Revelation of John 21:11
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shining with the glory of God. Its radiance was like a most precious jewel, like a jasper, as clear as crystal.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
Having the glory of God--not merely the Shekinah-cloud, but God Himself as her glory dwelling in the midst of her. Compare the type, the earthly Jerusalem in the millennium (Zac 2:5; compare Rev 21:23, below). her light--Greek, "light-giver": properly applied to the heavenly luminaries which diffuse light. Compare Note, see on Phi 2:15, the only other passage where it occurs. The "and" before "her light' is omitted in A, B, and Vulgate. even like--Greek, "as it were." jasper--representing watery crystalline brightness.
Open source ↗Hitherto the prophecy of this book has presented to us a very remarkable mixture of light and shade, prosperity and adversity, mercy and judgment, in the conduct of divine Providence towards the church in the world: now, at the close of all, the day breaks, and the shadows flee away; a new world now appears, the former having passed away. Some are willing to understand all that is said in these last two chapters of the state of the church even here on earth, in the glory of the latter days; but others, more probably, take it as a representation of the perfect and triumphant state of the church in heaven. Let but the faithful saints and servants of God wait awhile, and they shall not only see, but enjoy, the perfect holiness and happiness of that world. In this chapter you have, I. An introduction to the vision of the new Jerusalem (Rev 21:1-9). II. The vision itself (Rev 21:10, etc.)
Open source ↗21:11 Like the true people of God, the glory of the city reflects God’s glory (cp. Exod 34:29-35; 2 Cor 3:7-11). • Jasper (see also Rev 4:3; 21:11, 18) is opaque on earth; the heavenly jasper is clear as crystal, having a transparency that mirrors God’s purity and integrity.
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
And before the throne was something like a sea of glass, as clear as crystal. In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, covered with eyes in front and back.
There will be no more night in the city, and they will have no need for the light of a lamp or of the sun. For the Lord God will shine on them, and they will reign forever and ever.
Then the angel showed me a river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb
The One seated there looked like jasper and carnelian, and a rainbow that gleamed like an emerald encircled the throne.
Above the expanse over their heads was the likeness of a throne with the appearance of sapphire, and on the throne high above was a figure like that of a man.
Neither gold nor crystal can compare to it, nor jewels of fine gold be exchanged for it.
Then the LORD will create over all of Mount Zion and over her assemblies a cloud of smoke by day and a glowing flame of fire by night. For over all the glory there will be a canopy,
The perimeter of the city will be 18,000 cubits, and from that day on the name of the city will be: THE LORD IS THERE.”
and I saw the glory of the God of Israel coming from the east. His voice was like the roar of many waters, and the earth shone with His glory.
Spread out above the heads of the living creatures was the likeness of an awesome expanse, gleaming like crystal.