Revelation 1:20

Translation
King James Version
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.
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KJV (with Strong's)
The mystery G3466 of the seven G2033 stars G792 which G3739 thou sawest G1492 in G1909 my G3450 right hand G1188, and G2532 the seven G2033 golden G5552 candlesticks G3087. The seven G2033 stars G792 are G1526 the angels G32 of the seven G2033 churches G1577: and G2532 the seven G2033 candlesticks G3087 which G3739 thou sawest G1492 are G1526 the seven G2033 churches G1577.
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Complete Jewish Bible
Here is the secret meaning of the seven stars you saw in my right hand, and of the seven gold menorahs: the seven stars are the angels of the seven Messianic communities, and the seven menorahs are the seven Messianic communities.
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Berean Standard Bible
This is the mystery of the seven stars you saw in My right hand and of the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.
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American Standard Version
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 are seven churches.
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World English Bible Messianic
the mystery of the seven stars which you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lamp stands. The seven stars are the angels of the seven assemblies. The seven lamp stands are seven assemblies.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
The misterie of the seuen starres which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seuen golden candlestickes, is this, The seuen starres are the Angels of the seuen Churches: and the seuen candlestickes which thou sawest, are the seuen Churches.
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Young's Literal Translation
the secret of the seven stars that thou hast seen upon my right hand, and the seven golden lamp-stands: the seven stars are messengers of the seven assemblies, and the seven lamp-stands that thou hast seen are seven assemblies.
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See also
Revelation 2:1Revelation 3:1Revelation 1:16Zechariah 4:2Revelation 3:7Revelation 3:14Revelation 2:12
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In the KJVVerse 30,718 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Revelation 1:20 serves as the divine interpretive key to the symbolic vision presented to John, explicitly revealing the meaning of the "seven stars" and "seven golden candlesticks" seen in the preceding verses. This verse clarifies that the stars represent the "angels" or messengers/leaders of the seven churches, and the candlesticks symbolize the seven churches themselves, thereby establishing foundational symbols for understanding the subsequent messages to these early Christian communities in Asia Minor.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: This verse provides the crucial explanation for the preceding awe-inspiring vision of the glorified Christ. In Revelation 1:12-16, John describes seeing "one like unto the Son of man" standing amidst seven golden candlesticks and holding seven stars in His right hand. The immediate context, particularly Revelation 1:17-19, records Christ's self-identification as the "First and the Last," the "Living One," who holds the keys of death and hell, and His command to John to write what he has seen, what is now, and what will take place later. Verse 20 directly answers the implicit question of the symbols' meaning, acting as a divine glossary before the specific messages to the churches begin in Revelation 2 and Revelation 3. This interpretive key is essential for the reader to grasp the significance of Christ's presence and authority over His churches, setting the stage for the commendations, rebukes, and promises that follow.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: The seven churches mentioned (Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea) were actual Christian communities located in the Roman province of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). These churches existed in a complex socio-religious environment, facing various pressures including Roman imperial cult worship, Jewish opposition, Gnostic influences, and internal moral compromises. The imagery of "candlesticks" (lampstands) would have been familiar from both Jewish temple symbolism (e.g., the menorah) and common household items, signifying light and witness. The concept of "angels" as messengers was also well-understood. For these early Christians, living under Roman rule and often facing persecution (as implied by the message to Smyrna in Revelation 2:9-10), the direct, authoritative interpretation from Christ would have been profoundly reassuring and instructive, affirming His active involvement and supreme authority over His people despite their earthly struggles.
  • Key Themes: Revelation 1:20 contributes significantly to several major themes throughout the Book of Revelation. Foremost is the theme of Divine Interpretation and Revelation, where God Himself provides the meaning of His prophetic symbols, ensuring His message is understood rather than left to mere human speculation. This underscores the clarity and purpose of divine communication. Another crucial theme is Christ's Supreme Authority and Sovereignty over His church, vividly portrayed by the stars (leaders/messengers) being held in His "right hand," a universal symbol of power, control, and protection. This imagery reinforces that the church, despite its earthly struggles, is ultimately under the direct and powerful governance of Christ. Furthermore, the verse highlights the Identity and Purpose of the Church, represented by the "golden candlesticks." Just as lampstands are designed to bear light, the churches are called to be beacons of truth and witness in a dark world, reflecting the light of Christ. Finally, the verse introduces the theme of Leadership Accountability and Pastoral Care, as the "angels" (messengers/leaders) are directly held by Christ, implying their unique responsibility and His intimate oversight of those entrusted with guiding His congregations. This sets the stage for the specific messages to each church's leadership in Revelation 2-3.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • mystery (Greek, mystḗrion', G3466): From a derivative of a word meaning "to shut the mouth," this term refers to a secret or "mystery" that was previously hidden but is now revealed, often through divine revelation. In Revelation 1:20, it emphasizes that the meaning of the stars and candlesticks is not self-evident but requires a divine unveiling, which Christ Himself provides. This highlights the revelatory nature of the entire book.
  • ángelos (Greek, ángelos', G32): This word means "messenger." While it often refers to celestial beings (angels), in this context, given the subsequent messages to the churches, many scholars interpret it as human messengers or representatives, most likely the leading pastors or bishops of each of the seven churches. They are the ones entrusted with carrying Christ's message to their respective congregations, acting as His direct emissaries.
  • lychnía (Greek, lychnía', G5552): This term refers to a "lamp-stand" or "candlestick." It is not the lamp itself but the stand upon which a lamp is placed to give light. In Revelation 1:20, its symbolic meaning as the "seven churches" emphasizes their role as light-bearers. They are not the source of the light but are to hold forth the light of Christ and His truth to the world. The "golden" aspect (from G5552, chrýseos) further signifies their preciousness and divine value in God's sight.

