) connecting single words: Mat.10:28, Mrk.4:41, Rom.11:33, al.; __(b) clauses and sentences: Mrk.9:13, Jhn.7:28, 1Co.1:22, al. __II. Adjunctive, also, even, still: Mat.5:39, 40; Mrk.2:28, al. mult.; esp. with pron., adv., etc., Mat.20:4, Jhn.7:47, al; ὡς κ., Act.11:17; καθὼς κ., Rom.15:7; οὑτω κ., Rom.6:11; διὸ κ., Luk.1:35; ὁ κ. (Deiss., BS, 313ff.), Act.13:9; pleonastically, μετὰ κ.. (Bl., §77, 7; Deiss., BS, 265f,), Php.4:3; τί κ., 1 Co 15:29; ἀλλὰ κ., Luk.14:22, Jhn.5:18, al.; καίγε (M, Pr., 230; Burton, §437), Act.17:27; καίπερ, Heb.5:8; κ. ἐάν, see: ἐάν. ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

ην eimi G1510 "to be" Verb-IAI-3S

To be or exist, a basic verb used to describe something or someone, like God saying 'I am' in John 8:58.

Definition: εἰμί, with various uses and significations, like the English verb to be. __I. As substantive verb. __1. Of persons and things, to be, exist: Act.17:28, Jhn.1:1, 8:58, 17:5, al; ὁ ὢν καὶ ὁ ἦν (for past ptcp.), Rev.1:4, 8, 4:8, 11:17, 16:5 (see Swete, Ap., 5; M, Pr., 228); τὰ (μὴ) ὄντα, Rom.4:17, 1Co.1:28. __2. Of times, events, etc., to be, happen, take place: Mat.24:3, Mrk.14:2, 15:42, Luk.21:23, Jhn.4:6, 23, 5:10, al. __3. to be present, be in a place, have come: Mat.2:13, 15, Mrk.1:45, 5:21, 15:40, Luk.1:80, 5:29, Jhn.7:30, al.; before εἰς, Mrk.2:1; before ἐκ, (ἐξ), Mat.1:20, 21:25, Mrk.11:30, Jhn.3:31, al. __4. Impers., ἔστι, ἦν, etc.; __(a) there is (Fr. il y a), was, etc.: Mat.16:28, Luk.16:19, Jhn.3:1, 5:2, Rom.3:10, al.; with dative (of the possessor; Bl., §37, 3), Mat.16:22, Luk.1:7, Jhn.18.10, Rom.9:2, al.; ἔστιν ὅς, ὅστις (chiefly in pl), Mat.16:28, 19:2, Mrk.9:1, al.; __(b) with inf., = ἔξεστιν (which see), it is possible: Heb.9:5, 1Co.11:20, RV (but see ICC, in l.). __II. As copula uniting subject and predicate. __1. Expressing simply identity or equivalence: Mat.5:13, 14:15, Luk.1:18, 19, Jhn.1:1, 4:19, Rev.3:9, al. mult. __2. Explicative, as in parable, figure, type, etc.: Mat.13:19, 1Co.9:2, 10:4, 11:25, Gal.4:24, Rev.17:15, al.; ταῦτ᾽ ἔστιν, Mat.27:46, Mrk.7:2, Rom.7:18 al.; ὅ ἐστιν, Mrk.3:17, Col.1:24, Heb.7:2, al.; akin to this is the sacramental usage: Mat.26:26-28, Mrk.14:22, 24, Luk.22:19, 1Co.11:24 (see ICC on Mk, I Co, ll. with; DB, iii, 148 f.). __3. C. genitive: qual., etc., Mrk.5:42, Luk.3:23, 1Co.14:33, Heb.12:11, al.; part., 1Ti.1:20, 2Ti.1:15; poss., Mat.5:3, 10, Mrk.12:7, Luk.4:7; of service or partisanship, Rom.8:9, 1Co.1:12, 2Co.10:7, 2Ti.2:19. __4. C. dative (BL, §37, 3): Act.1:8, 9:15, Rom.4:12, 1Co.1:18, 2:14, Rev.21:7, al. __5. C. ptcp., as a periphrasis for the simple verb (Bl., §62, 1, 2; M, Pr., 225 ff.); __(a) with ptcp. pf. (cl.): Mat.10:30, Luk.9:32, Jhn.3:24, Act.21:35, 1Co.15:19, al; __(b) with ptcp. pr. (esp. in impf., as in Heb. and Aram.; Dalman, Words, 35 f.), Mat.7:29, Mrk.1:22, Luk.4:31, 14:1, Act.1:10, al. mult., id. for imper. (M, Pr., 180f., 182f.), with ellipsis of εἰμί, Rom.12:9, 10, Heb.13:5, al.; __(with) with ptcp. aor. (cl), Luk.23:9. __6. Seq. εἰς (cf. Heb. הָיָה לְ), a vernac. usage (M, Pr., 71): Mat.19:5, Mrk.10:8, Heb.8:10, al. __7. C. adv.: Mat.19:20, Mrk.4:26, Luk.18:11, al. __8. Ellipses; __(a) of the copula (Bl., §30, 3): Mat.8:29, 24:32, Jhn.21:22, 23, Heb.6:4, al.; __(b) of the predicate: ἐγώ εἰμί, Mat.14:27, Mrk.6:50, al.; absol. (cf. Deu.32:39; אֲנִי הוּא), Mrk.13:6, Jhn.4:26, al. (cf. ἄπ-, ἔν-, πάρ-, συμ-πάρ-, σύν-ειμι). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2123 NT verses. KJV: am, have been, X it is I, was See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 13:2; 1 Peter 1:6.

η ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NSF

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

ενδομησις endomēsis G1739 "material" Noun-NSF

This word refers to a structure or building, like a house. In Revelation 21:18, it describes the wall of the heavenly city being made of jasper

Definition: ἐν-δώμησις (Rec. -δόμησις), -εως, ἡ (δωμάω, to build), a building in: ἡ ἐ. τ. τείχους αὐτῆς ἴασπις, its wall had jasper built into it, Rev.21:18 (see MM, Exp., xiii; Swete, Ap., l.with).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1 NT verses. KJV: building See also: Revelation 21:18.

του ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-GSN

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

τειχους teichos G5038 "wall" Noun-GSN

Refers to a wall, especially one surrounding a town, like the wall in Acts 9:25 where Paul escaped. Also appears in Revelation 21:12-19, describing the wall of the new Jerusalem.

Definition: τεῖχος, -ους, τό [in LXX chiefly for חוֹמָה ;] a wall, esp. that about a town: Act.9:25, 2Co.11:33, Heb.11:30, Rev.21:12-19 † (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 9 NT verses. KJV: wall See also: 2 Corinthians 11:33; Revelation 21:14; Hebrews 11:30.

αυτης autos G846 "it/s/he" Pron-GSF

This pronoun refers to a person or thing, like 'he', 'she', or 'it'. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a person or thing, like in John 2:25 where it says 'he himself knew'.

