King James Version

What Does Revelation 21:19 Mean?

Revelation 21:19 in the King James Version says “And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was ...” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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;”

Revelation 21:19 · KJV

Context

17

And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel.

18

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

19

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;

20

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

21

And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.

Read Revelation 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The twelve foundation stones adorned with precious stones recalls the high priest's breastplate (Exodus 28:17-20) representing Israel's twelve tribes. Here they represent the twelve apostles (v. 14), showing the church's foundation is apostolic teaching. Each stone's unique color and beauty demonstrates diversity within unity. Reformed theology emphasizes Scripture's foundation for the church—apostolic witness recorded in New Testament. The precious stones represent the incalculable value of this foundation. The foundations' visibility (unlike earthly buildings) shows the church's basis is openly displayed.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient foundations were typically hidden underground, but this city's foundations are visible and adorned, emphasizing transparency and glory. The twelve stones corresponding to twelve apostles established continuity between Christ's original apostles and the eternal church. Precious stone symbolism was familiar from temple imagery and prophetic visions.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the foundation's visibility and beauty challenge you to value and study the apostolic teaching on which the church is built?
  2. What does the correspondence between foundation stones and apostles teach about the church's permanent grounding in New Testament revelation?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 25 words
καὶ1 of 25

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

οἱ2 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεμέλιος3 of 25

“foundation”

G2310

something put down, i.e., a substruction (of a building, etc.), (literally or figuratively)

τοῦ4 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τείχους5 of 25

“of the wall”

G5038

a wall (as formative of a house)

τῆς6 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πόλεως7 of 25

“of the city”

G4172

a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)

παντὶ8 of 25

“all manner of”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

λίθῳ9 of 25

“stones”

G3037

a stone (literally or figuratively)

τιμίῳ10 of 25

“precious”

G5093

valuable, i.e., (objectively) costly, or (subjectively) honored, esteemed, or (figuratively) beloved

κεκοσμημένοι·11 of 25

“were garnished with”

G2885

to put in proper order, i.e., decorate (literally or figuratively); specially, to snuff (a wick)

ὁ12 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεμέλιος13 of 25

“foundation”

G2310

something put down, i.e., a substruction (of a building, etc.), (literally or figuratively)

ὁ14 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πρῶτος15 of 25

“The first”

G4413

foremost (in time, place, order or importance)

ἴασπις16 of 25

“was jasper”

G2393

"jasper", a gem

ὁ17 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δεύτερος18 of 25

“the second”

G1208

(ordinal) second (in time, place, or rank; also adverb)

σάπφειρος·19 of 25

“sapphire”

G4552

a "sapphire" or lapis-lazuli gem

ὁ20 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τρίτος21 of 25

“the third”

G5154

third; neuter (as noun) a third part, or (as adverb) a (or the) third time, thirdly

χαλκηδών22 of 25

“a chalcedony”

G5472

copper-like, i.e., "chalcedony"

ὁ23 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τέταρτος24 of 25

“the fourth”

G5067

fourth

σμάραγδος25 of 25

“an emerald”

G4665

the emerald or green gem so called

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Revelation. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Revelation 21:19 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Revelation 21:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 54:11-12Exodus 28:17-21Job 28:16-19Proverbs 3:15Exodus 29:10-14

Test Your Knowledge

Revelation 21 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRevelation Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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