The Greek word endomesis refers to the construction, building material, or structure of a building. It appears only once in the New Testament, in Revelation 21:18, describing the wall of the New Jerusalem.
Revelation 21:18 states: 'The wall was built (endomesis) of jasper, while the city was pure gold, like clear glass.' The New Jerusalem's very structure โ its building material โ is jasper and pure gold transparent as glass, suggesting both impenetrable strength and perfect transparency: nothing is hidden, and nothing impure can enter (v. 27). The word endomesis thus points to the perfection and permanence of God's ultimate dwelling place. In contrast to earthly cities built of stone and mud that crumble and fall, the eternal city's construction is divine and indestructible. This is the city 'whose designer and builder is God' (Hebrews 11:10), toward which the patriarchs were heading by faith.