Revelation 4:3

Revelation 4:3 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

The One seated there looked like jasper and carnelian, and a rainbow that gleamed like an emerald encircled the throne.

King James Version KJV

And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.

American Standard Version ASV

and he that sat was to look upon like a jasper stone and a sardius: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, like an emerald to look upon.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And to my eyes he was like a jasper and a sardius stone: and there was an arch of light round the high seat, like an emerald.

Free Bible Version FBV

The one sitting there shone like jewels, like jasper and carnelian, and there was a rainbow that circled the throne, shining like an emerald.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And he that sate, was to looke vpon, like vnto a iasper stone, and a sardine, and there was a rainbowe rounde about the throne, in sight like to an emeraude.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and He who is sitting was in sight like a stone, jasper and sardine: and a rainbow was round the throne in sight like an emerald.

World English Bible WEB

that looked like a jasper stone and a sardius. There was a rainbow around the throne, like an emerald to look at.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And he that sat was in appearance like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow around the throne in sight like an emerald.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And he that sat, was to the sight like the jasper and the sardine stone; and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.

Translation for Translators T4T

He shone like [SIM] a brilliant crystalline jasper jewel and like a brilliant red carnelian jewel. Around the throne was a rainbow that shone like a brilliant green emerald jewel.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Revelation 4:3

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Revelation 4:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK ομοιος ορασει λιθω ιασπιδι και σαρδιω και ιρις κυκλοθεν του θρονου ομοιως ορασις σμαραγδινων

ομοιος homoios G3664 like Adj-NSM

ορασει horasis G3706 appearance/vision Noun-DSF

λιθω lithos G3037 stone Noun-DSM

ιασπιδι iaspis G2393 jasper Noun-DSF

και kai G2532 and Conj

σαρδιω sardion G4556 gem Noun-DSN

και kai G2532 and Conj

ιρις iris G2463 rainbow Noun-NSF

κυκλοθεν kuklothen G2943 around Adv

του ho G3588 the/this/who Art-GSM

θρονου thronos G2362 throne Noun-GSM

ομοιως homoiōs G3668 similarly Adv

ορασις horasis G3706 appearance/vision Noun-NSF

σμαραγδινων smaragdinos G4664 emerald Adj-GPM

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Revelation 4:3

ομοιος homoios G3664 "like" Adj-NSM

This word means similar in appearance or character, like something or someone else. It is used in John 9:9 and Revelation 1:13 to describe someone or something that resembles another. It can also describe a similarity in nature or condition.

Definition: ὅμοιος, -οία, -οιον [in LXX for כְּמוֹ, etc. ;] like, resembling, such as, the same as: with dative, of form or appearance, Jhn.9:9, Rev.1:13 (WH, mg., R, but see infr.) Rev.1:15 2:18 4:6-7 9:7, 10 (B1., § 37, 62) Rev_9:19; Rev_11:1; Rev_13:2; Rev_13:11; ὁράσει, Rev_4:3; of nature, condition, ability, etc., Mat_22:39, Act_17:29, Gal_5:21, 1Jn_3:2, Rev_13:4; Rev_18:18; Rev_21:11; Rev_21:18; of comparison in parables, Mat_13:31 ff. Mat_20:1, Luk_13:18-19; Luk_13:21; of thinking, acting, etc., Mat_11:16; Mat_13:52, Luk_6:47-49; Luk_7:31-32 (T, with genitive; 131., § 36, 11) Luk_12:36, Joh_8:55, Jud_1:7; with accusative, Rev_1:13 (WH, txt.; Swete, Hort, in l) Rev_14:14.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 42 NT verses. KJV: like, + manner See also: 1 John 3:2; Matthew 13:47; Revelation 1:13.

ορασει horasis G3706 "appearance/vision" Noun-DSF

This word means 'appearance' or 'vision', and can refer to an inspired appearance or an aspect of something, like in Revelation 4:3. It's related to the act of seeing or gazing.

Definition: ὅρασις, -εως, ἡ (ὁράω) [in LXX chiefly for מַרְאֶה, חָזוֹן and cognate forms ;] __1. in Arist. and later writers, the act of seeing, the sense of sight, and by meton., pl., the eyes. __2. appearance (Num.24:4, Eze.1:5, Sir.41:20, al.): Rev.4:3. __3. = ὅραμα, a vision: Act.2:17 (LXX), Rev.9:17.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 3 NT verses. KJV: sight, vision See also: Acts 2:17; Revelation 4:3; Revelation 9:17.

