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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Revelation 4:3 The One seated there looked like jasper and carnelian, and a rainbow that gleamed like an emerald encircled the throne.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/revelation/4-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/66_Rev_04_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Revelation 4:3 - The Throne in Heaven" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The One seated there looked like jasper and carnelian, and a rainbow that gleamed like an emerald encircled the throne." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/revelation/4-3.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/revelation/4-3.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/revelation/">Revelation</a> > <a href="/revelation/4.htm">Chapter 4</a> > Verse 3</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad3.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/revelation/4-2.htm" title="Revelation 4:2">◄</a> Revelation 4:3 <a href="/revelation/4-4.htm" title="Revelation 4:4">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/revelation/4.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/revelation/4.htm">New International Version</a> And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and ruby. A rainbow that shone like an emerald encircled the throne. <a href="/nlt/revelation/4.htm">New Living Translation</a> The one sitting on the throne was as brilliant as gemstones—like jasper and carnelian. And the glow of an emerald circled his throne like a rainbow. <a href="/esv/revelation/4.htm">English Standard Version</a> And he who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian, and around the throne was a rainbow that had the appearance of an emerald. <a href="/bsb/revelation/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> The One seated there looked like jasper and carnelian, and a rainbow that gleamed like an emerald encircled the throne. <a href="/blb/revelation/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> and the One sitting, in appearance was like jasper and carnelian stone. And a rainbow was around the throne, in appearance like an emerald. <a href="/kjv/revelation/4.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/revelation/4.htm">New King James Version</a> And He who sat there was like a jasper and a sardius stone in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, in appearance like an emerald. <a href="/nasb_/revelation/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And He who was sitting was like a jasper stone and a sardius in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, like an emerald in appearance. <a href="/nasb/revelation/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> And He who was sitting was like a jasper stone and a sardius in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, like an emerald in appearance. <a href="/nasb77/revelation/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And He who was sitting was like a jasper stone and a sardius in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, like an emerald in appearance. <a href="/lsb/revelation/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And He who was sitting was like a jasper stone and a sardius in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, like an emerald in appearance. <a href="/amp/revelation/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> And He who sat there appeared like [the crystalline sparkle of] a jasper stone and [the fiery redness of] a sardius stone, and encircling the throne there was a rainbow that looked like [the color of an] emerald. <a href="/csb/revelation/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> The one seated there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian stone. A rainbow that had the appearance of an emerald surrounded the throne. <a href="/hcsb/revelation/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> and the One seated looked like jasper and carnelian stone. A rainbow that looked like an emerald surrounded the throne. <a href="/asv/revelation/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> and he that sat was to look upon like a jasper stone and a sardius: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, like an emerald to look upon. <a href="/cev/revelation/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> The one who was sitting there sparkled like precious stones of jasper and carnelian. A rainbow that looked like an emerald surrounded the throne. <a href="/erv/revelation/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> and he that sat was to look upon like a jasper stone and a sardius: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, like an emerald to look upon. <a href="/gwt/revelation/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> The one sitting there looked like gray quartz and red quartz. There was a rainbow around the throne which looked like an emerald. <a href="/gnt/revelation/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> His