Revelation 21:18
And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass.
REVELATION 21:18
Verse 18 contrasts the city’s building materials: “the building of the wall… was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass.” This juxtaposition of jasper with pure gold creates a vision of unearthly radiance and value. The walls, walls of jasper, signal durability and beauty. The city’s gold “like clear glass” suggests that wealth and beauty are not for show but for radiant transparency—glory without opacity. The imagery is intentionally paradoxical: something precious and radiant that remains clear and uncontaminated by opacity—an emblem of divine purity saturating all of creation.
The verse communicates both the majesty and purity of the new creation. The materials symbolize divine beauty refined beyond earthly limitations, while the transparency implies perfect revelation and trust between God and his people. The imagery points to the consistency of God’s redemptive work—majesty clothed in purity, accessible through faith in Christ.
Apply this by seeking integrity and beauty that reflect divine light. Practical steps: (1) pursue authenticity in your relationships and responsibilities. (2) value genuine transparency—own your mistakes and share your struggles in trusted communities. (3) cultivate beauty that honors God—creative expressions, acts of service, and generosity that reveal the city’s radiance. (4) reduce cynicism; replace it with trust in God’s goodness, allowing others to see a clear, hopeful faith.
Cross-References: Exodus 28:17-20; Revelation 4:3; 1 John 1:5; Proverbs 25:2