- Home
- Bible
- Revelation
- Chapter 21
- Verse 21
Revelation 21:11
Verse
Context
The New Jerusalem
10And he carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and showed me the holy city of Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God,11shining with the glory of God. Its radiance was like a most precious jewel, like a jasper, as clear as crystal.12The city had a great and high wall with twelve gates inscribed with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, and twelve angels at the gates.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Having the glory of God - Instead of the sun and moon, it has the splendor of God to enlighten it. Unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal - Among precious stones there are some even of the same species more valuable than others: for their value is in proportion to their being free from flaws, and of a good water, i.e., a uniform and brilliant transparency. A crystal is perfectly clear, the oriental jasper is a beautiful sea-green. The stone that is here described is represented as a perfectly transparent jasper, being as unclouded as the brightest crystal, and consequently the most precious of its species. Nothing can be finer than this description: the light of this city is ever intense, equal, and splendid; but it is tinged with this green hue, in order to make it agreeable to the sight. Nothing is so friendly to the eye as blue or green; all other colors fatigue; and, if very intense, injure the eye. These are the colors of the earth and sky, on which the eye of man is to be constantly fixed. To these colors the structure of the eye is adapted; and the general appearance of the earth and the sky is adapted to this structure.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Having the glory of God--not merely the Shekinah-cloud, but God Himself as her glory dwelling in the midst of her. Compare the type, the earthly Jerusalem in the millennium (Zac 2:5; compare Rev 21:23, below). her light--Greek, "light-giver": properly applied to the heavenly luminaries which diffuse light. Compare Note, see on Phi 2:15, the only other passage where it occurs. The "and" before "her light' is omitted in A, B, and Vulgate. even like--Greek, "as it were." jasper--representing watery crystalline brightness.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Having the glory of God,.... Not only upon their souls, which will lie in the glorious robe of Christ's righteousness, the bride's wedding garment being on them, in the perfect holiness which will be in them, and in that complete knowledge of all spiritual and heavenly things they will be possessed of, they will have a glory revealed in them; but upon their bodies also, for this city, the church, the bride of Christ, will consist only of risen and changed saints, whose bodies will be freed from all dishonour; deformity, diseases, and imperfections, and will be made like unto Christ's glorious body, and will shine like the sun in the kingdom of God. Moreover, the presence of God may be intended by his glory, as the Shechinah, or the divine majesty of God in the tabernacle and temple was called, Exo 40:35 Kg1 8:11 for the glorious presence of God will now be in this church state, which will cast a lustre on all that are in it; for if the face of Moses, and of Stephen, shone so bright and glorious, through the presence of God with them; see Co2 3:7 how much more gloriously will the saints shine in this state, when they shall enjoy the presence of God in a far more illustrious manner? to which may be added, that Jesus Christ, who is the brightness of his Father's glory, will now appear in that, and in his own, and in the glory of his angels; and all the saints will appear with him in glory; and to see them in all this glory is a glorious sight indeed! And her light was like unto a stone most precious; by her "light" is not meant the light she will have in her, though that will be exceeding great, but the fountain of it from whence it comes; that which holds it forth to her, and supplies her with it: the word signifies an illuminator, and is used of the ministers of the Gospel, that hold forth the word of life and light to others, Phi 2:15 but here it intends Christ, who is the sun of righteousness, the church's light or enlightener, Rev 21:23 not with the light of nature, as he enlightens every man, nor with the light of grace, with which the saints are enlightened by him in the present state of things, by his Spirit, through the word and ordinances, but with the light of glory: and he is comparable to the most precious stone; he is more precious than rubies; he is so now to them that believe, in his person, offices, grace, and righteousness, and will be more so in his light and glory in the new Jerusalem state: even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal: God the Father, who sits on the throne, is said to be to look upon like a "jasper"; See Gill on Rev 4:2; and here Christ, the illuminator of his church, is said to be like one, because of the exceeding brightness of this stone, and the durableness of it, expressive of the perpetuity of Christ, as the light of his church and people; he is the everlasting light of it, Isa 60:19 and he is compared to the crystallising "jasper". There is one sort which is called "Aerizusa", like to air (c), and another "Crystallizusa" (d), clear as crystal. So Pliny speaks (e) of a white "jasper" called "Astrios", and which, he says, is crystallo propinquans, "near to crystal", found in India, and on the shores of Pallene. To this Christ is like, because he is light itself, and in him is no darkness at all, and will cause an everlasting day; and such a clear and bright state of things, as that there will be no night, nor any more darkness, nothing but everlasting joy, peace, prosperity, and happiness; there seems to be some reference to Isa 60:1. (c) Ruaeus de Gemmis, l. 2. c. 1. (d) Dioscorides, l. 5. c. 160. (e) Nat. Hist. l. 37. c. 9.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
21:11 Like the true people of God, the glory of the city reflects God’s glory (cp. Exod 34:29-35; 2 Cor 3:7-11). • Jasper (see also Rev 4:3; 21:11, 18) is opaque on earth; the heavenly jasper is clear as crystal, having a transparency that mirrors God’s purity and integrity.