Definition: αὐτός, -ή, -ό, determinative pron., in late Gk. much more frequently than in cl. (WM, 178f.; Jannaris, HGG, §1399). __1. Emphatic (so always in nom. exc. when preceded by the art., see infr., iii); __(1) self (ipse), expressing opposition, distinction, exclusion, etc., αὐ. ἐκχυθήσεται, Luk.5:37; αὐ. ἐγινώσκεν, Jhn.2:25; αὐ.ὑμεῖς, Jhn.3:28; καὶ αὐ. ἐγώ, Rom.15:14; αὐ. Ἰησοῦς, Jhn.2:24; αὐ. καὶ οἱ μετ᾽ αὐτοῦ, Mrk.2:25; ὑμεῖς αὐ., Mrk.6:31; esp. (as freq in cl.) αὐ. ὁ, Mat.3:4, Mrk.6:17, Jhn.16:27, 1Th.3:11, al.; in late Gk., sometimes weakened, ἐν αὐτῇ τ. ὥρᾳ, in that hour, Luk.10:21 (M, Pr., 91; MM, see word); __(2) emphatic, he, she, it (M, Pr., 86; Bl., §48, 1, 2, 7), Mat.1:21, 12:50, Luk.6:35, al.; pointing to some one as master (cl.), Mat.8:24, Mrk.4:38, al.; αὐ., καὶ αὐ. = οὗτος, ὁ δε (BL, §48, 1), Mat.14:2, Mrk.14:15, 44, Luk.1:22, 2:28, al. __2. In oblique cases (cl.), for the simple pron. of 3rd of person(s), he, she, it, Mat.7:9, 10:12, 26:44, al.; with ptcp. in genitive absol., Mat.9:18, Mrk.13:1, al. (for irreg. constructions, V. Bl., §74, 5); pleonastically after the relative (cf. Heb. אֲשֶׁר לוֹ; WM, 184ff.; Bl., §50, 4; MM, see word), Mrk.7:25, Rev.3:8, 7:2, al.; in constr. ad sensum, without proper subject expressly indicated, Mat.4:23, Act.8:5, 2Co.2:13, al.; genitive αὐτοῦ = ἐκείνου, Rom.11:11, 1Th.2:19, Tit.3:5, Heb.2:4. __3. ὁ, ἡ, τὸ αὐ., the same: Heb.1:12, 13:8; τὸ αὐ., ποιεῖν, Mat.5:46, 47, al.; φρονεῖν, Rom.12:16, 15:5, Php.2:2, al.; τὰ αὐ., Act.15:27, Rom.2:1, al.; κατὰ τὸ (τὰ) αὐ. (MM, see word), Act.14:1, Luk.6:23, al.; ἐπὶ τὸ αὐ., together (MM, see word), Mat.22:34, Act.1:15, al.; ἓν κ. τὸ αὐ., 1Co.11:5, 12:11; with dative (cl.), 1Co.11:5; with a noun, λόγος, Mrk.14:39; μέτρος, Php.1:30; πνεῦμα, 1Co.12:4. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 3773 NT verses. KJV: her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 John 3:10; 1 Peter 1:3.

ιασπις iaspis G2393 "jasper" Noun-NSF

Jasper is a precious gemstone mentioned in Revelation 4:3 and 21:11. It symbolizes beauty and purity, used to describe heaven and God's glory.

Definition: ἴασπις, -ιδος, ἡ [in LXX: Exo.28:18 36:38 (Exo.39:11) (יַהֲלֹם), Isa.54:12 (כַּדְכֹּד), Eze.28:13 (יָשְׁפֵה, see BDB, Lex., see word)* ;] jasper, apparently not the modern stone of that name, but a translucent stone (DB, see word): Rev.4:3 21:11, 18-19.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 4 NT verses. KJV: jasper See also: Revelation 4:3; Revelation 21:18; Revelation 21:11.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

η ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NSF

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

πολις polis G4172 "city" Noun-NSF

In the Bible, a city refers to a town with walls, like Jerusalem in Matthew 2:23. It can also mean the people who live there, as in Matthew 10:5. Jesus often visited cities during his ministry.