face gleamed like such precious stones as jasper and carnelian, and all around the throne there was a rainbow the color of an emerald. <a href="/isv/revelation/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> The person sitting there looked like jasper and carnelian, and there was a rainbow around the throne that looked like an emerald. <a href="/msb/revelation/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> The One seated there looked like jasper and carnelian, and a rainbow that gleamed like an emerald encircled the throne. <a href="/net/revelation/4.htm">NET Bible</a> And the one seated on it was like jasper and carnelian in appearance, and a rainbow looking like it was made of emerald encircled the throne. <a href="/nheb/revelation/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> And the one who sat there looked like a jasper stone and a sardius. There was a rainbow around the throne, like an emerald to look at. <a href="/wbt/revelation/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And he that sat was in appearance like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow around the throne in sight like an emerald. <a href="/wey/revelation/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> The appearance of Him who sat there was like jasper or sard; and encircling the throne was a rainbow, in appearance like an emerald. <a href="/web/revelation/4.htm">World English Bible</a> that looked like a jasper stone and a sardius. There was a rainbow around the throne, like an emerald to look at. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/revelation/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and He who is sitting was in appearance like a stone, jasper and sardine: and a rainbow was around the throne in appearance like an emerald. <a href="/blb/revelation/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> and the One sitting, in appearance was like jasper and carnelian stone. And a rainbow was around the throne, in appearance like an emerald. <a href="/ylt/revelation/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and He who is sitting was in sight like a stone, jasper and sardine: and a rainbow was round the throne in sight like an emerald. <a href="/slt/revelation/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And he sitting was like the vision to a jasper stone and a sardine; and a rainbow round about the throne, like the vision to an emerald.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/revelation/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And he that sat, was to the sight like the jasper and the sardine stone; and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald. <a href="/cpdv/revelation/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And the One who was sitting there was similar in appearance to a stone of jasper and sardius. And there was an iridescence surrounding the throne, in aspect similar to an emerald. <a href="/nabre/revelation/4.htm">New American Bible</a> one whose appearance sparkled like jasper and carnelian. Around the throne was a halo as brilliant as an emerald. <a href="/nrsvce/revelation/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> And the one seated there looks like jasper and carnelian, and around the throne is a rainbow that looks like an emerald.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/revelation/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And he who sat resembled a stone of jasper and sardonyx and round about the throne was a rainbow resembling emeralds. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/revelation/4.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And he who sat was as the likeness of the appearance of Jasper red quartz stone and of red and white Sardius, and a rainbow of the clouds which encircled the throne was like the appearance of an emerald;<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/revelation/4.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> and he that sat was, in appearance, like a jasper and sardine-stone: and there was round about the throne a rainbow, in appearance like an emerald. <a href="/godbey/revelation/4.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> and the one sitting was in appearance like unto a jasper and a sardius stone: and a rainbow was around about the throne, in appearance like unto an emerald. <a href="/haweis/revelation/4.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> And he that sat was in appearance like a stone of jasper and sardine: and a rainbow encircled the throne, like in hue to an emerald. <a href="/mace/revelation/4.htm">Mace New Testament</a> he that sat, appear'd to the sight, like a jasper, and a sardine stone: and there was an arch like a rain-bow, round about the throne, which had the appearance of an emerald. <a href="/wey/revelation/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> The appearance of Him who sat there was like jasper or sard; and encircling the throne was a rainbow, in appearance like an emerald. <a href="/worrell/revelation/4.