King James Version

What Does Revelation 21:20 Mean?

Revelation 21:20 in the King James Version says “The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a ch...” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Revelation 21:20 · KJV

Context

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.

22

And I saw no temple therein : for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.

Read Revelation 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The continuation of foundation stones' description emphasizes comprehensive beauty and variety. The specific stones (sardonyx, sardius, chrysolite, beryl, topaz, chrysoprase, jacinth, amethyst) showcase different colors and properties, demonstrating that the foundation's beauty is multifaceted. Each stone's uniqueness within the unified foundation illustrates unity in diversity. Reformed theology sees this as the church's catholicity—diverse members united on one foundation. The precious nature of all twelve emphasizes that apostolic witness is uniformly valuable, not ranking some higher than others.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient gemology recognized these stones' varying properties—hardness, color, transparency. Together they represented comprehensive beauty. The list's specificity (naming each stone) reflects attention to detail in God's design. This vision assured believers that the foundation supporting eternal dwelling was both beautiful and secure, built on the comprehensive witness of all twelve apostles.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does each stone's unique beauty within the one foundation encourage you to appreciate diversity within the unified church?
  2. What does the precious nature of all twelve stones teach about the equal inspiration and authority of all New Testament Scripture?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
ὁ1 of 24
G3588

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

πέμπτος2 of 24

“The fifth”

G3991

fifth

σαρδόνυξ3 of 24

“sardonyx”

G4557

a "sardonyx", i.e., the gem so called

ὁ4 of 24
G3588

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

ἕκτος5 of 24

“the sixth”

G1623

sixth

σάρδιος·6 of 24

“sardius”

G4556

sardian (3037 being implied), i.e., (as noun) the gem so called

ὁ7 of 24
G3588

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

ἕβδομος8 of 24

“the seventh”

G1442

seventh

χρυσόλιθος9 of 24

“chrysolite”

G5555

gold-stone, i.e., a yellow gem ("chrysolite")

ὁ10 of 24
G3588

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

ὄγδοος11 of 24

“the eighth”

G3590

the eighth

βήρυλλος12 of 24

“beryl”

G969

a "beryl"

ὁ13 of 24
G3588

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

ἔνατος14 of 24

“the ninth”

G1766

ninth

τοπάζιον15 of 24

“a topaz”

G5116

a gem, probably the chrysolite

ὁ16 of 24
G3588

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

δέκατος17 of 24

“the tenth”

G1182

tenth

χρυσόπρασος18 of 24

“a chrysoprasus”

G5556

a greenish-yellow gem, chrysoprasus (chrysoprase)

ὁ19 of 24
G3588

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

ἑνδέκατος20 of 24

“the eleventh”

G1734

eleventh

ὑάκινθος21 of 24

“a jacinth”

G5192

the "hyacinth" or "jacinth", i.e., some gem of a deep blue color, probably the zirkon

ὁ22 of 24
G3588

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

δωδέκατος23 of 24

“the twelfth”

G1428

twelfth

ἀμέθυστος24 of 24

“an amethyst”

G271

the "amethyst" (supposed to prevent intoxication)

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 21:20 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 21:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 4:3

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