Definition: πόλις, -εως, ὁ, [in LXX chiefly and very frequently for עִיר ;] a city: Mat.2:23, Mrk.1:45, Luk.4:29, Jhn.4:8, al. mult.; opposite to κῶμαι (κ. καὶ ἀγροί), Mat.9:35 10:11, Mrk.6:56, Luk.8:1 13:22; with nom. propr. in appos. (cl.), Act.11:5 16:14; with id. in genitive appos. (BL, §35, 5), Act.8:5, 2Pe.2:6; genitive, of the region, Luk.1:26 4:31, Jhn.4:5; of the inhabitants, Mat.10:5, 23 Luk.23:51, Act.19:35, 2Co.11:32; with genitive of person(s), of one's residence or native place, Mat.22:7, Luk.2:4, 11 4:29 10:11, Jhn.1:45, Act.16:20, Rev.16:9; of Jerusalem: ἡ ἁγία π., Mat.4:5 27:53, Rev.11:2; ἡ ἠγαπημένη, Rev.20:19; π. τοῦ μεγάλου, Mt 5 ̈35 (cf. Ps 47 (48):2); of the heavenly city in the Apocalyptic visions, Rev.3:12 21:2, 10 14ff. 22:14, 19. By meton., of the inhabitants of a city: Mat.8:34 12:25 21:10, Mrk.1:33, Act.14:21 21:30. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 154 NT verses. KJV: city See also: 2 Corinthians 11:26; Luke 9:10; Hebrews 11:10.

χρυσιον chrusion G5553 "gold" Noun-NSN

Gold refers to a valuable metal or a golden article, like the gold plating in 1 Corinthians 3:12. This word can describe gold coins, ornaments, or other valuable items. It is often used to talk about wealth and value.

Definition: χρυσίον, -ου, τό (dimin. of χρυσός, which see), [in LXX chiefly for זָהָב ;] a piece of gold, gold: 1Co.3:12, Heb.9:4, 1Pe.1:7, Rev.3:18 21:18, 21; of golden ornaments, 1Ti.2:9 (WH, txt., RV), 1Pe.3:3, Rev.17:4 18:16 (WH, txt., R); of gold coin, money, Act.3:6 20:33, 1Pe.1:18.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 11 NT verses. KJV: gold See also: 1 Peter 1:7; Hebrews 9:4; 1 Peter 1:18.

καθαρον katharos G2513 "clean" Adj-NSN

Something that is clean or pure, like a clean heart in Matthew 5:8. It can describe physical, ceremonial, or moral purity.

Definition: καθαρός, -ά, -όν [in LXX chiefly for טָהוֹר ;] pure, clean. __1. Physically: Mat.23:26 27:59, Jhn.13:10-11 (fig.), Jhn.15:3 (figuratively, as of a vine cleansed by pruning), Heb.10:22, Rev.15:6 19:8, 14 21:18, 21. __2. Ceremonially: Luk.11:41, Rom.14:20, Tit.1:15. __3. Ethically; __(a) of persons: Jhn.13:16, Act.18:6, Tit.1:15; ό κ. τῇ καρδίᾳ (καθαρὸς χεῖρας, Hdt., i, 35), Mat.5:8; before ἀπό (cl. with genitive simp.; ΒΙ., § 36, 11; Deiss., BS, 196; MM, Exp., xv), Act.20:26; __(b) of things: καρδία, 1Ti.1:6, 2Ti.2:22; συνείδησις, 1Ti.3:9, 2Ti.1:3; θρησκεία, Jas.1:27.† SYN.: see: ἁγνός. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 24 NT verses. KJV: clean, clear, pure See also: 1 Peter 1:22; Luke 11:41; Hebrews 10:22.

ομοιον homoios G3664 "like" Adj-NSN

This word means similar in appearance or character, like something or someone else. It is used in John 9:9 and Revelation 1:13 to describe someone or something that resembles another. It can also describe a similarity in nature or condition.