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> and He Who was sitting was, in appearance, like a jasper stone and a sardius; there was a rainbow round about the throne, in appearance, like an emerald; <a href="/worsley/revelation/4.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> And He that sat upon it, was to look at like a jasper and a sardine stone, and there was a rainbow round the throne like the appearance of an emerald. <a href="/parallel/revelation/4-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LJfD7KQcx0I?start=891" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/revelation/4.htm">The Throne in Heaven</a> …2At once I was in the Spirit, and I saw a throne standing in heaven, with someone seated on it. 3<a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">The One</a> <a href="/greek/2521.htm" title="2521: kathēmenos (V-PPM/P-NMS) -- To sit, be seated, enthroned; I dwell, reside. From kata; and hemai; to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside.">seated there</a> <a href="/greek/3706.htm" title="3706: horasei (N-DFS) -- A sight, vision, appearance. From horao; the act of gazing, i.e. an aspect or an inspired appearance.">looked</a> <a href="/greek/3664.htm" title="3664: homoios (Adj-NMS) -- Like, similar to, resembling, of equal rank. From the base of homou; similar.">like</a> <a href="/greek/2393.htm" title="2393: iaspidi (N-DFS) -- Jasper; a precious stone. Probably of foreign origin; jasper, a gem.">jasper</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/4556.htm" title="4556: sardiō (N-DNS) -- Carnelian, a precious stone. Properly, an adjective from an uncertain base; sardian, i.e. the gem so called.">carnelian,</a> <a href="/greek/3037.htm" title="3037: lithō (N-DMS) -- A stone; met: of Jesus as the chief stone in a building. Apparently a primary word; a stone."></a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/2463.htm" title="2463: iris (N-NFS) -- A rainbow or halo. Perhaps from ereo; a rainbow.">a rainbow</a> <a href="/greek/3706.htm" title="3706: horasei (N-DFS) -- A sight, vision, appearance. From horao; the act of gazing, i.e. an aspect or an inspired appearance.">that gleamed</a> <a href="/greek/3664.htm" title="3664: homoios (Adj-NMS) -- Like, similar to, resembling, of equal rank. From the base of homou; similar.">like</a> <a href="/greek/4664.htm" title="4664: smaragdinō (Adj-DMS) -- Made of emerald, emerald-green. From smaragdos; consisting of emerald.">an emerald</a> <a href="/greek/2943.htm" title="2943: kyklothen (Prep) -- In a circle round, round about. Adverb from the same as kukloi; from the circle, i.e. All around.">encircled</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/2362.htm" title="2362: thronou (N-GMS) -- From thrao; a stately seat; by implication, power or a potentate.">throne.</a> 4Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and on these thrones sat twenty-four elders dressed in white, with golden crowns on their heads.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/ezekiel/1-26.htm">Ezekiel 1:26-28</a> 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. / From what seemed to be His waist up, I saw a gleam like amber, with what looked like fire within it all around. And from what seemed to be His waist down, I saw what looked like fire; and brilliant light surrounded Him. / 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. <a href="/exodus/24-10.htm">Exodus 24:10</a> 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. <a href="/isaiah/6-1.htm">Isaiah 6:1-4</a> In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted; and the train of His robe filled the temple. / Above Him stood seraphim, each having six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. / And they were calling out to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; all the earth is full of His glory.” ... <a href="/daniel/7-9.htm">Daniel 7:9-10</a> As I continued to watch, thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took His seat. His clothing was white as snow, and the hair of His head was like pure wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze. / A river of fire was flowing, coming out from His presence. Thousands upon thousands attended Him, and myriads upon myriads stood before Him. The court was convened, and the books were opened. <a href="/ezekiel/10-1.htm">Ezekiel 10:1</a> And I looked and saw above the expanse, above the heads of the cherubim, the likeness of a throne of sapphire. <a href="/exodus/28-17.htm">Exodus 28:17-21</a> And mount on it a setting of gemstones, four rows of stones: In the first row there shall be a ruby, a topaz, and an emerald; / in the second row a turquoise, a sapphire, and a diamond; / in the third row a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst; ... <a href="/isaiah/54-11.htm">Isaiah 54:11-12</a> “O afflicted city, lashed by storms, without solace, surely I will set your stones in antimony and lay your foundations with sapphires. / I will make your pinnacles of rubies, your gates of sparkling jewels, and all your walls of precious stones. <a href="/ezekiel/1-4.htm">Ezekiel 1:4-5</a> I looked and saw