Contradiction with Isaiah 54:11
While Revelation 21:19 describes the foundation stones of the New Jerusalem as decorated with precious stones, Isaiah 54:11 speaks of laying stones with fair colors, which may imply a different emphasis in construction.
Isaiah 54:11: O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, [and] not comforted, behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colours, and lay thy foundations with sapphires.
Contradiction with Matthew 6:19
Revelation 21:19 emphasizes the beauty of material wealth through precious stones, whereas Matthew 6:19 advises against storing treasures on earth, creating tension between heavenly splendor and earthly caution.
Matthew 6:19: Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
Contradiction with 1 Peter 3:3
While Revelation 21:19 elaborates on the ornate beauty of the New Jerusalem, 1 Peter 3:3 advises against outward adornment, which may seem at odds with the focus on decoration in the described heavenly city.
1 Peter 3:3: Whose adorning let it not be that outward [adorning] of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
Contradiction with Acts 17:24
Revelation 21:19 vividly describes a richly built city as God's dwelling, but Acts 17:24 emphasizes that God does not dwell in temples made with hands, leading to potential differences in understanding God's presence.
Acts 17:24: God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;
Contradiction with Hebrews 11:10
Revelation 21:19 details extravagant foundations made with gems, whereas Hebrews 11:10 speaks of a city with foundations built by God, focusing on divine craftsmanship rather than material wealth.
Hebrews 11:10: For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker [is] God.
Contradiction with Luke 16:15
The emphasis on extravagant decoration in Revelation 21:19 may be seen as contradicting Luke 16:15, where what is highly esteemed among men (like wealth and status) is abomination in the sight of God.
Luke 16:15: And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.
Contradiction with Matthew 23:27
The outward magnificence described in Revelation 21:19 could be interpreted in contrast with Matthew 23:27, which criticizes outward appearances that conceal inner desolation.
Matthew 23:27: Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead [men's] bones, and of all uncleanness.