Definition: ὅμοιος, -οία, -οιον [in LXX for כְּמוֹ, etc. ;] like, resembling, such as, the same as: with dative, of form or appearance, Jhn.9:9, Rev.1:13 (WH, mg., R, but see infr.) Rev.1:15 2:18 4:6-7 9:7, 10 (B1., § 37, 62) Rev_9:19; Rev_11:1; Rev_13:2; Rev_13:11; ὁράσει, Rev_4:3; of nature, condition, ability, etc., Mat_22:39, Act_17:29, Gal_5:21, 1Jn_3:2, Rev_13:4; Rev_18:18; Rev_21:11; Rev_21:18; of comparison in parables, Mat_13:31 ff. Mat_20:1, Luk_13:18-19; Luk_13:21; of thinking, acting, etc., Mat_11:16; Mat_13:52, Luk_6:47-49; Luk_7:31-32 (T, with genitive; 131., § 36, 11) Luk_12:36, Joh_8:55, Jud_1:7; with accusative, Rev_1:13 (WH, txt.; Swete, Hort, in l) Rev_14:14.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 42 NT verses. KJV: like, + manner See also: 1 John 3:2; Matthew 13:47; Revelation 1:13.

υελω hualos G5194 "glass" Noun-DSM

Glass refers to a clear, transparent material, as described in Revelation 21:18 and 21.

Definition: ὕαλος, -ου, ὁ [in LXX: Job.28:17 (זְכוּכִית) * ;] __1. (Hdt.) a clear transparent stone. __2. (from Plat. on) glass: Rev.21:18, 21.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2 NT verses. KJV: glass See also: Revelation 21:18; Revelation 21:21.

καθαρω katharos G2513 "clean" Adj-DSM

Something that is clean or pure, like a clean heart in Matthew 5:8. It can describe physical, ceremonial, or moral purity.

Usage: Occurs in 24 NT verses. KJV: clean, clear, pure See also: 1 Peter 1:22; Luke 11:41; Hebrews 10:22.

Study Notes — Revelation 21:18

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Revelation 21:18 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Revelation 21:18
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Revelation 21:18
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Revelation 21:18
Trapp's Commentary on Revelation 21:18
Ellicott's Commentary on Revelation 21:18
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Revelation 21:18
Cambridge Bible on Revelation 21:18
Barnes' Notes on Revelation 21:18
Whedon's Commentary on Revelation 21:18
Sermons on Revelation 21:18

Context — The New Jerusalem

16The city lies foursquare, with its width the same as its length. And he measured the city with the rod, and all its dimensions were equal—12,000 stadia in length and width and height. 17And he measured its wall to be 144 cubits, by the human measure the angel was using.

18The wall was made of jasper, and the city itself of pure gold, as pure as glass.

19The foundations of the city walls were adorned with every kind of precious stone: The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, 20the fifth sardonyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Revelation 21:11	shining with the glory of God. Its radiance was like a most precious jewel, like a jasper, as clear as crystal.
2	Revelation 21:21	And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, with each gate consisting of a single pearl. The main street of the city was pure gold, as clear as glass.
3	Revelation 21:19	The foundations of the city walls were adorned with every kind of precious stone: The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald,

Revelation 21:18 Summary

The city in Revelation 21:18 is made of pure gold, as pure as glass, which means it is completely holy and without any imperfections. The wall is made of jasper, a precious stone that represents strength and beauty. This description helps us understand that heaven is a place of perfect holiness and beauty, where God will dwell with His people forever (as seen in Revelation 21:3). Just like the temple in the Old Testament was a symbol of God's presence among His people (1 Kings 8:10-11), the heavenly city represents the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to be with us always.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the city being made of pure gold, as pure as glass, in Revelation 21:18?

The use of pure gold and glass in Revelation 21:18 symbolizes the city's purity and holiness, much like the holy vessels used in the temple, as seen in Exodus 25:31 and 1 Kings 7:49. This emphasizes the city's role as a holy dwelling place for God's people.

What is jasper, and why is it used to describe the wall in Revelation 21:18?

Jasper is a precious stone often associated with purity and beauty, as seen in its use in the high priest's breastplate in Exodus 28:20. In Revelation 21:18, jasper represents the wall's strength and beauty, symbolizing the security and splendor of the heavenly city.