Verse Breakdown

  • "The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks.": This opening clause explicitly states that the symbols John has just witnessed—the seven stars held in Christ's right hand and the seven golden lampstands—contain a "mystery." This "mystery" is not something inherently unknowable, but rather a truth that requires divine revelation to be understood. It sets up the subsequent explanation, indicating that Christ is about to unveil the hidden meaning of these key elements of His vision.
  • "The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches:": Here, Christ directly interprets the first symbol. The "seven stars" are identified as the "angels" (messengers or leaders) of the seven churches. This signifies Christ's direct oversight and intimate relationship with those who lead His congregations. The fact that they are held "in my right hand" (from the preceding clause) powerfully conveys Christ's supreme authority, protection, and control over these leaders and, by extension, the spiritual state of the churches they represent.
  • "and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.": This final clause clarifies the second symbol. The "seven golden candlesticks" are plainly stated to be the "seven churches" themselves. This metaphor emphasizes the church's divine purpose: to be a source of spiritual light in a dark world. Just as a lampstand holds a lamp to illuminate its surroundings, the church is called to hold forth the light of the Gospel, bearing witness to Christ's truth and presence in the world. The "golden" nature underscores their preciousness and divine origin.

Literary Devices

Revelation 1:20 is rich in Symbolism, which is characteristic of apocalyptic literature. The entire verse functions as a divine interpretation of the preceding symbolic vision, making the symbols explicit. The "seven stars" and "seven golden candlesticks" are not literal objects but Metaphors for the spiritual realities they represent: the leaders/messengers and the churches, respectively. The number "seven" itself is highly symbolic in biblical literature, often representing completeness or perfection, suggesting the totality of the church or the full scope of Christ's oversight. The imagery of Christ holding the stars in His right hand is a powerful Anthropomorphism (attributing human characteristics to God) that symbolizes His absolute Authority, Sovereignty, and Protection over His people and their leaders. The verse's structure, moving from a statement of "mystery" to its direct "revelation," also highlights the Didactic (teaching) purpose of this apocalyptic text, ensuring that its profound spiritual truths are accessible to the reader.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Revelation 1:20 is a foundational verse for understanding Christ's relationship with His church. It establishes the profound truth that Christ is not a distant, disengaged deity, but one who is intimately present within, actively overseeing, and sovereignly protecting His congregations and their leaders. The imagery underscores the church's identity as a divinely appointed light-bearer in the world and the weighty responsibility of those called to lead it. This divine explanation of the symbols ensures that the subsequent messages to the churches are understood within the framework of Christ's absolute authority and His commitment to His people, setting the stage for both commendation and correction.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Revelation 1:20 offers profound comfort and a clear call to action for believers today. The assurance that Christ holds the "stars" (leaders) and "candlesticks" (churches) firmly in His powerful right hand provides immense solace in times of uncertainty, persecution, or internal struggle. It reminds us that no matter the challenges, the church is ultimately under His sovereign control and protection, and His purposes will prevail. This should inspire confidence and trust in His ongoing work. Simultaneously, the identification of the churches as "candlesticks" serves as a powerful reminder of our collective purpose: to shine the light of the Gospel in a world often shrouded in darkness. This involves not only proclaiming truth but also living lives that reflect Christ's character, engaging in acts of love and justice, and being a beacon of hope in our communities. For leaders, the verse underscores a solemn accountability, recognizing that they are held directly by Christ and are responsible for faithfully stewarding their congregations according to His will.