λιθω lithos G3037 "stone" Noun-DSM

A stone can be a literal rock or a figurative one, like a stumbling block. In the Bible, Jesus is called the stone that the builders rejected in Matthew 21:42.

Definition: λίθος, -ου, ὁ (and, in Att.., of precious stones, ἡ.) [in LXX for אֶבֶן, Gen.11:3, al.; λ. τίμιος, for פָּז, Psa.19:10 21:3, Pro.8:19, al. ;] a stone: Mat.4:6, al.; pl., Mat.3:9, al.; at the entrance of a tomb, Mat.27:60, 66 28:2, Mrk.15:46 16:3-4, Luk.24:2, Jhn.11:38, 32 11:41 20:1; λ. μυλικός, Luk.17:2, cf. Rev.18:21; of building stones, Mat.21:42, [44], Mat.24:2, Mrk.12:10 13:1-2, Luk.19:44 20:17-18 21:5-6 Act.4:11, 1Pe.2:7; metaphorically, of Christ, λ. ἀκρογωναῖος, ἐκλεκτός, ἔντιμος, 1Pe.2:6 (LXX); λ. ζῶν, 1Pe.2:4; προσκόμματος, 1Pe.2:8, Rom.9:33; of Christians, λ. ζῶντες, 1Pe.2:5; of precious stones, λ. τίμιος, Rev.17:4 18:12, 16 21:11, 19; ἴασπις, Rev.4:3; ἐνδεδυμένοι λ. καθαρόν, Rev.15:6 (λίνον, Rec., R, mg., see Swete, in l); metaphorically, λ. τίμιοι, 1Co.3:12; of the tables of the law, 2Co.3:7; of idols, Act.17:29 (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 55 NT verses. KJV: (mill-, stumbling-)stone See also: 1 Corinthians 3:12; Luke 24:2; 1 Peter 2:4.

ιασπιδι iaspis G2393 "jasper" Noun-DSF

Jasper is a precious gemstone mentioned in Revelation 4:3 and 21:11. It symbolizes beauty and purity, used to describe heaven and God's glory.

Definition: ἴασπις, -ιδος, ἡ [in LXX: Exo.28:18 36:38 (Exo.39:11) (יַהֲלֹם), Isa.54:12 (כַּדְכֹּד), Eze.28:13 (יָשְׁפֵה, see BDB, Lex., see word)* ;] jasper, apparently not the modern stone of that name, but a translucent stone (DB, see word): Rev.4:3 21:11, 18-19.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 4 NT verses. KJV: jasper See also: Revelation 4:3; Revelation 21:18; Revelation 21:11.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Definition: καί, conj., and __I. Copulative. __1. Connecting single words; __(a) in general: Mat.2:18, 16:1, Mrk.2:15, Luk.8:15, Heb.1:1, al. mult.; repeated before each of the terms in a series, Mat.23:23, Luk.14:21, Rom.7:12, 9:4, al. __(b) connecting numerals (WM, §37, 4): Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; __(with) joining terms which are not mutually exclusive, as the part with the whole: Mat.8:33, 26:59, Mrk.16:17, Act.5:29, al. __2. Connecting clauses and sentences: Mat.3:12, Act.5:21, al. mult.; esp. __(a) where, after the simplicity of the popular language, sentences are paratactically joined (WM, §60, 3; M, Pr., 12; Deiss., LAE, 128ff.): Mat.1:21, 7:25, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.10:3, al.; __(b) joining affirmative to negative sentences: Luk.3:14, Jhn.4:11, IIIJhn.10; __(with) consecutive, and so: Mat.5:1, 23:32, Heb.3:19, al.; after imperatives, Mat.4:19, Luk.7:7, al.; __(d) = καίτοι, and yet: Mat.3:14, 6:26, Mrk.12:12, Luk.18:7 (Field, Notes, 72), 1Co.5:2, al.; __(e) beginning an apodosis (= Heb. וְ; so sometimes δέ in cl.), then: Luk.2:21, 7:12, Act.1:10; beginning a question (WM, §53, 3a): Mrk.10:26, Luk.10:29, Jhn.9:36. __3. Epexegetic, and, and indeed, namely (WM, §53, 3c): Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:16, Act.23:6, Rom.1:5, 1Co.3:5, al. __4. In transition: Mat.4:23, Mrk.5:1, 21, Jhn.1:19, al.; so, Hebraistically, καὶ ἐγένετο (וַי:הִי; also ἐγένετο δέ), Mrk.1:9 (cf. Luk.5:1; V. Burton, §§357-60; M, Pr., 14, 16). __5. καὶ . . . καί, both . . . and (for τε . . . καί, see: τε); __(a) connecting single words: Mat.10:28, Mrk.4:41, Rom.11:33, al.; __(b) clauses and sentences: Mrk.9:13, Jhn.7:28, 1Co.1:22, al. __II. Adjunctive, also, even, still: Mat.5:39, 40; Mrk.2:28, al. mult.; esp. with pron., adv., etc., Mat.20:4, Jhn.7:47, al; ὡς κ., Act.11:17; καθὼς κ., Rom.15:7; οὑτω κ., Rom.6:11; διὸ κ., Luk.1:35; ὁ κ. (Deiss., BS, 313ff.), Act.13:9; pleonastically, μετὰ κ.. (Bl., §77, 7; Deiss., BS, 265f,), Php.4:3; τί κ., 1 Co 15:29; ἀλλὰ κ., Luk.14:22, Jhn.5:18, al.; καίγε (M, Pr., 230; Burton, §437), Act.17:27; καίπερ, Heb.5:8; κ. ἐάν, see: ἐάν. ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