a whirlwind coming from the north, a great cloud with fire flashing back and forth and brilliant light all around it. In the center of the fire was a gleam like amber, / and within it was the form of four living creatures. And this was their appearance: They had a human form, <a href="/ezekiel/1-22.htm">Ezekiel 1:22</a> Spread out above the heads of the living creatures was the likeness of an awesome expanse, gleaming like crystal. <a href="/ezekiel/1-16.htm">Ezekiel 1:16</a> The workmanship of the wheels looked like the gleam of beryl, and all four had the same likeness. Their workmanship looked like a wheel within a wheel. <a href="/ezekiel/1-18.htm">Ezekiel 1:18</a> Their rims were high and awesome, and all four rims were full of eyes all around. <a href="/ezekiel/1-27.htm">Ezekiel 1:27</a> From what seemed to be His waist up, I saw a gleam like amber, with what looked like fire within it all around. And from what seemed to be His waist down, I saw what looked like fire; and brilliant light surrounded Him. <a href="/ezekiel/10-9.htm">Ezekiel 10:9</a> Then I looked and saw four wheels beside the cherubim, one wheel beside each cherub. And the wheels gleamed like a beryl stone. <a href="/ezekiel/10-12.htm">Ezekiel 10:12</a> Their entire bodies, including their backs, hands, and wings, were full of eyes all around, as were their four wheels. <a href="/ezekiel/10-19.htm">Ezekiel 10:19-20</a> As I watched, the cherubim lifted their wings and rose up from the ground, with the wheels beside them as they went. And they stopped at the entrance of the east gate of the house of the LORD, with the glory of the God of Israel above them. / These were the living creatures I had seen beneath the God of Israel by the River Kebar, and I knew that they were cherubim.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And he that sat was to look on like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like to an emerald.like a.<a href="/revelation/21-11.htm">Revelation 21:11,19,20</a> Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal; … <a href="/exodus/24-10.htm">Exodus 24:10</a> 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.<a href="/ezekiel/1-26.htm">Ezekiel 1:26</a> And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone: and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it.a rainbow.<a href="/revelation/10-1.htm">Revelation 10:1</a> And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire:<a href="/genesis/9-13.htm">Genesis 9:13-16</a> I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth… <a href="/isaiah/54-9.htm">Isaiah 54:9,10</a> For this is as the waters of Noah unto me: for as I have sworn that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth; so have I sworn that I would not be wroth with thee, nor rebuke thee… like unto.<a href="/revelation/21-19.htm">Revelation 21:19</a> And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald;<a href="/exodus/28-18.htm">Exodus 28:18</a> And the second row shall be an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond.<a href="/exodus/39-11.htm">Exodus 39:11</a> And the second row, an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/james/1-11.htm">Appearance</a> <a href="/1_john/3-8.htm">Appeared</a> <a href="/amos/9-6.htm">Arch</a> <a href="/ezekiel/28-13.htm">Carnelian</a> <a href="/ezekiel/28-13.htm">Emerald</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-30.htm">Encircled</a> <a href="/isaiah/29-3.htm">Encircling</a> <a href="/revelation/3-18.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/revelation/4-2.htm">High</a> <a href="/ezekiel/28-13.htm">Jasper</a> <a href="/1_john/2-9.htm">Light</a> <a href="/ezekiel/1-28.htm">Rainbow</a> <a href="/revelation/2-18.htm">Resembling</a> <a href="/revelation/1-13.htm">Round</a> <a href="/ezekiel/28-13.htm">Sardius</a> <a href="/revelation/4-2.htm">Sat</a> <a href="/revelation/4-2.htm">Seat</a> <a href="/1_john/3-22.htm">Sight</a> <a href="/revelation/4-2.htm">Sitting</a> <a href="/revelation/2-17.htm">Stone</a> <a href="/revelation/4-2.htm">Throne</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/revelation/9-7.htm">Appearance</a> <a href="/revelation/6-2.htm">Appeared</a> <a href="/revelation/10-1.htm">Arch</a> <a href="/revelation/21-20.htm">Carnelian</a> <a href="/revelation/21-19.htm">Emerald</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/2-1.htm">Encircled</a> <a href="/1_kings/7-18.htm">Encircling</a> <a href="/revelation/4-6.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/revelation/4-4.htm">High</a> <a href="/revelation/21-11.htm">Jasper</a> <a href="/revelation/7-16.htm">Light</a> <a href="/revelation/10-1.htm">Rainbow</a> <a href="/revelation/4-6.htm">Resembling</a> <a href="/revelation/4-4.htm">Round</a> <a href="/revelation/21-19.htm">Sardius</a> <a href="/revelation/4-4.htm">Sat</a> <a href="/revelation/4-4.htm">Seat</a> <a href="/revelation/11-12.htm">Sight</a> <a href="/revelation/4-4.htm">Sitting</a> <a href="/revelation/9-20.htm">Stone</a> <a href="/revelation/4-4.htm">Throne</a><div class="vheading2">Revelation 4</div>1. <a href="/revelation/4-1.htm">John sees the throne of God in heaven.