New Testament

Revelation 21:18

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In Revelation 21:18, the description of the wall and the city emphasizes the beauty and purity of the New Jerusalem, which symbolizes the ultimate dwelling place of God's people.

Author: John the apostle
Written: Around AD 95
Genre: Apocalyptic prophecy
Original Audience: The seven churches of Asia Minor

CBTClear Bible Translation

The wall was built of jasper, and the city itself was pure gold, as clear as glass.

KJVKing James Version

And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Revelation 21:18, the description of the wall and the city emphasizes the beauty and purity of the New Jerusalem, which symbolizes the ultimate dwelling place of God's people. The wall made of jasper signifies strength and preciousness, while the city of pure gold, described as clear as glass, highlights its transparency and brilliance. This imagery conveys the idea of a perfect and holy environment where God resides with His people. The use of precious materials like jasper and gold reflects the value and glory of God's kingdom, contrasting with the imperfections of the current world. The clarity of the gold suggests that there are no barriers or obstructions in this divine city, allowing for a direct relationship with God. Overall, this verse paints a picture of hope and restoration, assuring believers of the beauty and majesty that awaits them in eternity.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Revelation 21:18 to your life

This verse encourages us to look forward to the hope of eternal life in God's presence. It reminds us to live in a way that reflects the purity and beauty of God's kingdom. We can strive for holiness and share the message of hope with others, pointing them to the promise of a glorious future.

Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does the wall of jasper symbolize in Revelation 21:18?

The wall of jasper in Revelation 21:18 symbolizes strength and preciousness. Jasper is a valuable gemstone, and its use in the New Jerusalem signifies the beauty and durability of God's kingdom. It represents a secure and glorious dwelling place for God's people, highlighting the importance of God's protection and the value of the eternal home He has prepared for believers.

Why is the city described as pure gold in Revelation 21:18?

The city being described as pure gold emphasizes its unmatched beauty and value. Gold is often associated with wealth and purity, and in this context, it signifies the perfection of God's kingdom. The clarity of the gold, likened to glass, suggests transparency and brilliance, indicating that there are no barriers in the relationship between God and His people in this divine city.

What does the imagery of clear glass in Revelation 21:18 mean?

The imagery of clear glass in Revelation 21:18 conveys the idea of transparency and openness in the New Jerusalem. It suggests that there are no hidden agendas or barriers between God and His people. This clarity symbolizes the purity of the environment where believers will dwell with God, reflecting the perfect relationship and communion that will exist in eternity.

How does Revelation 21:18 relate to the hope of eternal life?

Revelation 21:18 relates to the hope of eternal life by painting a vivid picture of the New Jerusalem, a place of beauty and purity where believers will dwell with God forever. This description assures Christians of the glorious future that awaits them, encouraging them to remain faithful and live in a way that reflects the values of God's kingdom, fostering hope amidst life's challenges.

Book Summary

The Book of Revelation

Revelation 1: The Revelation of Jesus Christ

This is the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gives Him to show His servants things which must shortly come to pass, sent and signified by His angel to John, who bears record of the word of God. A blessing is pronounced upon those who read and hear the words of this prophecy and keep the things written therein, for the time is at hand. John writes to the seven churches in Asia, sending grace and peace from Him which is, and which was, and which is to come, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first begotten of the dead, who washed us from our sins in His own blood. He declares Himself Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending. John, in the isle of Patmos for the word of God, is in the Spirit on the Lord's day and hears behind him a great voice as a trumpet. Turning, he sees seven golden candlesticks and one like the Son of man among them, clothed to the foot, His head and hairs white as wool, His eyes as a flame of fire, His feet like fine brass, His voice as the sound of many waters, seven stars in His right hand, and a sharp twoedged sword going out of His mouth. John falls at His feet as dead, and the Lord lays His right hand upon him, saying, Fear not, I am the first and the last, He that liveth and was dead and is alive for evermore. He reveals that the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches and the seven candlesticks are the seven churches.

Revelation 2: Letters to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, and Thyatira The Lord dictates letters to four of the seven churches. To Ephesus He commends their labor and patience and their rejection of evil men, but charges that they have left their first love, calling them to repent and do the first works. To Smyrna, suffering tribulation and poverty yet rich, He warns of coming imprisonment and bids them be faithful unto death to receive a crown of life, promising the overcomer shall not be hurt by the second death. To Pergamos, dwelling where Satan's seat is, He commends their holding fast His name but rebukes those holding the doctrine of Balaam and of the Nicolaitans, promising the overcomer hidden manna and a white stone with a new name. To Thyatira He commends their charity and works yet rebukes their suffering the woman Jezebel to teach and seduce His servants, declaring He will cast her into a bed of tribulation and that He searcheth the reins and hearts; the overcomer shall have power over the nations and the morning star. Revelation 3: Letters to Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea The Lord continues to the remaining three churches. To Sardis He declares they have a name that they live but are dead, urging them to be watchful and strengthen the things that remain, yet noting a few who have not defiled their garments who shall walk with Him in white. To Philadelphia, who has kept His word and not denied His name, He sets before them an open door which no man can shut, promising to keep them from the hour of temptation that shall come upon all the world, and that the overcomer shall be a pillar in the temple of God. To Laodicea He rebukes their being lukewarm, neither cold nor hot, so that He will spue them out of His mouth; they think themselves rich and increased with goods, but are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked, and He counsels them to buy of Him gold tried in the fire. He declares that He stands at the door and knocks, and if any man hear His voice and open the door, He will come in to him; the overcomer shall sit with Him in His throne.

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