How does the description of the city in Revelation 21:18 relate to God's plan of redemption?

The city's description in Revelation 21:18, with its pure gold and jasper wall, represents the culmination of God's plan to create a holy and redeemed people, as seen in Revelation 21:27, where nothing unclean will enter the city. This city is the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to dwell with His people, as seen in Leviticus 26:11-12 and Ezekiel 37:27.

What can we learn from the use of precious materials in the description of the heavenly city?

The use of precious materials like gold and jasper in Revelation 21:18 teaches us about the value and worth that God places on His people, as seen in 1 Peter 2:9, where believers are called a royal priesthood and a holy nation. This reminds us of our own worth and identity as children of God, and the heavenly home that awaits us.

Reflection Questions

As you reflect on the description of the heavenly city in Revelation 21:18, what aspects of God's character and nature are most evident to you?
How does the image of a city made of pure gold and jasper impact your understanding of the concept of heaven and your eternal home?
In what ways can you apply the principles of purity and holiness, as represented by the city's materials, to your own life and walk with God?
As you consider the security and beauty of the heavenly city, what fears or doubts can you surrender to God, trusting in His promise to care for you?

Gill's Exposition on Revelation 21:18

And the building of the wall of it was of jasper,.... Which is expressive of the impregnableness, duration, brightness, and glory of salvation by Christ, the jasper being a very hard, durable, and

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Revelation 21:18

And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass. The building - `the structure' (Tregelles) [ endoomeesis (G1746a)].

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Revelation 21:18

And the building of the wall of it was of jasper; strong and impregnable, not subject to impressions from enemies, as it is said of the jasper, that no hammer will break it. And the city was pure gold; all that make up this city are perfect and noble. Like unto clear glass; pure, without spots.

Trapp's Commentary on Revelation 21:18

18 And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass. Ver. 18. Was of jasper] A stone of great worth and glory, the beauty whereof, saith one, it is easier to admire than to declare. It hath a variety of sweetness in it; such as none of the most cunning wits and sharpest eyes are able to distinguish. Heaven (we are sure) is such as eye hath not seen, ear hath not heard, &c. Sermo non valet exprimere, experimento opus est. Words are too weak to utter its happiness; get to it once, and you will say so. (Chrysost.) Pure gold] A metal that shineth in the fire wasteth not in the use, rusteth not with long lying, rotteth not though cast into brine or vinegar (as Pliny noteth), to show that this city is incorruptible, invincible. Like unto clear glass] Glittering gold, such as this world affords not. No, not those two islands in India called Chryse and Arger, for the abundance of gold and silver there found, as Soline telleth us.

Ellicott's Commentary on Revelation 21:18

THE OR OF THE CITY. (18) And the building of the wall . . .—Or, And the building-work (or, the masonry, so Alford) of the wall of it was jasper, and the city was pure gold, like pure glass. The general aspect of the city was jasperlike, because the material of the wall was of the jasper stone. On this stone, see Note on Revelation 4:3, and on Revelation 21:11 above. The city was gold. On the meaning of the gold see Note on Revelation 21:15 and on Revelation 3:18. To what has been said may be added the following:—“Gold has an inalienable reference to the sun itself, consequently, to the symbol of the face of God, or Christ, i.e., to the manifestation of God’s love” (Lange). The wealth of heaven is love; love is the circulating medium of all holy activity and of all holy work: all who dwell within the heavenly city are encompassed by it; all who tread the streets of that city move along the ways of love; no dimness or obscuring motives of self-interest mar its lustre—the gold is clear as pure glass.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Revelation 21:18

