Revelation 1:12

And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;

And {G2532} I turned {G1994} to see {G991} the voice {G5456} that {G3748} spake {G2980} with {G3326} me {G1700}. And {G2532} being turned {G1994}, I saw {G1492} seven {G2033} golden {G5552} candlesticks {G3087};

I turned around to see who was speaking to me; and when I had turned, I saw seven gold menorahs;

Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And having turned, I saw seven golden lampstands,

And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And having turned I saw seven golden candlesticks;

Commentary

Revelation 1:12 marks a pivotal moment in John's profound vision, as he shifts from hearing a divine command to witnessing the majestic source of that voice. Having been commanded to write down what he saw and send it to the seven churches in Asia (Revelation 1:11), John's natural reaction is to turn and identify who is speaking with such authority.

Context of the Vision

John, exiled on the island of Patmos for his faith, was "in the Spirit on the Lord's day" (Revelation 1:10) when he heard a loud voice "as of a trumpet." This verse describes his immediate response: turning to locate the speaker. The visual revelation that follows is central to understanding the entire book of Revelation, beginning with the appearance of the glorified Christ amidst symbolic representations.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Initiative: The vision is not sought by John but initiated by God. John's act of turning signifies his readiness to receive and witness divine truth.
  • Symbolism of the Candlesticks: The immediate visual John encounters are "seven golden candlesticks." The KJV term "candlesticks" refers to lampstands (Greek: lychnia), which hold lamps and provide light. Their number, seven, is highly symbolic in Revelation, often representing completeness or divine perfection.
  • The Church as Light-Bearers: As later revealed in Revelation 1:20, these seven golden lampstands represent the seven churches of Asia Minor to whom John is commanded to write. This powerfully symbolizes the church's role as a light-bearer in a dark world, reflecting the light of Christ.

Linguistic Insight

The Greek word translated "candlesticks" in the King James Version is lychnia (λυχνία), which more accurately means a "lampstand" or "light-holder." This distinction is important because it highlights the function of supporting a source of light, rather than being the light itself. The churches, represented by these lampstands, are called to hold forth the light of Christ, not to generate it inherently.

Practical Application

This verse reminds believers of the importance of being attentive to God's voice and revelation. When God speaks, we are called to "turn" and see what He reveals. Furthermore, the image of the golden lampstands emphasizes the church's enduring mission: to shine the light of truth and hope in the world. Each local church, like a lampstand, is vital for illuminating its community and bearing witness to the presence of Christ, who is always among His people (Matthew 18:20).

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Zechariah 4:2

    And said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all [of] gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which [are] upon the top thereof:

  • Exodus 25:37

    And thou shalt make the seven lamps thereof: and they shall light the lamps thereof, that they may give light over against it.

  • Revelation 1:20

    The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.

  • Revelation 2:1

    ΒΆ Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;

  • Revelation 1:13

    And in the midst of the seven candlesticks [one] like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.

  • Ezekiel 43:5

    So the spirit took me up, and brought me into the inner court; and, behold, the glory of the LORD filled the house.

  • Ezekiel 43:6

    And I heard [him] speaking unto me out of the house; and the man stood by me.
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