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;

REVELATION 21:19KJV
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Revelation 21:19 (KJV)

What does Revelation 21:19 mean?

Revelation 21:19 describes how the foundations of the city wall in John’s vision of the New Jerusalem are decorated with many kinds of precious stones, naming jasper, sapphire, chalcedony, and emerald for the first four layers. This verse highlights the beauty, value, and splendor of the city as seen in John’s vision.

In this part of Revelation, John is describing what he sees as an angel shows him the holy city, the New Jerusalem, coming down from heaven. The detailed mention of specific gemstones emphasizes the richness and glory of the city’s construction, showing that it is not ordinary but extraordinary and precious in every way.

The Greek behind Revelation 21:19

  • The word for "foundations" is θεμέλιος (themelios), which refers to the base or support of a structure. Here, it points to the solid and beautiful base of the city wall, suggesting strength as well as beauty.
  • The word for "garnished" is καστορέω (kosmeō), meaning to adorn or decorate. This word often carries the sense of putting something in order or making it beautiful, underlining the careful and intentional decoration of the city’s foundations.
  • The word for "precious" is τίμιος (timios), which means valuable or honored. This highlights that the stones are not just beautiful but also highly valued.

Why Revelation 21:19 matters

  • This verse helps clear up any idea that the New Jerusalem is plain or ordinary; the detailed listing of precious stones shows that it is meant to be seen as glorious and magnificent.
  • By naming specific stones, the verse connects to Old Testament imagery, such as the high priest’s breastplate in Exodus, which also featured twelve precious stones, suggesting a link between God’s people and the city.
  • The focus on the foundations being decorated, not just the visible parts, emphasizes that every aspect of the city is valuable and intentionally made beautiful, reflecting God’s care and glory.

Where else these words appear

“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 21:18 And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass.

“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.

“fourth” Greek G5067 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 14:25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.
  • Acts 10:30 And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,
  • Revelation 6:8 And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.

“with” Greek G2885 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 12:44 Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished.
  • Luke 11:25 And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished.
  • Titus 2:10 Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.