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

REVELATION 21:11KJV
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Revelation 21:11 (KJV)

What does Revelation 21:11 mean?

Revelation 21:11 describes the New Jerusalem as shining with the glory of God, its brilliance compared to a precious jasper stone that is as clear as crystal. The verse uses vivid imagery to communicate the overwhelming beauty and purity of this city in John’s vision.

John, the author of Revelation, is describing what he sees in a vision given to him by God. He is speaking to Christian believers, offering them a picture of the future dwelling place of God with humanity. The focus is on the city’s radiant appearance, which reflects God’s own glory and is described using the most valuable and pure materials known to people at the time.

The Greek behind Revelation 21:11

  • δόξα (doxa, "glory"): This word means honor, splendor, or brightness, and here it emphasizes that the city’s beauty comes directly from God’s own presence.
  • φῶς (phōs, "light"): The Greek word for "light" is often used for both physical brightness and spiritual illumination, highlighting that the city’s radiance is both literal and symbolic.
  • ἴασπις (iaspis, "jasper"): In the ancient world, "jasper" referred to a highly prized, often translucent stone, possibly similar to diamond or clear quartz, which adds to the sense of purity and value.
  • κρύσταλλος (krystallos, "crystal"): This word points to something perfectly clear and pure, reinforcing the idea that the city’s beauty is flawless and without any imperfection.

Why Revelation 21:11 matters

  • This verse helps clear up that the New Jerusalem is not just a physical city, but a place filled with the visible presence and glory of God, far beyond any earthly beauty.
  • The detailed description using precious stones and crystal-like clarity emphasizes the absolute purity and value of what God is preparing for His people.
  • By connecting the city’s radiance to God’s glory, the verse sets the tone for the rest of Revelation 21, where the focus is on God’s nearness and the transformation of all things.

Where else these words appear

“light” Greek G5458 · used in 2 verses

  • Philippians 2:15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

“jasper” Greek G2393 · used in 4 verses

  • Revelation 4:3 And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.
  • Revelation 21:18 And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass.
  • 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;

“precious” Greek G5093 · used in 13 verses

  • Acts 5:34 Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;
  • James 5:7 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.
  • Revelation 17:4 And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication:

“like” Greek G3664 · used in 43 verses

  • Matthew 11:16 But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows,
  • Luke 7:32 They are like unto children sitting in the marketplace, and calling one to another, and saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned to you, and ye have not wept.
  • Revelation 4:3 And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.