Revelation 4:3

Translations

Modern

The One seated there looked like jasper and carnelian, and a rainbow that gleamed like an emerald encircled the throne.

Traditional

And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.

Literal

…and the One sitting, in appearance was like jasper and carnelian stone. And a rainbow was around the throne, in appearance like an emerald.

Latin

Et qui sedebat similis erat aspectui lapidis jaspidis, et sardinis: et iris erat in circuitu sedis similis visioni smaragdinæ.

Original

Greek

English

The One seated there looked like jasper and carnelian, and a rainbow that gleamed like an emerald encircled the throne.

Notes

Revelation 4:3

Instead of creating a visual image of God (Exodus 20:4; Deuteronomy 4:15–19), John uses gemstones and the rainbow (Genesis 9:8–17; Ezekiel 1:28) to suggest God's qualities. The rainbow represents God's grace, reminding us of God's promise to Noah (Genesis 9:13–17) that he would never again flood the earth. However, in Revelation, the earth is destroyed by fire (Genesis 19:24–29).

Revelation 4:1–11

The description of God’s throne room is beyond what people can easily imagine. It continues the visions in Isaiah 6:1–4, Ezekiel 1:4–28, and Daniel 7:9–10, where God is seen on a powerful and majestic throne. God’s throne is a central theme in Revelation. The worship that appears throughout the rest of the book begins from this scene. God’s greatness, grace, and glory form the foundation of the church’s worship.

Revelation 4:1–5:14

This section introduces upcoming visions and judgments. John presents God in his heavenly court, which is the setting for the drama of Revelation (Revelation 4:1–11). The Lamb also plays a central role (Revelation 5:1–14). John contrasts God's majesty with the supposed majesty of Caesar. God's power and splendor surpass any earthly ruler's ceremonial court.

Theme notes and profiles

Celebration The Theater and Revelation Visions

Related verses

Ezekiel 1:28
The appearance of the brilliant light all around Him was like that of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell facedown and heard a voice speaking.
Revelation 21:11
…shining with the glory of God. Its radiance was like a most precious jewel, like a jasper, as clear as crystal.
Genesis 9:13–16
I have set My rainbow in the clouds, and it will be a sign of the covenant between Me and the earth.
Revelation 10:1
Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven, wrapped in a cloud, with a rainbow above his head. His face was like the sun, and his legs were like pillars of fire.
Ezekiel 28:13
You were in Eden, the garden of God. Every kind of precious stone adorned you: ruby, topaz, and diamond, beryl, onyx, and jasper, sapphire, turquoise, and emerald. Your mountings and settings were crafted in gold, prepared on the day of your creation.
Ezekiel 1:26
Above the expanse over their heads was the likeness of a throne with the appearance of sapphire, and on the throne high above was a figure like that of a man.
Revelation 21:19–20
The foundations of the city walls were adorned with every kind of precious stone: The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald,
Exodus 24:10
…and they saw the God of Israel. Under His feet was a work like a pavement made of sapphire, as clear as the sky itself.
Exodus 39:11
…the second row had a turquoise, a sapphire, and a diamond;
Exodus 28:18
…in the second row a turquoise, a sapphire, and a diamond;
Isaiah 54:9–10
“For to Me this is like the days of Noah, when I swore that the waters of Noah would never again cover the earth. So I have sworn that I will not be angry with you or rebuke you.

Glossary

Book of Revelation Emerald Glorification Jasper King Praise Rainbow Sardine Stone Throne

Topics

Bow: A Token in the Clouds Emerald: Color of the Rainbow God's Appearance Precious Stones: Emerald Precious Stones: Jasper Precious Stones: Sardine or Sardius Rainbow: Symbolical Sardius: Figurative Throne of Christ Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: A Rainbow and the Throne

Revelation 4:3

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