And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald;
The foundation of the city's wall was decorated with every kind of precious stone you can imagine. The first layer was jasper, the second was sapphire, the third was chalcedony, and the fourth was emerald.
Heaven's foundation is literally built with the most beautiful gems, God doesn't do anything halfway.
📚 Historical Context
In the Book of Revelation, written by the apostle John around 95 AD during a time of intense persecution under Roman Emperor Domitian, this verse is part of a visionary description of the New Jerusalem, symbolizing God's perfect kingdom coming down from heaven. The precious stones mentioned reflect ancient Near Eastern imagery of wealth and divine beauty, drawing from Old Testament passages like the foundations of the earth in Job or the high priest's breastplate in Exodus, to convey the eternal glory and stability of God's creation. This vision served to encourage early Christians by portraying a future free from suffering.
Explore Similar Verses
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.