Revelation 21:11
The New Jerusalem
10And he carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and showed me the holy city of Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God,11shining with the glory of God. Its radiance was like a most precious jewel, like a jasper, as clear as crystal.12The city had a great and high wall with twelve gates inscribed with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, and twelve angels at the gates.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Men Whose Eyes Have Seen the King - Part 7
By T. Austin-Sparks2.1K45:42Seeing JesusPSA 66:18ISA 6:3EZK 1:1MAT 6:33JHN 20:31REV 7:9REV 21:11In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the visions of God that Ezekiel saw. The speaker highlights that whenever the Lord takes a new step or movement, He reveals His glory to someone or some instrument. The speaker then discusses the symbolism of the four living ones or cherubim and the wheels under the throne. The wheels represent a great multitude of redeemed individuals who have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb and are now worshiping and praising God. The sermon emphasizes that this vision of glory through holiness is not limited to Ezekiel's time but is a timeless message for all believers.
God Is on the Throne
By Zac Poonen0God's SovereigntyHoliness and GraceISA 11:2LUK 21:28JHN 1:14ROM 11:22COL 1:16HEB 12:29REV 4:2REV 21:11Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of viewing earthly events from a heavenly perspective, as illustrated in Revelation 4:2, where John sees God's throne. He encourages believers to lift their heads and recognize that God is in control, especially as we approach the end times. Poonen highlights the duality of God's nature—His holiness and grace—symbolized by the jasper and sardius stones, and the rainbow around the throne. He also discusses the significance of the twenty-four elders and the seven Spirits of God, underscoring God's majesty and the purifying fire of the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deeper understanding of God's sovereignty and purity in our lives.
Of the New Heavens and Earth, and the Inhabitants of Them.
By John Gill0New CreationRighteousnessPSA 37:29ISA 65:17MAT 5:52PE 3:13REV 3:12REV 7:9REV 21:1REV 21:11REV 21:27John Gill preaches about the promise of new heavens and a new earth, emphasizing that believers look forward to a literal renewal of creation where righteousness dwells. He contrasts this future state with the current world, which is marred by sin and suffering, and describes the inhabitants of this new creation as perfectly righteous, free from sorrow and pain. Gill draws on biblical prophecies, particularly from Isaiah and Revelation, to illustrate the joy and glory that await the faithful in this transformed existence.
The Glory
By T. Austin-Sparks0God's GloryGrace in Suffering1KI 8:11ISA 46:13LUK 2:14JHN 11:4ACT 7:21CO 1:27EPH 5:27HEB 8:51PE 1:5REV 21:11T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that the ultimate purpose of God's works and ways is His glory, which governs everything from creation to the establishment of the Church. He illustrates how God's glory is evident in the Old Testament through significant events and figures, such as Abraham and Moses, and culminates in the New Testament with the birth, resurrection, and exaltation of Jesus Christ. Sparks highlights that the Christian life begins, progresses, and culminates in glory, and that grace is the foundation of this glory. He encourages believers to recognize their vocation as vindicating the living presence of Christ in their lives, especially through suffering and grace. Ultimately, all things are for God's glory, and believers are called to acknowledge and proclaim this truth.
