Revelation 21:19-20

Revelation 21:19-20

[19] 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;  [20] The fifth,  sardonyx;  the sixth,  sardius;  the seventh,  chrysolite;  the eighth,  beryl;  the ninth,  a topaz;  the tenth,  a chrysoprasus;  the eleventh,  a jacinth;  the twelfth,  an amethyst. 

What does Revelation 21:19-20 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

The apostle further explained the foundation stones of the city ( Revelation 21:14). The foundation of a building is usually completely functional and not decorative, but these stones, which were at least partially visible above grade, were adorned with gems. [1] Another view is that jewels did not cover the foundation stones, but the foundation stones were themselves jewels. [2] These stones were of many different colors suggesting the extreme beauty of the city. We cannot identify all of them exactly today, but they were undoubtedly precious gems in John"s day.
"Our God is a God of beauty, and He will lavish His beauty on the city He is preparing for His people." [3]
The Israelite high priest carried12gems representing each of the twelve tribes on his breast-piece ( Exodus 28:17-20). Perhaps there is some symbolic connection between these12jewels and those, though only eight of them appear in both lists. In the new order everyone will have the privilege of access to God that was the unique privilege of the high priest in Israel.