Commentaries:
Robertson's Word Pictures (NT)
To look upon (orasei). Locative case of orasiv, old word (from oraw, to see) for appearance (in appearance) as in Ezekiel 1:5, Ezekiel 1:26.
Like a jasper stone (omoiov iaspidi). Associative-instrumental case of iaspiv, old word (Persian), used for stones of different colors, one opaque like opal, one translucent (Revelation 21:11, Revelation 21:18 f., possibly here, only N.T. examples), one a red or yellow stone (Isaiah 54:12). Some even take it for the diamond. Certainly not our cheap modern jasper.
A sardius (sardiw). Old word, in N.T. only here and Revelation 21:20. The carnelian or other red stone, derived from Sardis (Pliny).
Rainbow (iriv). Old word, in N.T. only here and Revelation 10:1. From Ezekiel 1:28.
An emerald (smaragdinw). Adjective (from smaragdov, Revelation 21:19), of emerald (supply liqw), in associative instrumental case after omoiov. John sees no form for God (Exodus 24:10), but only the brilliant flashing gems. "In the vision the flashing lustre of the iaspiv and the fiery red of the sard are relieved by the halo (iriv) of emerald which encircled the Throne" (Swete). A complete circle.
Other commentary entries containing this verse:
Acts 2:17
Revelation 1:13
Revelation 4:1
Revelation 10:1
Revelation 21:11
Revelation 21:19
Revelation 21:20
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