What does Revelation 4:3 mean?

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. Revelation 4:3

Explanation

Revelation 4:3 is a verse from the Book of Revelation, a New Testament book of prophetic visions attributed to John of Patmos. This specific verse describes the appearance of the one seated on the throne in a heavenly vision. The description is rich with symbolic imagery: the person is likened to jasper and a sardine stone in appearance, suggesting a majestic and awe-inspiring presence with a complex interplay of colors. The jasper is often associated with a clear, bright crystal, while the sardine stone is a reddish gemstone, likely indicating the blood of Christ or the sacrifice.

Surrounding the throne is a rainbow that looks like an emerald, circling the seat of divine authority. This vivid visual underscores both the majesty and the promise of God, with the rainbow often symbolizing hope and God’s covenant with humanity. The emerald green could symbolize new life or a continuous freshness. In deeper meanings, this imagery depicts the holiness, sovereignty, and eternal nature of God.

Historical Context

Revelation was written in the late first century, a turbulent time for early Christians who faced persecution under the Roman Empire. The writing uses apocalyptic literature style to convey hope and steadfastness to a persecuted community. The imagery draws from Old Testament prophecies, Jewish apocalyptic literature, and first-century symbolism. It encapsulates a vision of God’s ultimate victory over evil and the establishment of His eternal kingdom.

Theological Insights

Many theological interpretations focus on the majesty and holiness of God as portrayed in Revelation 4:3. The imageries of jasper and sardine stone suggest the glory and judgment of God, reflecting His purity and the ultimate redemption through Jesus’ sacrifice. The all-encompassing rainbow signifies not only God’s mercy and grace but also His eternal covenant. These theological themes are central to Christian eschatology, which deals with the end times and the coming of God’s kingdom.

Practical Applications

On a practical level, Revelation 4:3 can inspire individuals to recognize the greatness and authority of God, leading to a deeper sense of reverence and worship. It can also evoke hope amid suffering, reminding believers of God’s promises and His ultimate control over the course of history. Such imagery can encourage the faithful to endure through trials and remain steadfast in their beliefs.

Cross-References

• Ezekiel 1:28: “As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD…”
• Exodus 24:10: “And they saw the God of Israel: and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness.”
• Revelation 21:11: “Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;”

Language Study

In the original Greek text, “jasper” (ἴασπις, iaspis) is likely referring to a precious stone that gleams with crystal clarity, and “sardine” (σαρδίον, sardion) refers to a reddish-brown stone, probably sard. The word “rainbow” is translated from the Greek word “ἶρις” (iris), which carried connotations of a divine sign, similar to the rainbow God set in the sky in Genesis as a sign of His covenant. “Emerald” (σμάραγδος, smaragdos) refers to a green gemstone, emphasizing the color and beauty of the vision.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Similar to the vision in Revelation, other ancient cultures also used gemstones and rainbows as symbols of divine authority or presence. For example, in ancient Egypt, certain stones were associated with gods and were said to hold magical properties. In Greek mythology, the rainbow was personified as the messenger goddess Iris. The usage of precious stones and the image of a throne surrounded by a divine sign would resonate with various cultural contexts and convey the transcendence and authority of the one seated on the throne.

Scientific Perspectives

While the verse is heavy with symbolic meaning, the descriptions of the precious stones and rainbow can also align with natural phenomena. Jasper and sardine stones are identifiable minerals with specific refraction and coloring properties. Emeralds, valued for their green hue, are a variety of the mineral beryl. The rainbow, made by light refracting in water droplets, is a natural occurrence that can surround an observer in a circular form when the conditions are right, although the emerald-green color described would be an unusual interpretation of a natural rainbow.

Commentaries

Biblical commentaries interpret Revelation 4:3 in diverse ways. Some focus on the throne’s imagery as representing God’s unapproachable holiness and transcendent beauty. Others emphasize the comfort and hope in the rainbow, pointing to the promise of redemption and faithfulness. Commentators often remark on the significance of the stones, seeing them as symbols of Christ’s divinity, the resurrection, or the foundation of the New Jerusalem. They all agree on the verse’s rich symbolic nature, intended to convey a sense of awe and the sublimity of the divine realm.