Translation
possessing and displaying the glory of GOD,
and its radiance was like that of a precious jewel,
like jasper,
Go to footnote numberas clear as crystal.
Go to footnote numberParaphrase
who possess and reflect the glory of THE CREATOR AND OWNER OF ALL THINGS; their shining example is extremely desirable, their character is undeniable and unquestioned; they are clean, pure and exemplary.
Footnotes
1
Many scholars have focused on trying to figure out what color was meant by “jasper.” From context it seems most fitting to focus on the quality of purity, for it seems like the giver of this vision (Jesus) is layering several images on top of each other, all of which mean the same thing, purity. Thus its color does not matter, and therefore I have chosen to repackage it in a way which compliments the idea of a pure testimony.
2
Here we have 4 word pictures, all of which mean the same thing, layered on top of each other for the sake of emphasis. Radiance, precious stones, jasper and crystal, all mean “pure.” When using imagery, such repetition is possible, even powerful; but when using ordinary words to explain the imagery, such repetition quickly becomes monotonous. How many times can I say “pure” in my repackaging of this verse before it changes from something powerful to something obnoxious? When used correctly, symbolism has much more power than prose.