Revelation 4:3 – “And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and ruby. A rainbow that shone like an emerald encircled the throne.”
Extended Explanation
This verse continues John’s heavenly vision. He has just seen a throne in heaven, and now he focuses on the One sitting on it. He doesn’t describe God in human terms. Instead, he uses imagery—light, color, and brilliance—to try to explain the beauty and majesty of what he saw. Jasper and ruby are precious stones, often shining with intense color and clarity. They represent value, purity, and glory.
John doesn’t say he saw a person’s face or features. That’s important. He’s describing God in a way that emphasizes holiness, splendor, and mystery. The light and color coming from the throne show us that God’s presence is beyond what words can fully capture.
Then John says there was a rainbow around the throne. Not just a small arc in the sky, but a full circle of light that looked like emerald. A rainbow in the Bible is a symbol of God’s promise and mercy, first seen after the flood in Noah’s time. So around this throne of power and majesty is a reminder of God’s mercy and faithfulness.
Historical Context
John wrote this vision at a time when Christians were being mistreated, imprisoned, or even killed for their faith. They needed to be reminded that the One they worshipped was not weak or distant. They needed to know that God was still shining in glory, still keeping His promises.
In those days, rulers displayed their power with gold, jewels, and color. But nothing on earth compared to what John saw in heaven. This was the real throne, and the real King. The rainbow surrounding the throne was also a gentle contrast to the violence and fear in the world below. It reminded suffering Christians that God’s power is always wrapped in His mercy.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches us that God is glorious, powerful, and completely holy. He is not ordinary. He is not just a better version of us. He is far beyond us. The jasper and ruby reflect His purity and worth. The emerald rainbow reminds us that even though He is holy and just, He is also faithful to His promises.
It also shows that God chooses to reveal Himself in a way that makes us stand in awe. He doesn’t want us to take His presence lightly. Yet, surrounding His throne is the rainbow—proof that His judgment never comes without grace.
Literary Analysis
The book of Revelation uses imagery more than direct descriptions. That’s especially true here. John uses symbols to communicate truths that are hard to express in regular words. The gemstones represent beauty and purity. The rainbow is not just a weather detail—it’s full of meaning from the Old Testament.
The structure of this vision builds a picture of God’s throne that is both overwhelming and comforting. The throne shows power. The colors show glory. The rainbow shows mercy. All of this sets the tone for everything that will follow in the book.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Ezekiel 1:26-28 – Ezekiel also sees a vision of God with colors and a rainbow around the throne.
- Genesis 9:13-17 – The rainbow is given by God as a sign of His covenant never to destroy the earth by flood again.
- Exodus 28:17-20 – The High Priest’s breastplate had stones like jasper and ruby, showing a connection to God’s presence and holiness.
- 1 Timothy 6:16 – God “lives in unapproachable light,” showing the mystery and brilliance of His presence.
- Revelation 21:11 – The new Jerusalem shines with the glory of God, like jasper, clear as crystal.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse reminds us that God is not just powerful—He is beautiful, glorious, and faithful. The world can be dark and ugly, but the throne of God shines with light and color. That’s where our focus should be.
For anyone going through a hard time, this verse says: look higher. God’s throne is still shining. His promises are still true. His glory has not dimmed. The rainbow around His throne is still there—it means He hasn’t forgotten mercy even when judgment is coming.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
The rainbow shows us God’s heart. He didn’t have to surround His throne with a symbol of mercy—but He did. That’s love. Even while sitting in the highest place of power, He reminds us of His promise never to give up on His people.
His beauty, His glory, and His mercy are not distant ideas—they’re real. They surround Him. And that’s what He invites us into—not just awe and fear, but relationship and grace.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Though Jesus is not named directly in this verse, the whole scene points forward to Him. Jesus is the one who made a way for us to come near to the throne (Hebrews 4:16). He is the fulfillment of God’s promises (2 Corinthians 1:20), the One who keeps the covenant sealed by the rainbow.
Later in Revelation 5, Jesus (the Lamb) steps into the center of this very throne room. That’s where He belongs—at the center of God’s glory. His blood, like ruby, paid for our sins. His resurrection opened the way to the beauty of this throne.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why do you think John described God using color and light instead of physical form?
- What does the rainbow around the throne say about God’s character?
- How does this picture of God’s glory affect how you see your own struggles?
- What does it mean for you to live with the awareness that God is still on the throne?
- How does this vision help you trust Jesus more deeply?