Questions for Reflection

  • How does the imagery of Christ holding the "stars" (leaders) in His right hand impact your understanding of spiritual authority and protection within the church?
  • In what ways is your local church currently functioning as a "candlestick," shining the light of Christ in your community? Where could it improve?
  • What personal responsibility do you feel as part of the "candlestick" to reflect Christ's light in your daily life and interactions?

FAQ

Who exactly are the "angels" of the seven churches? Are they celestial beings or human leaders?

Answer: While the Greek word angelos (G32) can refer to celestial angels, in the context of Revelation 1:20 and the subsequent messages in Revelation 2-3, most scholars interpret "the angels of the seven churches" as the human messengers or spiritual leaders (e.g., pastors, bishops, or overseers) of each respective congregation. This interpretation aligns with the practical nature of the messages, which address specific commendations, rebukes, and exhortations to the churches through their leadership. These leaders are seen as Christ's direct representatives or emissaries to their congregations, responsible for conveying His will and guiding His people.

Why are the candlesticks described as "golden"? What is the significance of the material?

Answer: The description of the candlesticks as "golden" (G5552, chrýseos) in Revelation 1:20 carries significant symbolic weight. Gold is consistently used in the Bible to signify preciousness, purity, divine value, and holiness. In the Old Testament, the tabernacle and temple furnishings, including the menorah (lampstand), were often made of pure gold, indicating their sacred purpose and connection to God's presence. By depicting the churches as "golden candlesticks," the vision emphasizes their immense value and preciousness in Christ's eyes, their sacred calling, and their divine origin. It underscores that despite their imperfections, the churches are divinely purposed and consecrated vessels for bearing His light.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Revelation 1:20 profoundly underscores the Christ-centered nature of the church and its mission. The vision of Christ holding the "seven stars" (leaders) in His "right hand" and walking among the "seven golden candlesticks" (churches) powerfully portrays His ongoing, active headship over His body, the church. This imagery is a vivid fulfillment of Christ's promise to be with His disciples "always, even unto the end of the world" (Matthew 28:20). He is not a distant ruler but the ever-present, sovereign Lord who intimately knows the state of each congregation, just as He is depicted in Revelation 2:1. His authority over the church is absolute, as He is the one "who is the head of the body, the church" (Colossians 1:18). The church, as the "candlestick," is called to reflect the light of Christ, who is "the light of the world" (John 8:12), bearing witness to His truth and salvation until He returns. Thus, Revelation 1:20 reveals Christ as the sustainer, protector, and ultimate purpose of His church, ensuring its endurance and effectiveness in fulfilling His redemptive plan.

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Commentary on Revelation 1 verses 9–20

I. II. Main points1. 2. Sub-points(1.) (2.) Details

We have now come to that glorious vision which the apostle had of the Lord Jesus Christ, when he came to deliver this revelation to him, where observe,

