Jasper
“Polished or glittering”
Summary
A precious stone of various colors mentioned in Scripture, most notably as the last stone in the high priest's breastplate and as a symbol of divine glory in the book of Revelation.
☩Biblical References
Jasper held the last position among the twelve gems set in the high priest's breastplate, representing the tribe of Benjamin. In Revelation, however, it becomes the first of the twelve foundation stones of the New Jerusalem. The stone also appeared among the precious gems adorning the symbolic king of Tyre in Ezekiel's prophecy. Most significantly, the apostle John uses jasper to describe the appearance of God upon His heavenly throne, stating that 'He who sat there was to look upon like a jasper and a sardius stone.'
☩Identification and Appearance
The ancient jasper described in Scripture differs from the modern stone of that name. Revelation 21:11 describes the jasper as 'most precious' and 'clear as crystal,' characteristics incompatible with modern jasper, which is opaque. The ancient jasper appears to have been frequently translucent and of brilliant, transparent light. Some scholars suggest the biblical jasper may actually refer to the diamond, which better fits the scriptural description. The stone was known in various colors including green, purple, and cerulean, though green predominated. A brown variety existed in Egypt. The Greek term κρυσταλλίζων applied to it indicates a crystalline hue rather than crystal clarity.
☩Symbolic Significance
The jasper serves as a powerful symbol in prophetic literature. In Revelation, the glory of the New Jerusalem is described as having 'the glory of God, and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal.' The jasper thus represents watery crystalline brightness and purity. The wall of the heavenly city is built of jasper, and the entire superstructure partakes of this precious stone. As a symbol of God's communicable glory, the jasper connects to Christ's prayer that His followers might share in divine glory.
Related Verses7 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Jasper," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IV (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.George Morrish, "Jasper," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 3.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Jasper," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).
- 4.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Jasper," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).