σαρδιω sardion G4556 "gem" Noun-DSN

Sardian refers to a precious gemstone, also called sardius, used to describe the beauty of heaven in Revelation 4:3 and 21:20.

Definition: σάρδιον, -ον, τ [in LXX for אֹדֶם, Exo.28:17, al.; also for שֹׁהַם ;] the sardian stone, sard (of which carnelian is one variety): Rev.4:3 21:20.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2 NT verses. KJV: sardius See also: Revelation 4:3; Revelation 21:20.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

ιρις iris G2463 "rainbow" Noun-NSF

A rainbow is a colorful sign in the sky, mentioned in Revelation 4:3 and 10:1. In the Bible, rainbows represent God's promise to never again destroy the earth with a flood.

Definition: ἶρις, -ιδος, ἡ [in LXX: Exo.30:24 (קִדָּה)*, (קֶשֶׁת, Gen.9:13, Eze.1:28, is rendered by τόξον) ;] __1. Iris, the messenger of the gods. __2. a rainbow or halo: Rev.4:3 10:1. __3. The plant Iris (cf. Ex., l.with).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2 NT verses. KJV: rainbow See also: Revelation 4:3; Revelation 10:1.

κυκλοθεν kuklothen G2943 "around" Adv

All around or on every side, as described in Revelation 4:3-4, where God is surrounded by a circle of glory.

Definition: κυκλόθεν adv., (κύκλος), [in LXX chiefly for סָבִיב ;] from all sides, round about: Rev.4:3-4, 8,† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 3 NT verses. KJV: (round) about See also: Revelation 4:3; Revelation 4:4; Revelation 4:8.

του ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-GSM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

θρονου thronos G2362 "throne" Noun-GSM

A throne refers to a seat of power or authority, often used to describe God's power or a king's rule, as seen in Matthew 5:34 and Revelation 1:4.

Definition: θρόνος, -ου, ὁ [in LXX chiefly for כִּסֵּא, Exo.11:5, al. ;] in Hom., a seat, chair. Later, a throne, chair of state, seat of authority; of kings: metaphorically, of God, Mat.5:34, Act.7:49" (LXX), Rev.1:4, al.; by meton., for kingly power, sovereignty, Luk.1:32, 52, Act.2:30; for an angelic hierarchy, Col.1:16; of Christ, Mat.19:28, Rev.3:21, al.; of Satan, Rev.2:13; τ. θηρίου, Rev.16:10; of the Apostles, Mat.19:28, Luk.22:30, cf. Rev.20:4; of πρεσβύτεροι, Rev.4:4 11:16 (on θ. τῆς χάριτος, Heb.4:16, see Westc., in l; Deiss., BS, 135) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 50 NT verses. KJV: seat, throne See also: Acts 2:30; Revelation 5:6; Hebrews 1:8.