How to See the Glory of God
By T. Austin-Sparks0Commitment to God's WillThe Glory of GodMAT 3:17MAT 12:47MRK 10:17JHN 1:14JHN 5:19JHN 11:4JHN 11:40JHN 14:24ACT 16:6REV 21:11T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that the ultimate priority of Jesus' life and ministry was the glory of God, as illustrated in John 11. He explains that Jesus' commitment to this glory governed every aspect of His life, from His inner relationship with the Father to His conduct, works, and timing. Sparks encourages believers to reflect on whether their lives truly glorify God, highlighting that true glory comes from aligning with God's will and recognizing the finished work of Christ. The sermon culminates in the assurance that seeing God's glory is not a loss but the ultimate fulfillment in life.
John 11 and 12.
By T. Austin-Sparks0ResurrectionGlory Of GodPSA 133:1JHN 11:25JHN 11:40JHN 12:23ROM 6:41CO 15:542CO 5:17EPH 1:12PHP 3:21REV 21:11T. Austin-Sparks explores the profound themes of glory and resurrection in John 11 and 12, emphasizing that the glory of God is revealed through the satisfaction of His nature, particularly in the context of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. He illustrates how death represents the enemy of God's purpose and glory, and how Lazarus symbolizes both Israel's condition and the broader human plight. The sermon highlights that true glory comes from recognizing our need for resurrection through Christ, who embodies the hope of new life. Sparks concludes that the ultimate expression of God's glory is found in the resurrection, which transforms individual lives and creates a collective worship experience among believers.
The Glory to Come
By Horatius Bonar0Hope in SufferingTransformationROM 8:18ROM 9:232CO 4:17COL 3:41TH 2:12HEB 2:101PE 1:81PE 4:131PE 5:10REV 21:11Horatius Bonar emphasizes that a person's true life and history begin at conversion, marking the transition from a life without a story to one filled with divine significance. He illustrates this transformation using the metaphor of a drop of water separating from the ocean, gaining individuality and a unique narrative that is recorded in heaven. Bonar reassures believers that while their earthly journey may be filled with suffering, it ultimately leads to a glorious future, where they will share in the glory of God. He encourages the faithful to look beyond their present trials, reminding them that their hope lies in the eternal glory that awaits them, which far surpasses any earthly affliction. The sermon concludes with a call to rejoice in the promise of glory, which is both a present reality and a future inheritance.
August 20. 1678. How the Prophets of Old and the Apostles Could Preserve the Word of Truth
By Jane Lead0PRO 3:5JHN 8:321CO 3:162CO 3:18REV 21:11Jane Lead preaches about the awakening of the internal mind to freely inquire of the Lord, who is present to answer all weighty matters, emphasizing the benefit of Christ's presence within us to resolve doubts and serve as Judge and Law-giver in our minds. The sermon explores how the prophets and apostles received divine revelations, highlighting the reverence and obedience with which they approached God's messages. Lead also delves into the concept of God making Himself known in a more excellent way through a clear glass prepared for manifestation, symbolizing the purification and transformation of the heart to behold heavenly truths.
