Revelation 1:20

KJV

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

Commentary

### 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](/revelation/1-12-16 "Revelation 1:12-16 - John's Vision of the Son of Man"), 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](/revelation/1-17-19 "Revelation 1:17-19 - Christ's Self-Revelation and Mandate to John"), 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](/revelation/2 "Revelation 2 - Messages to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, and Thyatira") and [Revelation 3](/revelation/3 "Revelation 3 - Messages to Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea"). 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](/revelation/2-9-10 "Revelation 2:9-10 - Message to Smyrna")), 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](/revelation/2-3 "Revelation 2 and 3 - Messages to the Seven Churches").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **mystery (Greek, _mystḗrion'_):** 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](/revelation/1-20 "Revelation 1:20 - The Mystery Revealed"), 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'_):** 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'_):** 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](/revelation/1-20 "Revelation 1:20 - The Mystery Revealed"), 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.

* [Matthew 5:14-16](/matthew/5-14-16 "Matthew 5:14-16 - You Are the Light of the World")
* [Ephesians 1:22-23](/ephesians/1-22-23 "Ephesians 1:22-23 - Christ as Head of the Church")
* [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")

### 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](/revelation/1-20 "Revelation 1:20 - The Mystery Revealed") and the subsequent messages in [Revelation 2-3](/revelation/2-3 "Revelation 2 and 3 - Messages to the Seven Churches"), 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](/revelation/1-20 "Revelation 1:20 - The Mystery Revealed") 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](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - The Great Commission")). 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](/revelation/2-1 "Revelation 2:1 - Message to Ephesus"). His authority over the church is absolute, as He is the one "who is the head of the body, the church" ([Colossians 1:18](/colossians/1-18 "Colossians 1:18 - Christ is the Head of the Church")). The church, as the "candlestick," is called to reflect the light of Christ, who is "the light of the world" ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")), 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.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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;