Revelation 1:13 kjv

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.

Revelation 1:13 nkjv

and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band.

Revelation 1:13 niv

and among the lampstands was someone like a son of man, dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest.

Revelation 1:13 esv

and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest.

Revelation 1:13 nlt

And standing in the middle of the lampstands was someone like the Son of Man. He was wearing a long robe with a gold sash across his chest.

Revelation 1 verses

Revelation 1 13 Meaning

Revelation 1:13 introduces a profound vision of the resurrected and glorified Christ, depicted as being present and actively overseeing His church. The description portrays Him with divine authority, priestly intercession, and royal dominion, underscoring His sovereignty over all creation and His intimate involvement with the seven churches represented by the lampstands. This imagery blends human form with divine attributes, signifying His unique role as both Son of Man and Son of God, Prophet, Priest, and King.

Revelation 1 13 Context

Revelation 1:13 occurs within John's initial visionary experience on the island of Patmos, as recorded in the opening chapter of the Book of Revelation. John has just heard a loud voice like a trumpet, instructing him to write what he sees and send it to the seven churches in Asia (Rev 1:10-11). This verse marks the beginning of John turning to see who was speaking and thus encountering the powerful, glorious vision of the resurrected Jesus Christ. The surrounding verses (Rev 1:12, 14-16) further describe this awe-inspiring appearance of Christ, highlighting His divine attributes, allusions to Old Testament prophetic figures, and elements symbolizing His judgment, purity, and universal authority. The seven lampstands, explicitly identified in Rev 1:20 as the seven churches, establish Christ's central and overseeing presence amidst His gathered people. The vision serves to authenticate John's message and establish the supreme authority of the one revealing future events and judgments.

Revelation 1 13 Word analysis

• and in the midst of (καὶ ἐν μέσῳ - kai en mesō): "In the midst of" denotes not merely being physically present, but also centrality, authority, and active oversight. It implies a sovereign presence among His churches, providing protection, light, and inspection. This positioning is significant as it shows Christ’s immanence and deep involvement with the earthly assemblies.
• the seven lampstands (τῶν ἑπτὰ λυχνιῶν - tōn heptō lykhniōn): "Seven" signifies completeness and perfection in biblical numerology. "Lampstands" (plural) are explicitly identified in Rev 1:20 as the seven churches addressed in Revelation. They are vessels designed to hold and display light, symbolizing the church's purpose to bear the light of Christ to the world. Their golden nature implies purity and divine origin.
• one like (ὅμοιον - homoion): This Greek word implies a strong resemblance or likeness, but not merely an approximation. It signifies a true manifestation or embodiment that shares the essential qualities of what is being compared to, yet often hints at something even grander or unique. Here, it maintains a link to a known figure while pointing to an exalted reality.
• a Son of Man (υἱὸν ἀνθρώπου - huion anthrōpou): This is a direct echo of Daniel 7:13-14, where "one like a son of man" comes with the clouds of heaven and is given everlasting dominion, glory, and a kingdom. In the Gospels, Jesus frequently referred to Himself as "the Son of Man," emphasizing His humanity, suffering, resurrection, and ultimate authority in judgment. Here, in Revelation, the title powerfully asserts Christ's identity as both the suffering Servant (humanity) and the majestic, authoritative, cosmic Judge (divinity) foretold by Daniel.
• clothed with (ἐνδεδυμένον - endedymenon): "Clothed" indicates the manner of dressing, emphasizing the covering and attire, which carry symbolic meaning for the figure's role and status.
• a long robe (ποδήρη - podērē): This refers to a full-length garment reaching down to the feet. In the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament), this term describes the ephod and priestly robes worn by the high priest (e.g., Exod 28:4; Zech 3:4). It symbolizes priestly dignity, purity, and sacred authority, highlighting Christ's eternal high-priestly intercession. It can also signify royalty and judicial authority, fitting the Son of Man figure.
• and with a golden band (καὶ ζώνην χρυσῆν - kai zōnēn khrysēn): A "band" or "girdle" (girdle) worn over the robe. Its material, "golden," signifies divine purity, immense value, glory, and royalty. Gold is frequently associated with God's dwelling, divine things, and ultimate wealth throughout Scripture.
• around his chest (πρὸς τοῖς μαστοῖς - pros tois mastois): This specific placement distinguishes it from a working girdle (worn around the waist for activity). A band around the chest (or breast) was often associated with high dignity, royalty, and honor in the ancient world, or worn by those not engaged in strenuous labor, but rather in a position of rest, rule, or counsel. This signifies Christ's exalted status and settled authority rather than active toil.

Revelation 1 13 Bonus section

The imagery in Revelation 1:13 carries strong polemical implications against contemporary Roman imperial cults. Emperors often demanded worship and claimed divine titles. By presenting Christ with "Son of Man" (a title of cosmic dominion) and clothing Him with royal and priestly regalia that surpass any human ruler, John elevates Jesus as the true King and High Priest, to whom all worship and allegiance are due. This vision would have directly challenged the prevailing idolatry and claims of Caesar, affirming Christ's exclusive sovereignty. Furthermore, the act of being "in the midst" also contrasts with the scattered or persecute church; despite earthly trials, Christ remains at the heart of His assemblies, offering powerful assurance of His solidarity and active protection. The symbolism draws deeply from both the Tabernacle/Temple layout (God's presence "in the midst" of His people, priestly vestments) and apocalyptic literature (Daniel's vision), showing Jesus as the fulfillment and culmination of divine revelation.

Revelation 1 13 Commentary

Revelation 1:13 unveils a profound image of Jesus Christ's active and glorious presence within His Church, represented by the lampstands. Far from being a distant or inactive figure, Christ is depicted as being "in the midst" of the churches, signifying His central authority, intimate involvement, and vigilant oversight. The title "one like a Son of Man" immediately invokes the messianic and judicial authority prophesied in Daniel, presenting Jesus as the divine sovereign and coming judge. His attire—a long robe and a golden band around His chest—combines priestly and royal imagery. The priestly robe underscores His role as the Great High Priest who intercedes for His people and sanctifies them, while the golden band speaks to His divine glory, kingship, and unassailable authority. This vision assures believers of Christ's steadfast presence, His intercessory work, and His ultimate rule, providing comfort in times of persecution and a clear picture of the one who holds all power and will execute justice. It serves as a reminder that the Church operates under His direct supervision and depends entirely on His abiding presence as its source of light and life.