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

REVELATION 21:18KJV
Know the Bible

Revelation 21:18 (KJV)

What does Revelation 21:18 mean?

Revelation 21:18 describes the wall of the New Jerusalem as being made of jasper, while the city itself is made of pure gold that is as clear as glass. This verse uses imagery of precious materials to show the extraordinary beauty and purity of the heavenly city.

John, the author of Revelation, is sharing a vision given to him while exiled on the island of Patmos. In this part of his vision, he is describing the appearance of the New Jerusalem, a symbolic city representing God’s renewed creation. The focus on jasper and transparent gold highlights the city’s unmatched value, clarity, and holiness.

The Greek behind Revelation 21:18

  • ἰάσπις (iaspis, "jasper"): This word refers to a precious stone, often understood as a clear or greenish gem in ancient times. Its use here emphasizes the brilliance and worth of the city’s wall.
  • καθαρὸν (katharon, "pure"): This word describes the gold as completely pure, without any impurity. The Greek here stresses not just value but absolute perfection and cleanliness.
  • ὑάλινος (hyalinos, "glass"): This word means "glassy" or "like glass," and in the context of ancient Greek, it suggests something both transparent and beautiful. The gold is not just valuable but also so pure it is see-through, which would have been an astonishing image for ancient readers.

Why Revelation 21:18 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the New Jerusalem is not just valuable but also perfectly pure and transparent, which points to a deeper spiritual reality of openness and holiness in God’s presence.
  • The description connects to the wider passage by continuing the detailed vision of the city’s construction, helping readers picture the overwhelming glory and perfection of the place God prepares.
  • The use of jasper and transparent gold challenges assumptions about earthly wealth, showing that in God’s city, even the most precious materials are used as basic building blocks, shifting the focus from material value to spiritual significance.

Where else these words appear

“glass” Greek G5194 · used in 2 verses

  • Revelation 21:21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.

“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 21:11 Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;
  • Revelation 21:19 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;

“wall” Greek G5038 · used in 9 verses

  • Acts 9:25 Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.
  • Hebrews 11:30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.
  • Revelation 21:15 And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof.

“gold” Greek G5553 · used in 9 verses

  • Acts 3:6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.
  • Hebrews 9:4 Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant;
  • 1 Peter 3:3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;