New Testament

Revelation 21:20

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

At a Glance

In Revelation 21:20, the verse lists the gemstones that adorn the foundations of the New Jerusalem, symbolizing beauty, value, and the glory of God.

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

CBTClear Bible Translation

the 5th sardonyx, the 6th sardius, the 7th chrysolite, the 8th beryl, the 9th topaz, the 10th chrysoprase, the 11th jacinth, and the 12th amethyst.

KJVKing James Version

The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolyte; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Revelation 21:20, the verse lists the gemstones that adorn the foundations of the New Jerusalem, symbolizing beauty, value, and the glory of God. Each stone has unique characteristics and colors, representing the diversity and richness of God's creation. The specific order and types of stones reflect the high status of the city and its divine origin. The mention of these precious stones serves to illustrate the splendor of heaven, where God dwells with His people. This imagery emphasizes the idea that heaven is a place of perfection and joy, filled with the brilliance of God's presence. The stones also connect to the Old Testament, where similar stones were used in the high priest's breastplate, linking the New Jerusalem to God's covenant with His people. Overall, this verse invites believers to anticipate the beauty and majesty of eternal life with God. Explore related worship.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Revelation 21:20 to your life

As we reflect on the beauty of the New Jerusalem, we are reminded to seek the beauty of God's presence in our lives today. We can cultivate a heart that values spiritual treasures over material ones, focusing on what truly lasts.

Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Revelation 21:20 mean?

Revelation 21:20 lists the gemstones that make up the foundations of the New Jerusalem, symbolizing beauty and the glory of God. Each stone represents the richness of God's creation and the splendor of heaven.

What is the significance of the gemstones in Revelation 21:20?

The gemstones in Revelation 21:20 symbolize the divine beauty and perfection of the New Jerusalem. They reflect the high status of the city and connect to the Old Testament, where similar stones were used in the high priest's breastplate.

How do the gemstones in Revelation 21:20 relate to God's presence?

The gemstones in Revelation 21:20 illustrate the splendor of God's presence in heaven. They serve as a reminder of the beauty and perfection that believers can expect in eternal life with God.

What can we learn from Revelation 21:20?

Revelation 21:20 teaches us to value spiritual treasures and the beauty of God's presence. It encourages believers to look forward to the glory of eternal life in the New Jerusalem.

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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