</a> 4. <a href="/revelation/4-4.htm">The twenty-four elders.</a> 6. <a href="/revelation/4-6.htm">The four beasts full of eyes before and behind.</a> 10. <a href="/revelation/4-10.htm">The elders lay down their crowns, and worship him who sat on the throne.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/revelation/4.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/revelation/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/revelation/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>The One seated there looked like jasper and carnelian In this vision, the One seated on the throne is God. The imagery of jasper and carnelian is significant. Jasper, in biblical times, was a clear, precious stone, possibly resembling a diamond, symbolizing purity and holiness. Carnelian, a red stone, may represent the fiery nature of God's judgment and His righteous wrath. Together, these stones convey the majesty and glory of God, emphasizing His divine nature and the awe-inspiring presence that John witnesses. This imagery aligns with other biblical descriptions of God's appearance, such as in <a href="/ezekiel/1-26.htm">Ezekiel 1:26-28</a>, where God's glory is depicted with radiant colors.and a rainbow that gleamed like an emerald encircled the throne The rainbow encircling the throne is reminiscent of the covenant God made with Noah in <a href="/genesis/9-13.htm">Genesis 9:13-17</a>, symbolizing God's mercy and faithfulness. The emerald color suggests a sense of peace and tranquility, contrasting with the fiery imagery of the stones. This combination of judgment and mercy reflects the dual aspects of God's character. The circular nature of the rainbow indicates completeness and eternity, reinforcing the idea of God's eternal covenant with His creation. The presence of the rainbow in this heavenly vision underscores the continuity of God's promises and His unchanging nature throughout biblical history.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/t/the_one_seated_on_the_throne.htm">The One Seated on the Throne</a> This refers to God Himself, depicted in a vision of majesty and holiness. The imagery used emphasizes His glory and sovereignty. 2. <a href="/topical/j/jasper_and_carnelian.htm">Jasper and Carnelian</a> These are precious stones used to describe the appearance of God. Jasper is often associated with purity and clarity, while carnelian (or sardius) is a red stone symbolizing sacrifice and redemption. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_throne.htm">The Throne</a> Represents God's authority and rule over all creation. It is central to the vision and signifies His ultimate power and majesty. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_rainbow.htm">The Rainbow</a> Encircling the throne, the rainbow symbolizes God's covenant faithfulness and mercy. Its emerald appearance suggests a sense of peace and life. 5. <a href="/topical/j/john_the_apostle.htm">John the Apostle</a> The author of Revelation, who receives this vision while exiled on the island of Patmos. He is the one describing the scene.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_and_majesty.htm">God's Sovereignty and Majesty</a> The imagery of precious stones and the throne emphasizes God's supreme authority and the awe-inspiring nature of His presence. <a href="/topical/c/covenant_faithfulness.htm">Covenant Faithfulness</a> The rainbow signifies God's enduring promises and His faithfulness to His covenants, reminding believers of His unchanging nature. <a href="/topical/h/holiness_and_purity.htm">Holiness and Purity</a> The use of jasper and carnelian highlights the purity and holiness of God, calling believers to live lives that reflect His character. <a href="/topical/p/peace_and_assurance.htm">Peace and Assurance</a> The emerald rainbow suggests peace and assurance, encouraging believers to trust in God's promises and His control over all circumstances.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_revelation_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Revelation 4</a> <a href="/q/what's_the_emerald_rainbow's_meaning.htm">What is the significance of the emerald rainbow?</a> <a href="/q/who_was_thomas_the_twin_in_the_bible.htm">What is the significance of the emerald rainbow?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_a_rainbow_symbolize.htm">What does a rainbow symbolize?</a> <a href="/q/why_is_god's_throne_in_rev_4_2-3_symbolic.htm">Why does Revelation 4:2-3 depict God's throne in such vivid, symbolic imagery that lacks any archaeological or scientific evidence?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/revelation/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3) And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone.