2393. iaspis

Lexical Summary

iaspis: Jasper

Original Word: ἴασπις
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: iaspis
Pronunciation: EE-as-pis
Phonetic Spelling: (ee'-as-pis)
KJV: jasper
NASB: jasper
Word Origin: [probably of foreign origin]

1. "jasper", a gem

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

jasper.

Probably of foreign origin (see yashpheh); "jasper", a gem -- jasper.

see HEBREW yashpheh

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
of Semitic origin
Definition
jasper (a translucent stone)
NASB Translation
jasper (4).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 2393: ἰάσπις

ἰάσπις, ἰασπιδος, ἡ (from Plato down), jasper; a precious stone of divers colors (for some are purple, others blue, others green, and others of the color of brass; Pliny, h. n. 37, 37 (8)): Revelation 4:3; Revelation 21:11, 18f. (But many think (questionably) the diamond to be meant here; others the precious opal; see Riehm, HWB, under the word Edelsteine, 8 and 10; B. D. under the word ; cf. 'Bible Educator' 2:352.)

Topical Lexicon

Nature and Description

In the Scriptures, jasper is consistently portrayed as a precious stone of surpassing beauty, brilliance, and purity. Ancient writers describe it as translucent, often green or clear, more akin to diamond-like quartz than the opaque jasper known today. Its great clarity and capacity to refract light make it an apt symbol for divine glory.

Biblical Usage

1. Revelation 4:3 places jasper at the very center of heavenly worship: “The One seated there looked like jasper and carnelian, and a rainbow that gleamed like an emerald encircled the throne”.
2. Revelation 21:11 depicts the New Jerusalem “like a jasper, clear as crystal”, underscoring the city’s radiance and purity.
3. Revelation 21:18 notes that “The wall was made of jasper,” presenting the stone as the very fabric of the eternal dwelling.
4. Revelation 21:19 names jasper as the first foundation of that wall, anchoring the whole structure in splendor.

Old Testament Parallels

Though the Greek term appears only in Revelation, the gemstone itself is woven through earlier revelation. Jasper is the last stone in the first row of the high priest’s breastpiece (Exodus 28:20), appears among the gems of Eden (Ezekiel 28:13), and is listed among the treasures of the king of Tyre. These antecedents anticipate its climactic New Testament usage, linking priestly intercession, covenant glory, and eschatological hope.

Theological Significance

1. Divine Glory: Jasper’s brilliance mirrors the unapproachable light in which God dwells. Its mention at the throne’s appearance (Revelation 4:3) emphasizes the holiness and sheer beauty of God’s presence.
2. Purity and Transparency: Revelation stresses jasper’s crystal-like clarity, depicting absolute purity. The New Jerusalem’s walls are not opaque barriers but radiant testimonies of God’s unhindered fellowship with His people.
3. Permanence: As a foundation stone, jasper reflects the stability and durability of God’s eternal city. What He builds endures forever.

Historical and Cultural Background

First-century readers prized jasper highly; it could be found from India to North Africa and was frequently set in imperial seals. Its transparent varieties were rare and costly. John’s mention therefore communicated not only beauty but immense worth, underscoring the inestimable value of God’s dwelling and presence.

Typology and Symbolism

• High-Priestly Breastpiece → Heavenly Throne: The stone once set over the heart of Israel’s mediator now frames the heavenly throne, signifying fulfilled mediation in Christ.
• Garden of Eden → New Jerusalem: What adorned the primeval garden now constitutes the very walls of the redeemed city, signaling consummated restoration.
• Precious Gem → Living Community: Peter calls believers “living stones” (1 Peter 2:5); the jasper foundations hint that God’s people themselves become jewels reflecting His glory.

Implications for Christian Life and Ministry

1. Worship: The jasper-encircled throne beckons continual adoration marked by reverence and awe.
2. Holiness: Jasper’s clarity exhorts believers to pursue moral purity, knowing that nothing impure can enter the city whose walls are jasper (Revelation 21:27).
3. Hope: The permanence and beauty of jasper foundations assure the Church of an unshakeable future. Present trials are temporary; God’s city is eternal.
4. Mission: The radiance of the New Jerusalem invites proclamation, calling the nations to “come and take the free gift of the water of life” (Revelation 22:17). In Christ, what was once glimpsed in precious stone becomes the inheritance of all who believe.

Summary

Strong’s Greek 2393 highlights a gemstone that serves as a vivid, multifaceted witness to God’s glory, purity, and faithfulness. From the heavenly throne to the walls and foundations of the eternal city, jasper epitomizes the splendor that awaits those redeemed by the Lamb.

Forms and Transliterations

ιασπιδι ιάσπιδι ἰάσπιδι ίασπιν ιασπις ιάσπις ἴασπις iaspidi iáspidi iaspis íaspis

Englishman's Concordance

Revelation 4:3 N-DFS
GRK: ὁράσει λίθῳ ἰάσπιδι καὶ σαρδίῳ
NAS: [was] like a jasper stone
KJV: like a jasper and
INT: in appearance to a stone jasper and a sardius

Revelation 21:11 N-DFS
GRK: ὡς λίθῳ ἰάσπιδι κρυσταλλίζοντι
NAS: as a stone of crystal-clear jasper.
KJV: even like a jasper stone,
INT: as a stone jasper being clear as crystal

Revelation 21:18 N-NFS
GRK: τείχους αὐτῆς ἴασπις καὶ ἡ
NAS: of the wall was jasper; and the city
KJV: of it was [of] jasper: and the city
INT: wall of it jasper and the

Revelation 21:19 N-NFS
GRK: ὁ πρῶτος ἴασπις ὁ δεύτερος
NAS: foundation stone was jasper; the second,
KJV: foundation [was] jasper; the second,
INT: first jasper the second

Strong's Greek 2393
4 Occurrences

ἰάσπιδι — 2 Occ.
ἴασπις — 2 Occ.