ἴασπις (iaspis)
iaspis
jasper
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun iaspis refers to jasper, a precious and translucent stone known in antiquity for its varied colors, including purple, blue, green, and brass-like hues. In the New Testament, this word appears only four times, all within the Book of Revelation, where it serves as a key element in John’s visionary descriptions of heaven.
Its usage traces back to the Old Testament Greek translation, where it identifies specific gems in the high priest’s breastplate and symbolizes the divine city in Ezekiel. In Revelation 4:3, the stone surrounds God’s throne, while in chapter 21, it describes both the glory of the New Jerusalem and one of the foundation stones of its walls. This consistent placement highlights its role in portraying divine majesty and sacred architecture.
Although modern geology distinguishes jasper as an opaque variety of quartz, the ancient understanding emphasized its luminous quality. The sources note that early readers would have recognized it not just as a decorative gem, but as a material reflecting light and holiness, fitting for the most exalted scenes in biblical prophecy.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Jasper appears in Scripture not as a common rock, but as a stone of radiant light. In Revelation, it frames the very presence of God on His throne and defines the beauty of the New Jerusalem. This imagery invites us to see holiness not as something distant or cold, but as luminous, pure, and full of glory. The ancient understanding of jasper emphasized its ability to reflect light, suggesting that divine reality shines with a clarity that transforms everything it touches.
When John describes the New Jerusalem having walls of jasper, he is painting a picture of permanence and sacredness. This precious stone anchors the holy city, reminding believers that God’s dwelling place is built on truth and beauty. For your faith, this offers comfort: the home prepared for you is not made of fragile materials, but of enduring glory. It reflects a reality where sin and sorrow are gone, replaced by the clear light of God’s presence.
Understanding jasper helps us appreciate the richness of biblical symbolism. It connects the Old Testament priestly garments to the New Testament heavenly vision, showing a consistent theme of God’s holiness. As you read these passages, let them deepen your awe for who God is. The hope of sharing in this eternal city is a sure promise, offering peace and joy to all who trust in Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- jasper2×
- jasper,1×
- [was] jasper,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἴασπις,2×
- ἰάσπιδι2×
Key Verses
-
Revelation of John 4:3
that looked like a jasper stone and a sardius. There was a rainbow around the throne, like an emerald to look at.
This verse places jasper directly around God’s throne, using the stone to visually represent His radiant glory and majesty.
-
Revelation of John 21:11
having the glory of God. Her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;
Here jasper describes the city’s overall light, comparing its clarity to crystal to show how God’s glory permeates the holy place.
-
Revelation of John 21:19
The foundations of the city’s wall were adorned with all kinds of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald,
As the first foundation stone, jasper establishes the secure and precious basis of the New Jerusalem’s walls.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does jasper mean in the Bible?
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Is jasper the same as modern jasper?
Every Occurrence (4 verses across 1 books)
Revelation of John 4 verses
that looked like a jasper stone and a sardius. There was a rainbow around the throne, like an emerald to look at.
Revelation of John 21:11having the glory of God. Her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;
Revelation of John 21:18The construction of its wall was jasper. The city was pure gold, like pure glass.
Revelation of John 21:19The foundations of the city’s wall were adorned with all kinds of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper, the…