Revelation 1:20

Translations

Modern

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.

Traditional

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.

Literal

The mystery of the seven stars, which you saw on My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.

Latin

Sacramentum septem stellarum, quas vidisti in dextera mea, et septem candelabra aurea: septem stellæ, angeli sunt septem ecclesiarum: et candelabra septem, septem ecclesiæ sunt.

Original

Greek

English

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.

Notes

Revelation 1:20

John must record what he sees because Revelation is an important message for the churches.
The angels (or messengers; Greek angelos) of the seven churches could be:
1. the guardian angels of these churches (compare Matthew 18:10; Acts 12:15);
2. the leading officials of the churches (compare Matthew 11:10, where “messenger” is angelos); or
3. a personification of the ethos (spirit or character) of the church.
The best understanding is probably a combination of 1 and 3.

Revelation 1:12–20

John's first vision shows Christ as a wise, strong, and powerful messenger of God who always cares for his people.

Theme notes and profiles

Visions

Related verses

Revelation 2:1
“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of Him who holds the seven stars in His right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands.
Revelation 3:1
“To the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of the One who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation for being alive, yet you are dead.
Revelation 1:16
He held in His right hand seven stars, and a sharp double-edged sword came from His mouth. His face was like the sun shining at its brightest.
Zechariah 4:2
“What do you see?” he asked. “I see a solid gold lampstand,” I replied, “with a bowl at the top and seven lamps on it, with seven spouts to the lamps.
Revelation 3:7
To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of the One who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What He opens no one can shut, and what He shuts no one can open.
Revelation 3:14
To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Originator of God’s creation.
Revelation 2:12
To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of the One who holds the sharp, double-edged sword.
Revelation 1:12–13
Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And having turned, I saw seven golden lampstands,
Revelation 2:18
To the angel of the church in Thyatira write: These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like a blazing fire and whose feet are like polished bronze.
Revelation 2:8
To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of the First and the Last, who died and returned to life.
1 Timothy 3:14–16
Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these things
Matthew 5:14–16
You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.

Glossary

Angels of the Seven Churches Book of Revelation Menorah Mystery Star

Topics

Angel of the Churches: General Scriptures Concerning Candlestick: Symbolical Candlestick: The Church Christian Minister: Called: Angels of the Church Christian Minister: Serv Ants: Stars Church: Golden Candlestick (Lampstand) Church: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Seven: Miscellany of Sevens: Seven Congregations in Asia Seven: Miscellany of Sevens: Seven Stars Stars: Seven Stars of the Seven Congregations The Book of Revelation The Stars of Ministers Titles and Names of Ministers: Angels of the Church Titles and Names of Ministers: Stars Titles and Names of the Church: Golden Candlestick Vision of John on the Island of Patmos of Christ and the Golden Lampstands

Revelation 1:20

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Original?

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Glossary?

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Translations

Original

Notes

Related verses

Glossary

Topics