ομοιως homoiōs G3668 "similarly" Adv

This word means similarly or in a like manner. It is used in Matthew 22:26 and Luke 10:37 to describe doing something in a similar way. It can also be used to describe a similarity in action or behavior.

Definition: ὁμοίως (ὅμοιος), adv., likewise, in like manner, equally: Mat.22:26, Mrk.4:16, Luk.10:37, al.; with dative, Mat.22:39, Luk.6:31; ὁ. καί, Mat.22:26, Mrk.15:31, al.; ὁ. καθώς, Luk.17:28; καθὼς . . . ὁ., Luk.6:31; ὁ. μέντοι καί, Ju 8 (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 32 NT verses. KJV: likewise, so See also: 1 Corinthians 7:3; Luke 10:32; 1 Peter 3:1.

ορασις horasis G3706 "appearance/vision" Noun-NSF

This word means 'appearance' or 'vision', and can refer to an inspired appearance or an aspect of something, like in Revelation 4:3. It's related to the act of seeing or gazing.

Usage: Occurs in 3 NT verses. KJV: sight, vision See also: Acts 2:17; Revelation 4:3; Revelation 9:17.

σμαραγδινων smaragdinos G4664 "emerald" Adj-GPM

Something made of emerald, a green gemstone, used to describe a throne in Revelation 4:3. The emerald represents beauty and wealth.

Definition: σμαράγδινος (σμάραγδος, which see), __1. of emerald (Luc., V.H., ii, 11). __2. As in π. (Deiss., BS, 267), emerald-green: Rev.4:3 (for the construction, see Swete, in l; Zorell, see word).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1 NT verses. KJV: emerald See also: Revelation 4:3.

Study Notes — Revelation 4:3

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Context
Cross References
Revelation 4:3 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Revelation 4:3
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Revelation 4:3
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Revelation 4:3
Trapp's Commentary on Revelation 4:3
Ellicott's Commentary on Revelation 4:3
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Revelation 4:3
Cambridge Bible on Revelation 4:3
Barnes' Notes on Revelation 4:3
Whedon's Commentary on Revelation 4:3
Sermons on Revelation 4:3

Context — The Throne in Heaven

1After this I looked and saw a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had previously heard speak to me like a trumpet was saying, “Come up here, and I will show you what must happen after these things.” 2At once I was in the Spirit, and I saw a throne standing in heaven, with someone seated on it.

3The One seated there looked like jasper and carnelian, and a rainbow that gleamed like an emerald encircled the throne.

4Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and on these thrones sat twenty-four elders dressed in white, with golden crowns on their heads. 5From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings, and peals of thunder. Before the throne burned seven torches of fire. These are the seven spirits of God.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Ezekiel 1:28	The appearance of the brilliant light all around Him was like that of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell facedown and heard a voice speaking.
2	Revelation 21:11	shining with the glory of God. Its radiance was like a most precious jewel, like a jasper, as clear as crystal.
3	Genesis 9:13–16	I have set My rainbow in the clouds, and it will be a sign of the covenant between Me and the earth. Whenever I form clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember My covenant between Me and you and every living creature of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. And whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of every kind that is on the earth.”
4	Revelation 10:1	Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven, wrapped in a cloud, with a rainbow above his head. His face was like the sun, and his legs were like pillars of fire.
5	Ezekiel 28:13	You were in Eden, the garden of God. Every kind of precious stone adorned you: ruby, topaz, and diamond, beryl, onyx, and jasper, sapphire, turquoise, and emerald. Your mountings and settings were crafted in gold, prepared on the day of your creation.
6	Ezekiel 1:26	Above the expanse over their heads was the likeness of a throne with the appearance of sapphire, and on the throne high above was a figure like that of a man.
7	Revelation 21:19–20	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, the fifth sardonyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst.
8	Exodus 24:10	and they saw the God of Israel. Under His feet was a work like a pavement made of sapphire, as clear as the sky itself.
9	Exodus 39:11	the second row had a turquoise, a sapphire, and a diamond;
10	Exodus 28:18	in the second row a turquoise, a sapphire, and a diamond;

Revelation 4:3 Summary

The One seated on the throne in Revelation 4:3 is a powerful and beautiful description of God, symbolizing His glory, beauty, and faithfulness. The rainbow encircling the throne reminds us of God's promise to be with us and to redeem us, as seen in Genesis 9:13-17. This verse teaches us about God's holiness and majesty, and inspires us to worship and reverence Him, as we see in Psalm 95:6-7 and Isaiah 6:1-5. As we reflect on this verse, we can be reminded of God's promise to be with us and to guide us, as seen in Matthew 28:20 and Hebrews 13:5.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the description of the One seated on the throne in Revelation 4:3 symbolize?

