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 4:3KJV
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Revelation 4:3 (KJV)

What does Revelation 4:3 mean?

Revelation 4:3 describes the appearance of the one seated on the heavenly throne as being like precious stones—jasper and sardine—and shows a rainbow encircling the throne that looks like an emerald. The verse uses vivid imagery to communicate the beauty, majesty, and mystery of God’s presence as seen by John in his vision.

John, the author of Revelation, is describing what he sees in a vision given to him while he is exiled on the island of Patmos. He is speaking to early Christian communities facing hardship, using the language of symbols and precious stones to express the overwhelming glory and holiness of God. The mention of the rainbow and the specific stones highlights both the awe-inspiring and approachable aspects of God’s throne.

The Greek behind Revelation 4:3

  • ἴασπις (iaspis, "jasper"): This word refers to a clear or brightly colored precious stone, often understood as representing purity or brilliance. Its use here emphasizes the dazzling, radiant nature of the one on the throne.
  • σαρδίον (sardion, "sardine"): This is a reddish stone, possibly carnelian, which can symbolize deep, rich beauty or even judgment. The contrast with jasper adds to the sense of majesty and depth.
  • ἶρις (iris, "rainbow"): The Greek word for rainbow here points to a full circle of color, not just an arc, suggesting completeness and the idea of God’s faithfulness (echoing the rainbow in Genesis).
  • σμαράγδινος (smaragdinōs, "emerald"): This describes the rainbow as having an emerald-like (green) appearance, which may suggest life, renewal, or peace surrounding God’s throne.

Why Revelation 4:3 matters

  • Revelation 4:3 helps readers understand that John is not describing God’s physical form, but rather using the most beautiful and valuable images available to communicate the glory and holiness of God.
  • The mention of the rainbow, especially with an emerald hue, connects God’s throne to the idea of covenant and mercy, reminding readers of God’s promises throughout the Bible.
  • This verse sets the tone for the rest of John’s vision, showing that everything that follows comes from the presence and authority of God, who is both awe-inspiring and approachable.

Where else these words appear

“rainbow” Greek G2463 · used in 2 verses

  • Revelation 10:1 And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire:

“upon” Greek G3706 · used in 3 verses

  • Acts 2:17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
  • Revelation 9:17 And thus I saw the horses in the vision, and them that sat on them, having breastplates of fire, and of jacinth, and brimstone: and the heads of the horses were as the heads of lions; and out of their mouths issued fire and smoke and brimstone.

“jasper” Greek G2393 · used in 4 verses

  • 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.
  • 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;

“about” Greek G2943 · used in 4 verses

  • Revelation 4:4 And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.
  • Revelation 4:8 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.
  • Revelation 5:11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;