Revelation 21:18 - The construction of its wall was jasper. The city was pure gold, like pure glass.

Generated Verse: Revelation 21:18

What does "Revelation 21:18" mean?


Revelation 21:18 describes the New Jerusalem, a symbolic representation of God's eternal kingdom and the dwelling place of the redeemed. Let's break down the verse to understand its possible meanings:

"The construction of its wall was jasper." Jasper is a gemstone, often translucent and coming in various colors. In the Bible, jasper is associated with divine glory and majesty.
Possible Meaning: The wall, symbolizing protection and security, being made of jasper indicates that the New Jerusalem is divinely protected and its foundations are based on God's glory. It emphasizes the city's stability and permanence, rooted in God's character.

"The city was pure gold, like pure glass." This describes the city's material composition. Gold is a precious metal symbolizing value, purity, and royalty. Glass, when pure, is transparent and reflects light.
Possible Meaning: The city being made of pure gold signifies its immense value, spiritual richness, and divine nature. The "like pure glass" aspect adds a layer of transparency, clarity, and brilliance. It suggests that everything within the city is pure, without hidden agendas or corruption, and reflects God's light and glory.

Overall Interpretation:

This verse paints a picture of a city of unimaginable beauty, purity, and value. It emphasizes the divine nature of the New Jerusalem, highlighting its:

Security and Protection: The jasper wall represents divine protection and stability.
Value and Purity: The gold signifies immense spiritual wealth and freedom from corruption.
Transparency and Clarity: The glass-like quality emphasizes honesty, openness, and the reflection of God's glory in all things.

Symbolic Interpretation:

It's important to remember that Revelation is highly symbolic. The New Jerusalem is not necessarily a literal city made of literal gold and jasper. Instead, it represents:

God's Eternal Kingdom: A perfect and eternal dwelling place for God and his people.
The Redeemed Community: The unified and transformed community of believers in perfect fellowship with God and each other.
Spiritual Reality: A realm of perfect peace, joy, and righteousness, where God's presence is fully realized.

In Conclusion:

Revelation 21:18 uses vivid imagery to convey the glorious and perfect nature of the New Jerusalem. It speaks of divine protection, immense value, and radiant purity, highlighting the eternal and transformative nature of God's kingdom and the destiny of his redeemed people.

What categories does "Revelation 21:18" have?