--In determining the significance of these emblems we must be guided partly by the analogy of Bible imagery elsewhere, and partly by our knowledge of precious stones. The sardian, or sardine, is admitted to be a stone of fiery red colour; the emerald, to which the bow round the throne is compared, is almost certainly a bright green; the hue of the jasper is the difficulty. The jasper--the last stone in the high-priest's breastplate, and first of the twelve foundations of the New Jerusalem (<a href="/exodus/28-20.htm" title="And the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper: they shall be set in gold in their settings.">Exodus 28:20</a>, and <a href="/revelation/21-19.htm" title="And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald;">Revelation 21:19</a>)--is described by the best authorities as a dark, opaque green. Such a colour is quite in harmony with the colours of the other stones in the breastplate, and particularly with the foundation stones, which seem to be arranged in shades of colour (see Notes on <a href="/revelation/21-19.htm" title="And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald;">Revelation 21:19</a> et seq.); but the dark opaque green would be an ill combination with the red sardius and the green emerald in the vision of the present chapter. Is there no further light? We have a jasper stone spoken of in <a href="/revelation/21-11.htm" title="Having the glory of God: and her light was like to a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;">Revelation 21:11</a>; <a href="/revelation/21-18.htm" title="And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like to clear glass.">Revelation 21:18</a>, with the descriptive phrase, "clear as crystal!" Does not this point to a stone somewhat different in appearance from that spoken of simply as jasper? Such a clear crystal stone would be the most natural companion to the sardine, and the combination of the sparkling brightness and fiery red suits the union of brightness and flame which appears elsewhere in the Bible (comp, <a href="/revelation/1-14.htm" title="His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;">Revelation 1:14</a>; <a href="/revelation/11-1.htm" title="And there was given me a reed like to a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein.">Revelation 11:1</a>; <a href="/ezekiel/1-4.htm" title="And I looked, and, behold, a whirlwind came out of the north, a great cloud, and a fire enfolding itself, and a brightness was about it, and out of the middle thereof as the color of amber, out of the middle of the fire.">Ezekiel 1:4</a>; <a href="/ezekiel/8-2.htm" title="Then I beheld, and see a likeness as the appearance of fire: from the appearance of his loins even downward, fire; and from his loins even upward, as the appearance of brightness, as the color of amber.">Ezekiel 8:2</a>; <a href="/daniel/7-9.htm" title="I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.">Daniel 7:9</a>), and is best understood of the holiness and righteousness of God. The latter half of this verse shows us these surrounded by the emerald-coloured bow, the evident symbol of the divine mercy. The allusion to the bow in the cloud (<a href="/context/genesis/9-12.htm" title="And God said, This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations:">Genesis 9:12-16</a>) is obvious; the bow completely encircled the throne, as mercy encompassing judgment. It was a covenant token, bearing witness to God's faithfulness in dark times, God's care for the ark of His Church, and His mercy shining forth after storm. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/revelation/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 3. - And he that sat was to look upon like, etc.; or, he that sat like in appearance (δράσει). The word ὅρασις is found in this verse and in two other places only in the New Testament, viz. in <a href="/acts/2-17.htm">Acts 2:17</a> (where it is part of a quotation from Joel) and in <a href="/revelation/9-17.htm">Revelation 9:17</a>. In the latter place the expression is ἐν τῇ ὁράσει, and the presence of the preposition, together with the article, seems to justify the rendering "in the vision." In the Septuagint ὅρασις is frequently used to signify either "vision" or "appearance" (see <a href="/1_samuel/3-1.htm">1 Samuel 3:1</a>; <a href="/isaiah/1-1.htm">Isaiah 1:1</a>; <a href="/lamentations/2-9.htm">Lamentations 2:9</a>; <a href="/ezekiel/7-13.htm">Ezekiel 7:13</a>; <a href="/daniel/1-17.htm">Daniel 1:17</a> and Daniel 8:1; <a href="/obadiah/1-1.htm">Obadiah 1:1</a>; <a href="/nahum/1-1.htm">Nahum 1:1</a>; <a href="/habakkuk/2-2.htm">Habakkuk 2:2</a>; and many others, where it is "vision." Also <a href="/judges/13-6.htm">Judges 13:6</a>; <a href="/ezekiel/1-5.htm">Ezekiel 1:5, 13, 26-28</a>; <a href="/daniel/8-15.htm">Daniel 8:15</a>; <a href="/nahum/2-4.htm">Nahum 2:4</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/16-12.htm">1 Samuel 16:12</a>; and many others, where it is "appearance"). In the classics, ὅραμα signifies a "vision;" ὅρασις, "sight," the power of seeing. A jasper and a sardine stone. The jasper was the last, and the sardius the first stone of the high priest's breastplate (<a href="/exodus/28-17.htm">Exodus 28:17</a>). The jasper was the first, and the sardius the sixth of the foundations of the heavenly Jerusalem (<a href="/revelation/21-19.htm">Revelation 21:19, 20</a>). Much doubt is attached to the whole subject of the precious stones of the Bible. The