Definition: 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;

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this beautiful verse from Revelation 21:19 together. It's a really poetic and symbolic passage about the future of God’s creation! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it describes a city that is completely covered in precious stones. Let’s unpack each part: “The foundations of the wall of the city…” – This refers to the very base or foundation of the city. Think of it like the bedrock of something. “…were garnished with all manner of precious stones.” – This is where the imagery gets really interesting. “Garnished” means decorated, so "precious stones" mean the foundation was covered in a dazzling array of gemstones – rubies, sapphires, emeralds, diamonds, and more. It’s not just any stones; they're incredibly valuable and beautiful. “The first foundation was jasper…” - Jasper is a type of gemstone known for its red color. This suggests the very first layer of stone was made of jasper – a strong and foundational element. “…the second, sapphire…” - Sapphire is a deep blue gemstone, often associated with royalty and wisdom. It’s a second layer, signifying something important and valuable. “…the third, a chalcedony…” - Chalcedony is a translucent stone that can be white or clear. It’s a third layer, representing a further level of importance and quality. “…the fourth, an emerald…” – Emeralds are known for their green color and symbolize hope and new life. This marks the final layer, signifying a complete and perfect foundation. What does this all mean in terms of God's plan? The Bible often uses symbols to represent God’s plans. This verse suggests that God is establishing a future world – a perfect city – where everything is beautiful, valuable, and secure. It’s about a complete and harmonious creation. Important Note: It’s important to remember this is a symbolic description. The stones aren't meant to be literal. They represent the qualities of God’s creation – strength, beauty, value, and hope. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Discuss what the verses mean in the context of the Bible as a whole? Answer any specific questions you have about this passage?