The description of the One seated on the throne, looking like jasper and carnelian, with a rainbow encircling the throne, symbolizes God's glory, beauty, and covenant faithfulness, as seen in Ezekiel 1:28 and Genesis 9:13-17.

What is the significance of the rainbow in Revelation 4:3?

The rainbow, which gleamed like an emerald, is a reminder of God's covenant with Noah after the flood, as described in Genesis 9:13-17, and represents God's promise of mercy and faithfulness to His people.

How does the appearance of the One seated on the throne relate to other biblical descriptions of God?

The description of the One seated on the throne in Revelation 4:3 is similar to other biblical descriptions of God's appearance, such as in Ezekiel 1:26-28 and Daniel 7:9-10, which emphasize God's glory, majesty, and transcendent beauty.

What can we learn about God's character from the description of the One seated on the throne in Revelation 4:3?

The description of the One seated on the throne in Revelation 4:3 teaches us about God's holiness, beauty, and faithfulness, and reminds us of His promise to be with us and to redeem us, as seen in Revelation 21:3-4 and Psalm 23:4.

Reflection Questions

How does the description of the One seated on the throne in Revelation 4:3 inspire awe and worship in your heart?
What does the rainbow encircling the throne represent to you, and how does it relate to your personal experience of God's faithfulness?
How does the appearance of the One seated on the throne in Revelation 4:3 compare to other biblical descriptions of God's appearance, and what can we learn from these comparisons?
What does the description of the One seated on the throne in Revelation 4:3 teach you about God's character, and how can you apply this to your daily life?

Gill's Exposition on Revelation 4:3

And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper,.... For the brightness, glory, and majesty of his countenance, and for his being light itself, clothed with it, and dwelling in it; see Revelation

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Revelation 4:3

And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald. Was. So Vulgate Coptic; omitted in 'Aleph (')AB Was.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Revelation 4:3

This is all but a description of the glory of God, as he appeared to John in this vision. The jasper stone is famous for its transparency, and variety of colours it offereth to the eye, and may signify the various and infinite perfections of God. The sardine stone is red, and of a bloody colour, which may signify the power, justice, and terror of God. The rainbow was the sign of God’ s covenant with Noah, signifying his being so far reconciled to the world, as that he would not again destroy it by water, . The emerald is green, and pleasant to the eye. So as this vision of God represents God powerful, just, and good, and of various and infinite perfections.

Trapp's Commentary on Revelation 4:3

3 And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald. Ver. 3. Like a jasper and a sardine] God is here resembled (saith Mr Cotton) by three precious stones, holding forth the three persons in Trinity. A jasper having (as they say) a white circle round about it, representing the eternity of the Father. A sardine stone of a fleshy colour representing Jesus Christ, who took our flesh upon him. An emerald, being of a green colour, refreshing the eyes of them that look upon it, representing the Spirit, who is (as the rainbow) a token of fair weather, and is a comfortable refresher, wheresoever he cometh. And there was a rainbow] Which is signum gratiae et foederis, a sign of grace and of the covenant of mercy, which is always fresh and green about Christ’ s throne of grace.

