What is the meaning of Revelation 21:11? Shining with the glory of God Revelation 21:11 opens with: “having the glory of God”. John is describing the New Jerusalem, but his first focus is not walls or streets—it is the manifest presence of God. • Throughout Scripture, glory signals God’s personal and unmistakable presence. Exodus 40:34-35 recounts the tabernacle being “filled with the glory of the LORD,” and 1 Kings 8:10-11 records the same when Solomon’s temple was dedicated. • Christ embodies that glory: “We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only” (John 1:14). In Revelation 21:3 the loud voice declares, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man.” • Because the New Jerusalem literally shines with God’s glory, no temple is needed (Revelation 21:22). The city itself becomes the holiest place. • For believers, this promise answers every longing to be near God. Paul reminds us, “We all, with unveiled faces, contemplate the Lord’s glory” (2 Corinthians 3:18), and Revelation 21 shows that contemplation brought to its ultimate, tangible fulfillment. Its radiance was like a most precious jewel John continues: “Its radiance was like a most precious jewel”. The word radiance pictures brightness that goes beyond simple reflected light; it is an inner brilliance. • Peter calls redeemed people “a chosen people… to proclaim the excellencies of Him” (1 Peter 2:9). If God’s people already display His excellence, how much more will the city that houses them? • Isaiah 54:11-12 foretells Jerusalem’s future foundations “with sapphires” and “wall with precious stones,” showing God’s intent to honor His covenant people with opulent beauty. • Malachi 3:17 says the Lord will make His faithful ones “My treasured possession,” the same language of extraordinary value John now sees magnified in the city itself. • Revelation 21:18-21 elaborates on streets of gold and foundations inlaid with gems, emphasizing that everything in God’s final dwelling is worthy of the One who owns “the cattle on a thousand hills” (Psalm 50:10). Like a jasper, as clear as crystal The description narrows: “like a jasper, as clear as crystal”. • In Revelation 4:3 God’s throne has “the appearance of jasper,” so the city sharing that look underscores its intimate identification with Him. • Jasper was known in the ancient world for its multicolored brilliance, yet John notes unparalleled clarity—“as clear as crystal.” Purity and transparency dominate; nothing obscures God’s light (1 John 1:5). • The river of life is likewise “clear as crystal” (Revelation 22:1); purity streams through every facet of this eternal home. • Hebrews 12:14 urges believers to “pursue holiness,” for “without holiness no one will see the Lord.” In the New Jerusalem, holiness is not merely pursued; it is embedded in the very materials. • Psalm 24:3-4 asks, “Who may ascend the hill of the LORD?… He who has clean hands and a pure heart.” Crystal-clear jasper answers that question—only what is pure and transparent can dwell with God, and He Himself supplies that purity through the Lamb (Revelation 21:27). summary Revelation 21:11 paints the New Jerusalem as ablaze with God’s own glory, gleaming like the costliest jewel, perfectly pure and transparent. The passage assures believers that: • God will dwell visibly and permanently with His people. • Everything concerning our eternal home matches God’s infinite worth. • Purity and holiness will characterize both place and people, because God Himself fills all with His light. The verse is therefore a preview of unbroken fellowship, unshadowed brilliance, and unending joy in the presence of the Lord. |
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