A.T. Robertson Commentary Revelation 21:11

A.T. Robertson Commentary

Revelation 21:11

1863–1934
Southern Baptist
A.T. Robertson
A.T. Robertson

A.T. Robertson Commentary

Revelation 21:11

1863–1934
Southern Baptist
SCRIPTURE

"having the glory of God: her light was like unto a stone most precious, as it were a jasper stone, clear as crystal:" — Revelation 21:11 (ASV)

Having the glory of God (εχουσαν την δοξαν του θεου). Syntactically this clause goes with verse 10, the feminine accusative singular participle εχουσαν agreeing with πολιν, the radiance of the dazzling splendour of God as seen in Isa 60:1; Ezekiel 43:5. God's very presence is in the Holy City (the Bride).

Light (φωστηρ). "Luminary," late word (in LXX, papyri), in N.T. only here and Php 2:15. Christ is the light (φως) of the world (John 8:12) and so are Christians (Matthew 5:14) who have received the illumination (φωτισμος) of God in the face of Christ (2 Corinthians 4:6) and who radiate it to men . See both words in Ge 1:3,14. "The 'luminary' of the Holy City is her witness to Christ" (Swete).

Like unto a stone most precious (ομοιος λιθω τιμιωτατω). Associative instrumental case after ομοιος. Τιμιωτατω is the elative superlative.

As it were a jasper stone (ως λιθω ιασπιδ). As in 4:3, which see.

Clear as crystal (κρυσταλλιζοντ). Verb not found elsewhere from κρυσταλλος (old word, 4:6; 22:1), "of crystalline brightness and transparency" (Thayer), "transparent and gleaming as rock-crystal" (Moffatt).