I. The account given of the person who was favoured with this vision. He describes himself, 1. By his present state and condition. He was the brother and companion of these churches in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Christ. He was, at their time, as the rest of true Christians were, a persecuted man, banished, and perhaps imprisoned, for his adherence to Christ. He was their brother, though an apostle; he seems to value himself upon his relation to the church, rather than his authority in it: Judas Iscariot may be an apostle, but not a brother in the family of God. He was their companion: the children of God should choose communion and society with each other. He was their companion in tribulation: the persecuted servants of God did not suffer alone, the same trials are accomplished in others. He was their companion in patience, not only a sharer with them in suffering circumstances, but in suffering graces: if we have the patience of the saints, we should not grudge to meet with their trials. He was their brother and companion in the patience of the kingdom of Christ, a sufferer for Christ's cause, for asserting his kingly power over the church and the world, and for adhering to it against all who would usurp upon it. By this account he gives of his present state, he acknowledges his engagements to sympathize with them, and to endeavour to give them counsel and comfort, and bespeaks their more careful attention to what he had to say to them from Christ their common Lord. 2. By the place where he was when he was favoured with this vision: he was in the isle Patmos. He does not say who banished him thither. It becomes Christians to speak sparingly and modestly of their own sufferings. Patmos is said to be an island in the Aegean Sea, One of those called Cyclades, and was about thirty-five miles in compass; but under this confinement it was the apostle's comfort that he did not suffer as an evil-doer, but that it was for the testimony of Jesus, for bearing witness to Christ as the Immanuel, the Saviour. This was a cause worth suffering for; and the Spirit of glory and of God rested upon this persecuted apostle. 3. The day and time in which he had this vision: it was the Lord's day, the day which Christ had separated and set apart for himself, as the eucharist is called the Lord's supper. Surely this can be no other than the Christian sabbath, the first day of the week, to be observed in remembrance of the resurrection of Christ. Let us who call him our Lord honour him on his own day, the day which the Lord hath made and in which we ought to rejoice. 4. The frame that his soul was in at this time: He was in the Spirit. He was not only in a rapture when he received the vision, but before he received it; he was in a serious, heavenly, spiritual frame, under the blessed gracious influences of the Spirit of God. God usually prepares the souls of his people for uncommon manifestations of himself, by the quickening sanctifying influences of his good Spirit. Those who would enjoy communion with God on the Lord's day must endeavour to abstract their thoughts and affections from flesh and fleshly things, and be wholly taken up with things of a spiritual nature.

II. The apostle gives an account of what he heard when thus in the Spirit. An alarm was given as with the sound of a trumpet, and then he heard a voice, the voice of Christ applying to himself the character before given, the first and the last, and commanding the apostle to commit to writing the things that were now to be revealed to him, and to send it immediately to the seven Asian churches, whose names are mentioned. Thus our Lord Jesus, the captain of our salvation, gave the apostle notice of his glorious appearance, as with the sound of a trumpet.

III. We have also an account of what he saw. He turned to see the voice, whose it was and whence it came; and then a wonderful scene of vision opened itself to him.

1.He saw a representation of the church under the emblem of seven golden candlesticks, as it is explained in the last verse of the chapter. The churches are compared to candlesticks, because they hold forth the light of the gospel to advantage. The churches are not candles: Christ only is our light, and his gospel our lamp; but they receive their light from Christ and the gospel, and hold it forth to others. They are golden candlesticks, for they should be precious and pure, comparable to fine gold; not only the ministers, but the members of the churches ought to be such; their light should so shine before men as to engage others to give glory to God.

2.He saw a representation of the Lord Jesus Christ in the midst of the golden candlesticks; for he has promised to be with his churches always to the end of the world, filling them with light, and life, and love, for he is the very animating informing soul of the church. And here we observe,

(1.)The glorious form in which Christ appeared in several particulars. [1.] He was clothed with a garment down to the foot, a princely and priestly robe, denoting righteousness and honour. [2.] He was girt about with a golden girdle, the breast-plate of the high priest, on which the names of his people are engraven; he was ready girt to do all the work of a Redeemer. [3.] His head and hairs were white like wool or snow. He was the Ancient of days; his hoary head was no sign of decay, but was indeed a crown of glory. [4.] His eyes were as a flame of fire, piercing and penetrating into the very hearts and reins of men, scattering terrors among his adversaries. [5.] His feet were like unto fine burning brass, strong and stedfast, supporting his own interest, subduing his enemies, treading them to powder. [6.] His voice was as the sound of many waters, of many rivers falling in together. He can and will make himself heard to those who are afar off as well as to those who are near. His gospel is a profluent and mighty stream, fed by the upper springs of infinite wisdom and knowledge. [7.] He had in his right hand seven stars, that is, the ministers of the seven churches, who are under his direction, have all their light and influence from him, and are secured and preserved by him. [8.] Out of his mouth went a two-edged sword, his word, which both wounds and heals, strikes at sin on the right hand and on the left, [9.] His countenance was as the sun shining, its strength too bright and dazzling for mortal eyes to behold.

