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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

Revelation 1:20 (KJV) provides a crucial interpretive key to the symbolic vision presented in the opening chapter of the Book of Revelation. After John describes seeing the glorified Christ amidst seven golden candlesticks and holding seven stars in His right hand, this verse explicitly reveals the meaning of these mysterious symbols.

Context

This verse immediately follows John’s awe-inspiring vision of the glorified Jesus Christ walking among seven golden lampstands and holding seven stars (see Revelation 1:12-16). The vision itself is a powerful affirmation of Christ's sovereignty and presence among His people. Verse 20 serves as a divine explanation, directly from Christ Himself, ensuring the reader understands the foundational symbols before the detailed messages to the churches begin in Revelation chapters 2 and 3.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Interpretation: The verse highlights God's desire for His people to understand His messages, not leaving them in interpretive ambiguity regarding these core symbols. This direct explanation underscores the importance of the symbols for the rest of the book.
  • Christ's Authority and Protection: The "seven stars" (angels/messengers) being in Christ's "right hand" signifies His supreme authority, control, and protective care over the leaders and, by extension, the spiritual state of His churches. His right hand is a symbol of power and ownership.
  • The Church as Light: The "seven golden candlesticks" representing the "seven churches" (literally the churches in Asia Minor) emphasizes their purpose: to be light-bearers in a dark world. Like lampstands, they are to hold forth the light of Christ and His truth.
  • Christ's Presence Among His Churches: Just as Christ was seen walking among the candlesticks (Revelation 2:1), this symbolism reinforces His active and intimate presence within His churches, knowing their works, struggles, and faithfulness.

Linguistic Insights

The term "angels" (Greek: angelos) used for the seven stars is significant. While it can refer to celestial beings, in this context, many scholars interpret it as "messengers" or "representatives," likely referring to the lead pastors or spiritual leaders of each of the seven churches. This interpretation aligns with the practical nature of the messages that follow, which are addressed to the specific spiritual condition of each congregation through its leadership.

Practical Application

Revelation 1:20 offers profound comfort and challenge for believers today:

  • Assurance of Christ's Sovereignty: Knowing that Christ holds His church leaders (and thus the churches themselves) firmly in His powerful right hand provides immense assurance. No matter the challenges or persecutions, the church is ultimately under His control and protection.
  • Call to Be Light: As "candlesticks," churches are reminded of their divine purpose: to shine the light of the Gospel. This involves living out Christ's teachings, proclaiming His truth, and being a beacon of hope in their communities.
  • Accountability of Leadership: If the "stars" represent leaders, the verse implies a special divine oversight and accountability for those entrusted with guiding God's people. Leaders are held by Christ and are responsible for faithfully stewarding their congregations.

This verse sets the stage for understanding the specific commendations and rebukes given to each of the seven churches, emphasizing that Christ's gaze is upon His people, and His authority is absolute.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Revelation 2:1

    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 3:1

    And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.

  • Revelation 1:16

    And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance [was] as the sun shineth in his strength.

  • 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:

  • Revelation 3:7

    And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;

  • Revelation 3:14

    And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;

  • Revelation 2:12

    And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;

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