Verse 18. The building of the wall of it was of jasper] The oriental jasper is exceedingly hard, and almost indestructible. Pillars made of this stone have lasted some thousands of years, and appear to have suffered scarcely any thing from the tooth of time. Pure gold, like unto clear glass.] Does not this imply that the walls were made of some beautifully bright yellow stone, very highly polished? This description has been most injudiciously applied to heaven; and in some public discourses, for the comfort and edification of the pious, we hear of heaven with its golden walls, golden pavements, gates of pearl, c., c., not considering that nothing of this description was ever intended to be literally understood and that gold and jewels can have no place in the spiritual and eternal world. But do not such descriptions as these tend to keep up a fondness for gold and ornaments? In symbols they are proper but construed into realities, they are very improper. The ancient Jews teach that "when Jerusalem and the temple shall be built, they will be all of precious stones, and pearls, and sapphire, and with every species of jewels."-Sepher Rasiel Haggadol, fol. 24, 1. The same authors divide paradise into seven parts or houses; the third they describe thus: "The third house is built of gold and pure silver, and all kinds of jewels and pearls. It is very spacious, and in it all kinds of the good things, either in heaven or earth, are to be found. All kinds of precious things, perfumes, and spiritual virtues, are there planted. In the midst of it is the tree of life, the height of which is five hundred years; (i.e., it is equal in height to the journey which a man might perform in five hundred years,) and under it dwell Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, the twelve patriarchs, and all that came out of Egypt, and died in the wilderness. Over these Moses and Aaron preside, and teach them the law," c.-Yalcut Rubeni, fol. 13, 4. In the same tract, fol. 182, 1, we find these words: "Know that we have a tradition, that when the Messiah, with the collected captivity, shall come to the land of Israel, in that day the dead in Israel shall rise again and in that day the fiery walls of the city of Jerusalem shall descend from heaven, and in that day the temple shall be builded of jewels and pearls."

Cambridge Bible on Revelation 21:18

The building foundations and street, Revelation 21:18-2118. And the building] The word is a half-technical one, as it were “the superstructure,” as distinct from the foundations.jasper] See on Revelation 4:3.the city was pure gold] i.e. the houses included within the wall.like … glass] This gold is transparent, not like the earthly: see note on Revelation 21:11. The epithet of the glass is the same as that of the gold: both should be rendered pure.

Barnes' Notes on Revelation 21:18

And the building of the wall of it - The material of which the wall was composed. This means the wall above the foundation, for that was composed of twelve rows of precious stones, Revelation 21:14, Revelation 21:19-20.

Whedon's Commentary on Revelation 21:18

18. The building—That is, the superstructure standing above and upon the foundations.

Sermons on Revelation 21:18

	Sermon	Description
	The Battle Over the Testimony of Jesus by Lance Lambert	This sermon delves into the themes of awaiting and hastening the coming of the Lord, emphasizing the ongoing spiritual battle and the importance of surrendering our will to God. It
	The Glorious State of the Saints in Heaven. by John Gill	John Gill preaches about the glorious state of the saints in heaven, emphasizing the reality and certainty of this ultimate glory that begins at death and culminates in the resurre
	The Spider in Palaces by T. De Witt Talmage	T. DeWitt Talmage preaches on the significance of paying attention to the seemingly insignificant things in life, drawing lessons from the spider in the king's palace as described
	A Heavy Burden by Thomas Brooks	Thomas Brooks emphasizes that riches can be a heavy burden and often hinder our pursuit of heaven and true happiness. He illustrates that worldly pleasures are mixed with sorrow an
	The New Heaven and the New Earth by John F. Walvoord	John F. Walvoord preaches about the vision of the new heaven and the new earth in Revelation 21, emphasizing the eternal state where God dwells with His people in the holy city, th
	A Stone, Elect, Precious by H.J. Vine	H.J. Vine preaches on the importance of building our lives on the foundation of Jesus Christ, as depicted in 1 Corinthians 3:13, where our works will be tested by fire. Those who b
	February 9. 1678. a Transport. by Jane Lead	Jane Lead shares a mystical experience of being awakened from sleep and finding herself in a spiritual realm, free from her earthly body, surrounded by silent beings. She witnesses