(2.)The impression this appearance of Christ made upon the apostle John (Rev 1:17): He fell at the feet of Christ as dead; he was overpowered with the greatness of the lustre and glory in which Christ appeared, though he had been so familiar with him before. How well is it for us that God speaks to us by men like ourselves, whose terrors shall not make us afraid, for none can see the face of God and live!

(3.)The condescending goodness of the Lord Jesus to his disciple: He laid his hand upon him, Rev 1:17. He raised him up; he did not plead against him with his great power, but he put strength into him, he spoke kind words to him. [1.] Words of comfort and encouragement: Fear not. He commanded away the slavish fears of his disciple. [2.] Words of instruction, telling him particularly who he was that thus appeared to him. And here he acquaints him, First, with his divine nature: The first and the last. Secondly, With his former sufferings: I was dead; the very same that his disciples saw upon the cross dying for the sins of men. Thirdly, With his resurrection and life: "I live, and am alive for evermore, have conquered death and opened the grave, and am partaker of an endless life." Fourthly, With his office and authority: I have the keys of hell and of death, a sovereign dominion in and over the invisible world, opening and none can shut, shutting so that none can open, opening the gates of death when he pleases and the gates of the eternal world, of happiness or misery, as the Judge of all, from whose sentence there lies no appeal. Fifthly, With his will and pleasure: Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and which shall be hereafter. Sixthly, With the meaning of the seven stars, that they are the ministers of the churches; and of the seven candlesticks, that they are the seven churches, to whom Christ would now send by him particular and proper messages.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 9–20. Public domain.
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IrenaeusAD 202
AGAINST HERESIES 5.20.1
But the path of those belonging to the church surrounds the whole world. It possesses the sure tradition from the apostles and allows us to see that the faith of all is one and the same, since all receive one and the same God the Father. All believe in the same dispensation regarding the incarnation of the Son of God. All are cognizant of the same gift of the Spirit. All are conversant with the same commandments. All preserve the same form of ecclesiastical constitution. And all expect the same advent of the Lord and await the same salvation of the complete man, that is, of the soul and body. Undoubtedly the preaching of the church is true and steadfast, in which one and the same way of salvation is shown throughout the whole world. For to her is entrusted the light of God. Therefore the “wisdom” of God, by means of which she saves all people, “is declared in [its] going forth; it speaks faithfully in the streets, is preached on the tops of the walls, and speaks continually in the gates of the city.” For the church preaches the truth everywhere, and she is the seven-branched candlestick that bears the light of Christ.
TertullianAD 220
On Modesty
Therefore he has trifled both with his own "spirit," and with "the angel of the Church," and with "the power of the Lord," if he rescinded what by their counsel he had formally pronounced.
Apringius of BejaAD 600
TRACTATE ON THE APOCALYPSE 1:20
The stars placed in the right hand of God are the souls of the saints, or, what is the same thing, the entire congregation of the blessed who have been and who will be until the consummation of the world. In a similar way, we have said that the seven lampstands are the one true church that has been established during the seven-day period of this world, which is founded by faith in the Trinity and which is made strong by the sacrament of the heavenly mystery.
BedeAD 735
Commentary on Revelation
The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches. That is, the rulers of the churches. For the priest, as Malachi says, is the angel of the Lord of hosts (Mal. II).
Alcuin of YorkAD 804
COMMENTARY ON REVELATION
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 are the seven churches. Enough has already been said about this.
OecumeniusAD 990
Commentary on Revelation
Since it was revealed to him who the "stars" are and what the "lampstands" represent, he then proceeds to instruct what each "of the churches" must bear witness to, and how to hold accountable the one that is fully straying from the divine purpose; while praising those that, at least in part, faithfully uphold the precision of the Gospel laws. And to correct those who have erred in other matters, Christ, "who desires all to be saved" (1 Tim. 2:4) and to become heirs of His own good things and partners, appointed the divine evangelist to send the appropriate word and teaching to each of the churches as a remedy; to Him be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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