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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comRobertson Word Pictures - Revelation 4:3 - 4:3
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
To look upon (horasei). Locative case of horasis, old word (from horaō, to see) for appearance (in appearance) as in Eze 1:5, Eze 1:26.
Like a jasper stone (homoios iaspidi). Associative-instrumental case of iaspis, old word (Persian), used for stones of different colors, one opaque like opal, one translucent (Rev 21:11, Rev 21:18., possibly here, only N.T. examples), one a red or yellow stone (Isa 54:12). Some even take it for the diamond. Certainly not our cheap modern jasper.
A sardius (sardiōi). Old word, in N.T. only here and Rev 21:20. The carnelian or other red stone, derived from Sardis (Pliny).
Rainbow (iris). Old word, in N.T. only here and Rev 10:1. From Eze 1:28.
An emerald (smaragdinōi). Adjective (from smaragdos, Rev 21:19), of emerald (supply lithōi), in associative instrumental case after homoios. John sees no form for God (Exo 24:10), but only the brilliant flashing gems. “In the vision the flashing lustre of the iaspis and the fiery red of the sard are relieved by the halo (iris) of emerald which encircled the Throne” (Swete). A complete circle.