The Spirit as Light
By T. Austin-Sparks0PSA 119:105JHN 1:4JHN 14:16ACT 26:9EPH 1:17EPH 5:81TI 6:161JN 1:5REV 21:11T. Austin-Sparks preaches about the Holy Spirit as Light, emphasizing the importance of transparency, fearlessness, disinfection, and joy that come with walking in the light of the Spirit. He highlights how the Holy Spirit works to bring complete purity and honesty, combat fear, heal spiritual diseases, and bring joy and inspiration. The sermon delves into the significance of allowing the Holy Spirit to illuminate our hearts and minds, guiding us into all truth and transforming us into vessels of light that impact the world around us.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Having the glory of God - Instead of the sun and moon, it has the splendor of God to enlighten it. Unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal - Among precious stones there are some even of the same species more valuable than others: for their value is in proportion to their being free from flaws, and of a good water, i.e., a uniform and brilliant transparency. A crystal is perfectly clear, the oriental jasper is a beautiful sea-green. The stone that is here described is represented as a perfectly transparent jasper, being as unclouded as the brightest crystal, and consequently the most precious of its species. Nothing can be finer than this description: the light of this city is ever intense, equal, and splendid; but it is tinged with this green hue, in order to make it agreeable to the sight. Nothing is so friendly to the eye as blue or green; all other colors fatigue; and, if very intense, injure the eye. These are the colors of the earth and sky, on which the eye of man is to be constantly fixed. To these colors the structure of the eye is adapted; and the general appearance of the earth and the sky is adapted to this structure.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Having the glory of God--not merely the Shekinah-cloud, but God Himself as her glory dwelling in the midst of her. Compare the type, the earthly Jerusalem in the millennium (Zac 2:5; compare Rev 21:23, below). her light--Greek, "light-giver": properly applied to the heavenly luminaries which diffuse light. Compare Note, see on Phi 2:15, the only other passage where it occurs. The "and" before "her light' is omitted in A, B, and Vulgate. even like--Greek, "as it were." jasper--representing watery crystalline brightness.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Having the glory of God,.... Not only upon their souls, which will lie in the glorious robe of Christ's righteousness, the bride's wedding garment being on them, in the perfect holiness which will be in them, and in that complete knowledge of all spiritual and heavenly things they will be possessed of, they will have a glory revealed in them; but upon their bodies also, for this city, the church, the bride of Christ, will consist only of risen and changed saints, whose bodies will be freed from all dishonour; deformity, diseases, and imperfections, and will be made like unto Christ's glorious body, and will shine like the sun in the kingdom of God. Moreover, the presence of God may be intended by his glory, as the Shechinah, or the divine majesty of God in the tabernacle and temple was called, Exo 40:35 Kg1 8:11 for the glorious presence of God will now be in this church state, which will cast a lustre on all that are in it; for if the face of Moses, and of Stephen, shone so bright and glorious, through the presence of God with them; see Co2 3:7 how much more gloriously will the saints shine in this state, when they shall enjoy the presence of God in a far more illustrious manner? to which may be added, that Jesus Christ, who is the brightness of his Father's glory, will now appear in that, and in his own, and in the glory of his angels; and all the saints will appear with him in glory; and to see them in all this glory is a glorious sight indeed! And her light was like unto a stone most precious; by her "light" is not meant the light she will have in her, though that will be exceeding great, but the fountain of it from whence it comes; that which holds it forth to her, and supplies her with it: the word signifies an illuminator, and is used of the ministers of the Gospel, that hold forth the word of life and light to others, Phi 2:15 but here it intends Christ, who is the sun of righteousness, the church's light or enlightener, Rev 21:23 not with the light of nature, as he enlightens every man, nor with the light of grace, with which the saints are enlightened by him in the present state of things, by his Spirit, through the word and ordinances, but with the light of glory: and he is comparable to the most precious stone; he is more precious than rubies; he is so now to them that believe, in his person, offices, grace, and righteousness, and will be more so in his light and glory in the new Jerusalem state: even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal: God the Father, who sits on the throne, is said to be to look upon like a "jasper"; See Gill on Rev 4:2; and here Christ, the illuminator of his church, is said to be like one, because of the exceeding brightness of this stone, and the durableness of it, expressive of the perpetuity of Christ, as the light of his church and people; he is the everlasting light of it, Isa 60:19 and he is compared to the crystallising "jasper". There is one sort which is called "Aerizusa", like to air (c), and another "Crystallizusa" (d), clear as crystal. So Pliny speaks (e) of a white "jasper" called "Astrios", and which, he says, is crystallo propinquans, "near to crystal", found in India, and on the shores of Pallene. To this Christ is like, because he is light itself, and in him is no darkness at all, and will cause an everlasting day; and such a clear and bright state of things, as that there will be no night, nor any more darkness, nothing but everlasting joy, peace, prosperity, and happiness; there seems to be some reference to Isa 60:1. (c) Ruaeus de Gemmis, l. 2. c. 1. (d) Dioscorides, l. 5. c. 160. (e) Nat. Hist. l. 37. c. 9.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
21:11 Like the true people of God, the glory of the city reflects God’s glory (cp. Exod 34:29-35; 2 Cor 3:7-11). • Jasper (see also Rev 4:3; 21:11, 18) is opaque on earth; the heavenly jasper is clear as crystal, having a transparency that mirrors God’s purity and integrity.