What is the meaning of Revelation 21:20? the fifth sardonyx - Revelation 21:20 lists “the fifth sardonyx,” showing the literal fifth foundation stone of the New Jerusalem. - Sardonyx combines layers of red sard and white onyx; its banded contrast pictures unity within diversity—fitting for a city built on “the foundation of the apostles and prophets” (Ephesians 2:20). - Just as Israel’s high-priest bore sardonyx in the breastplate (Exodus 28:20), this stone points to God’s covenant faithfulness carried from the Old Covenant into the eternal city. - The alternating colors mirror the mingling of justice and mercy found at the cross (Romans 3:25-26), reminding believers that the New Jerusalem rests securely on Christ’s finished work. the sixth carnelian - The “sixth carnelian” (or sardius) glows deep red, a color often linked to redemption (Hebrews 9:12) and the life-blood of sacrifice (Leviticus 17:11). - Its placement midway through the twelve stones highlights Christ’s atoning blood as the centerpiece of God’s plan. - John already described the enthroned Lord as appearing “like jasper and carnelian” (Revelation 4:3), so the city’s foundation reflects the very radiance of God’s presence. - Cross-reference: Isaiah 54:11-12 promises a restored Jerusalem “with foundations of sapphires” and “battlements of rubies,” showing the prophetic link between precious stones and the Lord’s everlasting covenant. the seventh chrysolite - Chrysolite (modern peridot or pale golden topaz) gleams with a warm, sunlit hue, evoking the brilliance of “the city [that] has no need of the sun…for the glory of God gives it light” (Revelation 21:23). - Its gold-green sparkle illustrates new creation life (2 Corinthians 5:17) bursting forth in an environment untouched by decay. - As the seventh stone, it falls at the biblical number of completion, underscoring that God’s work of salvation is entirely finished (John 19:30). - Echoes of Eden appear, for Eden’s description includes “every kind of precious stone” (Ezekiel 28:13), indicating paradise fully restored. the eighth beryl - Beryl flashes blue-green, reminiscent of a clear sea; John earlier saw “a sea of glass, clear as crystal” before God’s throne (Revelation 4:6). - The eighth position speaks of resurrection and new beginnings (Luke 24:1, the first day after the seventh). - Believers, pictured as “living stones” (1 Peter 2:5), will dwell in resurrected bodies within a city whose very foundations shout the promise of life beyond death. - Cross-reference: Numbers 11:7 describes manna as having “the appearance of bdellium” (likely beryl), showing the Lord’s provision for His people from wilderness to glory. the ninth topaz - Topaz, often golden or amber, symbolizes refined purity (Job 23:10: “He knows the way I have taken; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold”). - Its glow fits the city whose streets are “pure gold, like transparent glass” (Revelation 21:21). - The ninth stone aligns with the fruitfulness of the Spirit’s ninefold character (Galatians 5:22-23), reminding us that, in eternity, believers will display perfect, Spirit-empowered holiness. - Like the topaz in the high-priestly breastplate (Exodus 28:17), it underscores our everlasting acceptance before God. the tenth chrysoprase - Chrysoprase radiates apple-green light, speaking of eternal vitality and flourishing (Psalm 1:3: the righteous “leaf does not wither”). - Being tenth (a number of fullness and testimony) points to God’s complete restoration of creation (Romans 8:21). - The gem’s translucence reflects how “nothing unclean will ever enter” the city (Revelation 21:27), for every corner is open, pure, and flooded with glory. - Cross-reference: Proverbs 3:18 presents wisdom as “a tree of life,” and the city’s gem-laden foundations support streets that lead to the literal tree of life (Revelation 22:2). the eleventh jacinth - Jacinth (a fiery orange-red zircon) conjures images of sunset brilliance, hinting that in the New Jerusalem no night will ever fall (Revelation 22:5). - Eleven can symbolize transition; jacinth signals the final stretch toward consummation before the twelfth and final stone. - Its burning hue echoes the Lord’s holiness that consumes sin (Hebrews 12:29) while warming the redeemed with unfading light. - Cross-reference: Psalm 104:2 pictures God as “wrapped in light as with a garment,” and jacinth’s glow illustrates that perpetual radiance. the twelfth amethyst - Amethyst, royal purple, crowns the list—fitting for a kingdom where believers are made “a kingdom and priests to our God” (Revelation 5:10). - Twelve speaks of governmental perfection: twelve tribes, twelve apostles, and now twelve jeweled foundations supporting the eternal administration of Christ’s rule (Luke 22:30). - Purple also marked costly dignity (John 19:2-3), and the amethyst foundation proclaims Christ’s victory over mockery, suffering, and death. - Cross-reference: 1 Corinthians 3:12 lists “gold, silver, precious stones” as enduring materials; the twelfth stone assures that what is built on Christ will stand forever. summary Revelation 21:20 details the literal gemstones of the New Jerusalem’s foundations, each carefully placed by God to display His glory, covenant faithfulness, and redemptive work. Together they echo the priestly breastplate, fulfill prophetic promises of a jewel-adorned city, and declare the perfection of Christ’s finished salvation. Their varied colors and ordered sequence invite believers to anticipate a tangible, radiant home where God dwells with His people in everlasting light and beauty. |
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