Ellicott's Commentary on Revelation 4:3

(3) And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone.—In determining the significance of these emblems we must be guided partly by the analogy of Bible imagery elsewhere, and partly by our knowledge of precious stones. The sardian, or sardine, is admitted to be a stone of fiery red colour; the emerald, to which the bow round the throne is compared, is almost certainly a bright green; the hue of the jasper is the difficulty. The jasper—the last stone in the high-priest’s breastplate, and first of the twelve foundations of the New Jerusalem (Exodus 28:20, and Revelation 21:19)—is described by the best authorities as a dark, opaque green. Such a colour is quite in harmony with the colours of the other stones in the breastplate, and particularly with the foundation stones, which seem to be arranged in shades of colour (see Notes on Revelation 21:19 et seq.); but the dark opaque green would be an ill combination with the red sardius and the green emerald in the vision of the present chapter. Is there no further light? We have a jasper stone spoken of in Revelation 21:11; Revelation 21:18, with the descriptive phrase, “clear as crystal!” Does not this point to a stone somewhat different in appearance from that spoken of simply as jasper? Such a clear crystal stone would be the most natural companion to the sardine, and the combination of the sparkling brightness and fiery red suits the union of brightness and flame which appears elsewhere in the Bible (comp, Revelation 1:14; Revelation 11:1; Ezekiel 1:4; Ezekiel 8:2; Daniel 7:9), and is best understood of the holiness and righteousness of God. The latter half of this verse shows us these surrounded by the emerald-coloured bow, the evident symbol of the divine mercy. The allusion to the bow in the cloud (Genesis 9:12-16) is obvious; the bow completely encircled the throne, as mercy encompassing judgment. It was a covenant token, bearing witness to God’s faithfulness in dark times, God’s care for the ark of His Church, and His mercy shining forth after storm.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Revelation 4:3

Verse 3. And he that sat] There is here no description of the Divine Being, so as to point out any similitude, shape, or dimensions. The description rather aims to point out the surrounding glory and effulgence than the person of the almighty King. See a similar description Numbers 24:10, &c., and the notes there.

Cambridge Bible on Revelation 4:3

3. a jasper and a sardine stone] Our jasper, a stone the colour of which varies between red, green and yellow, does not seem very appropriate to the image here, nor to answer to the description in Revelation 21:11, as it is not sparkling nor transparent. But it seems proved that the jasper of the ancients (the word is substantially the same in Hebrew, in Greek and Latin, and in modern languages) was the translucent stone now known as Chalcedony—especially the green variety. The sardius (so we should read) is certainly the choicest kind of red carnelian, translucent and fiery in colour, but not exactly sparkling.round about the throne] i.e. forming an arch over it.in sight] The word is the same as “to look upon” just before, though the construction is somewhat varied.like unto an emerald] Here there is no doubt what stone is meant: we have only the question whether the rainbow was all green, or only produced the same effect on the eye as an emerald—brilliant yet not dazzling. The ancients felt very strongly the relief given to the eye by looking at it. The rainbow in any case no doubt represents God’s revelation by a covenant of grace, Genesis 9:13 sqq.

Barnes' Notes on Revelation 4:3

And he that sat was to look upon - Was in appearance; or, as I looked upon him, this seemed to be his appearance. He does not describe his form, but his splendor.

Whedon's Commentary on Revelation 4:3

3. Like a jasper—Not in solidity, but in picturesque hue. The jasper is a species of quartz, of various colours, and sometimes transparent as crystal, Revelation 21:11.

Sermons on Revelation 4:3

	Sermon	Description
	Attributes of God (Series 2): The Sovereignty of God by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher begins by recounting the story of Jesus appearing to his disciples after his resurrection. The disciples were initially discouraged and disheartened, b
	Revelation 4 & 5 by John McGregor	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the book of Revelation, specifically chapters 4 and 5. He emphasizes the idea of access into heaven, highlighting the significance of the ope
	The Rainbow in the Clouds by Henry Law	Henry Law preaches on the significance of the rainbow as a symbol of God's covenant with the earth, reflecting His tenderness, compassion, and watchful care towards His people. The
	The Morning Breaketh by J. Wilbur Chapman	J. Wilbur Chapman preaches on the contrasting themes of night and morning in the Bible, emphasizing how God always sends messengers of hope even in the darkest times. The Prophet I
	The Persistent Purpose of God - Part 8 by T. Austin-Sparks	In this sermon, the speaker addresses the problem of interpretation in the prophecies of Israel, specifically focusing on the later visions in the book of Ezekiel. The speaker emph
	The Persistent Purpose of God - Part 3 by T. Austin-Sparks	In this sermon, the speaker begins by suggesting a method for the audience to better engage with the message. He then provides a broad outline of the book being discussed, acknowle
	Gird Up Now Thy Loins by Emanuel Esh	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the transformative power of God's mercy in revealing one's true nature. He uses the analogy of a person trying to escape from God's convictio