modern jasper is opaque, while it is evident that the jasper of the Revelation is remarkable for its translucent character (see <a href="/revelation/21-11.htm">Revelation 21:11</a>, "jasper stone. clear as crystal;" 21:18, "The building of the wall of it was of jasper; and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass"). It is evident that the stone was characterized by purity and brilliancy - features which seem to point it out as the modern diamond. The varying colour, which, according to some authorities, the jasper possessed, is not inconsistent with this view. It is curious, too, that in <a href="/exodus/28-18.htm">Exodus 28:18</a>, the Hebrew יַהְלַם, which in the Authorized Version is rendered "diamond," is represented in the LXX. by ἴασπις; while in ver. 20, יָשְׂפֶה the English "jasper," is ὀνύχιον. The sardius was the carnelian, always red, though somewhat varying in shade. The name has been variously derived from (1) the Persian sered, yellowish red; (2) Sardis, as the first place of its discovery; (3) while carnelian is connected with carneus, as being of the colour of raw flesh. But . . . <a href="/commentaries/revelation/4-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>The [One] ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. seated there καθήμενος (kathēmenos) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2521.htm">Strong's 2521: </a> To sit, be seated, enthroned; I dwell, reside. From kata; and hemai; to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside. looked ὁράσει (horasei) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3706.htm">Strong's 3706: </a> A sight, vision, appearance. From horao; the act of gazing, i.e. an aspect or an inspired appearance. like ὅμοιος (homoios) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3664.htm">Strong's 3664: </a> Like, similar to, resembling, of equal rank. From the base of homou; similar. jasper ἰάσπιδι (iaspidi) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2393.htm">Strong's 2393: </a> Jasper; a precious stone. Probably of foreign origin; 'jasper', a gem. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. ruby, σαρδίῳ (sardiō) Noun - Dative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4556.htm">Strong's 4556: </a> Carnelian, a precious stone. Properly, an adjective from an uncertain base; sardian, i.e. the gem so called. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. a rainbow ἶρις (iris) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2463.htm">Strong's 2463: </a> A rainbow or halo. Perhaps from ereo; a rainbow. that gleamed ὁράσει (horasei) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3706.htm">Strong's 3706: </a> A sight, vision, appearance. From horao; the act of gazing, i.e. an aspect or an inspired appearance. like ὅμοιος (homoios) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3664.htm">Strong's 3664: </a> Like, similar to, resembling, of equal rank. From the base of homou; similar. an emerald σμαραγδίνῳ (smaragdinō) Adjective - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4664.htm">Strong's 4664: </a> Made of emerald, emerald-green. From smaragdos; consisting of emerald. encircled κυκλόθεν (kyklothen) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_2943.htm">Strong's 2943: </a> In a circle round, round about. Adverb from the same as kukloi; from the circle, i.e. All around. the τοῦ (tou) Article - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. throne. θρόνου (thronou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2362.htm">Strong's 2362: </a> From thrao; a stately seat; by implication, power or a potentate. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/revelation/4-3.htm">Revelation 4:3 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/revelation/4-3.htm">Revelation 4:3 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/revelation/4-3.htm">Revelation 4:3 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/revelation/4-3.htm">Revelation 4:3 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/revelation/4-3.htm">Revelation 4:3 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/revelation/4-3.htm">Revelation 4:3 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/revelation/4-3.htm">Revelation 4:3 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/revelation/4-3.htm">Revelation 4:3 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/revelation/4-3.htm">Revelation 4:3 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/revelation/4-3.htm">Revelation 4:3 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/revelation/4-3.htm">NT Prophecy: Revelation 4:3 That looked like a jasper stone (Rev. Re Apocalypse)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/revelation/4-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Revelation 4:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Revelation 4:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/revelation/4-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Revelation 4:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Revelation 4:4" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>