Definition and Description:

Jaspis, commonly referred to as "jasper" in English translations of the Bible, is a precious stone mentioned in several biblical passages. It is known for its beauty and variety of colors, often appearing in shades of green, red, yellow, or brown. In ancient times, jasper was highly valued for its ornamental and symbolic significance.

Biblical References:

1. Revelation 4:3 : "And the One seated there looked like jasper and carnelian, and a rainbow that gleamed like an emerald encircled the throne." In this passage, jasper is used to describe the appearance of God on His throne, symbolizing His majesty, purity, and glory. The stone's brilliance and clarity are reflective of divine attributes.

2. Revelation 21:11 : "shining with the glory of God, its radiance like a most precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal." Here, jasper is used to describe the New Jerusalem, the heavenly city, emphasizing its divine beauty and the presence of God's glory. The clarity and radiance of jasper symbolize the purity and holiness of the eternal city.

3. Revelation 21:18-19 : "The wall was made of jasper, and the city was pure gold, as pure as glass. The foundations of the city walls were adorned with every kind of precious stone: The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald." Jasper is mentioned as the material of the city's wall and the first foundation stone, highlighting its foundational role in the structure of the New Jerusalem. This signifies strength, stability, and the eternal nature of God's kingdom.

Symbolism and Significance:

In biblical symbolism, jasper represents several key attributes of God and His kingdom:

· Purity and Holiness: The clear, crystalline nature of jasper is often associated with purity and holiness, reflecting the sinless and perfect nature of God and His heavenly realm.

· Majesty and Glory: The brilliance and beauty of jasper are used to convey the majesty and glory of God, as seen in the descriptions of His throne and the New Jerusalem.

· Eternal Strength: As a foundational stone in the New Jerusalem, jasper symbolizes the eternal strength and stability of God's kingdom, which is unshakeable and everlasting.

Historical and Cultural Context:

In the ancient world, jasper was a highly prized gemstone, often used in jewelry and decorative art. Its various colors and patterns made it a popular choice for artisans and craftsmen. The stone's durability and beauty made it a fitting symbol for divine attributes and heavenly realities.

Theological Implications:

The use of jasper in the biblical text serves to remind believers of the transcendent beauty and holiness of God. It calls Christians to reflect on the purity and glory of the divine nature and the hope of the eternal city, where God's presence dwells in fullness. Jasper, as a symbol, encourages the faithful to pursue holiness and to anticipate the fulfillment of God's promises in the new creation.JASPER; JASPIS

jas'-per, jas'-pis.

See STONES, PRECIOUS.

Introduction.
... carbunculus ii. emerald ii. emerald or carbuncle sappheiros sapphirus sapphire sapphire
iaspis jaspis diamond diamond or sardonyx iii. ligurion iii. ...
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Jaspis
Jaspis. Jasper-stone, Jaspis. Jassai . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia
JASPER; JASPIS. jas'-per, jas'-pis. See STONES, PRECIOUS. ...
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Jassai

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Jasper (8 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. JASPER; JASPIS. jas'-per, jas'-pis. See STONES,
PRECIOUS. Multi-Version Concordance Jasper (8 Occurrences). ...
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Jasper-stone (1 Occurrence)
Jasper-stone. Jasper, Jasper-stone. Jaspis . Multi-Version Concordance
Jasper-stone (1 Occurrence). ... Jasper, Jasper-stone. Jaspis . Reference Bible.
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