Rev 4:3 | RWP | e4.org | To look upon ( ορασε ). Locative case of ορασις , old word (from οραω , to see) for appearance (in appearance) as in , . Like a jasper stone ( ομοιος ιασπιδ ). Associative-instrumental case of ιασπις , old word (Persian), used for stones of different colors, one opaque like opal, one translucent ( , ., possibly here, only N.T. examples), one a red or yellow stone ( ). Some even take it for the diamond. Certainly not our cheap modern jasper. A sardius ( σαρδιω ). Old word, in N.T. only here and . The carnelian or other red stone, derived from Sardis (Pliny). Rainbow ( ιρις ). Old word, in N.T. only here and . From . An emerald ( σμαραγδινω ). Adjective (from σμαραγδος , ), of emerald (supply λιθω ), in associative instrumental case after ομοιος . John sees no form for God ( ), but only the brilliant flashing gems. "In the vision the flashing lustre of the ιασπις and the fiery red of the σαρδ are relieved by the halo ( ιρις ) of emerald which encircled the Throne" (Swete). A complete circle.

‏ Revelation of John 4:3

To look upon ( ορασε ). Locative case of ορασις, old word (from οραω, to see) for appearance (in appearance) as in Eze 1:5, 26.

Like a jasper stone ( ομοιος ιασπιδ ). Associative-instrumental case of ιασπις, old word (Persian), used for stones of different colors, one opaque like opal, one translucent (21:11, 18f., 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 ( σαρδιω ). Old word, in N.T. only here and 21:20. The carnelian or other red stone, derived from Sardis (Pliny).

Rainbow ( ιρις ). Old word, in N.T. only here and 10:1. From Eze 1:28.

An emerald ( σμαραγδινω ). Adjective (from σμαραγδος, Re 21:19), of emerald (supply λιθω ), in associative instrumental case after ομοιος. John sees no form for God (Ex 24:10), but only the brilliant flashing gems. "In the vision the flashing lustre of the ιασπις and the fiery red of the σαρδ are relieved by the halo ( ιρις ) of emerald which encircled the Throne" (Swete). A complete circle.