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

REVELATION 21:20KJV
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Revelation 21:20 (KJV)

What does Revelation 21:20 mean?

Revelation 21:20 lists eight of the twelve precious stones that make up the foundations of the New Jerusalem’s city wall, each stone representing one of the city’s twelve foundations. The verse continues the detailed description of the city’s beauty and value, using gemstones familiar to readers in the ancient world.

John, the author of Revelation, is describing a vision given to him by God about the future heavenly city. He is speaking to early Christian communities facing persecution, offering them hope and assurance. The verse’s focus on specific gemstones highlights the city’s splendor and the care taken in its construction, emphasizing the glory and perfection of God’s final dwelling place with humanity.

Why Revelation 21:20 matters

  • Revelation 21:20 helps clear up any idea that the New Jerusalem is plain or ordinary; the detailed listing of gemstones underlines its extraordinary beauty and worth.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by showing that each foundation is unique, possibly hinting at the diversity and value of God’s people.
  • Understanding the historical context of these stones—many of which were prized in the ancient world—adds depth to the reader’s appreciation of the city’s magnificence and the hope it represents.

Where else these words appear

“tenth” Greek G1182 · used in 3 verses

  • John 1:39 He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour.
  • Revelation 11:13 And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.

“eleventh” Greek G1734 · used in 3 verses

  • Matthew 20:6 And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle?
  • Matthew 20:9 And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny.

“fifth” Greek G3991 · used in 4 verses

  • Revelation 6:9 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:
  • Revelation 9:1 And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit.
  • Revelation 16:10 And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain,

“eighth” Greek G3590 · used in 5 verses

  • Luke 1:59 And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father.
  • Acts 7:8 And he gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so Abraham begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat the twelve patriarchs.
  • 2 Peter 2:5 And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;