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.

Revelation 1:20 nkjv

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

Revelation 1:20 niv

The mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and of the seven golden lampstands is this: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.

Revelation 1:20 esv

As for the mystery of the seven stars that you saw in 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.

Revelation 1:20 nlt

This is the meaning of the mystery of the seven stars you saw in my right hand and the seven gold lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.

Revelation 1 verses

Revelation 1 20 Meaning

Revelation 1:20 unveils the symbolic interpretation of key elements from John's opening vision. It reveals that the seven stars, seen in the right hand of the majestic figure of Christ, represent "the angels of the seven churches." Furthermore, it clarifies that the seven golden candlesticks among which Christ walks signify "the seven churches" themselves. This verse, therefore, serves as a divinely revealed key to understanding the initial visual symbolism, emphasizing Christ's authority over and intimate presence among His churches.

Revelation 1 20 Context

Revelation 1 sets the stage for the entire book. John, exiled on Patmos, receives a direct, overpowering vision of the risen and glorified Christ. This vision, full of rich symbolism (clothing, posture, eyes, feet, voice, swords, stars, candlesticks), establishes Jesus's authority, sovereignty, and role as judge and Savior. Verse 20 provides an immediate interpretive key for two primary symbols observed in this initial manifestation of Christ. It follows Christ's direct commission to John to write what he has seen, what is now, and what is to take place. The explanation in verse 20 clarifies the entities addressed in the subsequent seven letters (chapters 2-3), solidifying the audience as real, existing churches and their leaders in Asia Minor during the late 1st century, facing specific challenges and pressures under Roman rule and pagan society.

Revelation 1 20 Word analysis

• The mystery (τὸ μυστήριον, to mystērion): Signifies a sacred secret that was previously hidden but is now revealed by God. It implies divine disclosure rather than human discovery. It is not an enigma to be solved by human intellect, but a truth unfolded by God for His purposes.
• of the seven stars (τῶν ἑπτὰ ἀστέρων, tōn hepta asterōn): "Seven" (ἑπτά, hepta) consistently signifies completeness or perfection in Revelation and throughout Scripture, here denoting the whole body of the churches in a region. "Stars" (asteres) in biblical symbolism can refer to heavenly beings (angels) or prominent human figures/leaders, often associated with spiritual or governmental authority.
• which thou sawest (οὓς εἶδες, hous eides): Direct reference back to John's specific vision, confirming the direct divine origin of this explanation.
• in my right hand (ἐπὶ τῆς δεξιᾶς μου, epi tēs dexia mou): The "right hand" (dexia) symbolizes supreme power, authority, possession, and protection. Christ holds these stars securely and sovereignly; they are under His ultimate control and care.
• and the seven golden candlesticks (καὶ τὰς ἑπτὰ λυχνίας τὰς χρυσᾶς, kai tas hepta lykhnias tas chrysas): "Golden" (chrysas) signifies purity, preciousness, and divine value. "Candlesticks" (lykhnias) are stands for lamps, which emit light. They embody the Church's function to bear divine light, truth, and witness in the world.
• The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches (Οἱ ἑπτὰ ἀστέρες ἄγγελοι τῶν ἑπτὰ ἐκκλησιῶν εἰσιν, Hoi hepta asteres angeloi tōn hepta ekklēsiōn eisin): This is the first key interpretation. "Angels" (angeloi) here is debated by scholars.
  • One view holds it to mean literal heavenly guardian angels for each church.
  • Another, more common and practically relevant view in the context of the specific letters to the churches, sees "angels" as the human messengers, representatives, or spiritual leaders (e.g., bishops or pastors) of each congregation. This emphasizes that Christ has His leadership under His direct authority and address.
  • "Churches" (ekklēsiōn): Assemblies or congregations, referring to the body of believers.
• and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches (καὶ αἱ λυχνίαι αἱ ἑπτὰ τὰς ἐκκλησίας εἰσίν, kai hai lykhniai hai hepta tas ekklēsias eisin): This second key interpretation establishes the candlesticks as the churches themselves. They are not merely symbolic of the Church, but are the churches in their function as light-bearers for Christ in a dark world. Christ walking "in the midst" of them (Rev 1:13) signifies His constant presence, oversight, evaluation, and active participation in the life and ministry of each church.

Revelation 1 20 Bonus section

The numeric symbol "seven" repeatedly highlights completeness and perfection. There are "seven stars," "seven churches," and "seven golden candlesticks," creating a divine symmetry and reinforcing that the message extends to the entirety of the Church through these representative examples. While the seven churches mentioned are literal historical assemblies in Asia Minor, their challenges and Christ's counsel to them are applicable to churches and believers across all ages and locations, providing a comprehensive model of spiritual evaluation. The specific pairing of stars/leaders and candlesticks/churches underscores a crucial interdependence: effective leadership is essential for the church to shine, and a shining church reflects the quality of its Christ-appointed leadership. The image of Christ walking among the lampstands implies ongoing communion and meticulous observation of His Church's faithfulness and spiritual condition, a theme that immediately transitions into the detailed commendations and corrections given in the following chapters.

Revelation 1 20 Commentary

Revelation 1:20 is a profound interpretive declaration directly from the glorified Christ, making clear what John had just witnessed. It lifts the veil of symbolic imagery, revealing the concrete spiritual entities they represent: the spiritual leaders (or perhaps divine protectors) and the congregations themselves. The symbolism is intentional and significant. The "mystery" signifies that these profound truths about the Church's nature and Christ's relationship to it are divinely revealed, not humanly contrived.

The "seven stars" being held in Christ's right hand denotes absolute control, protection, and ownership over the leadership of His churches. This implies that their authority and very existence are derived from and dependent upon Him. Any attack on them is an attack on Christ's own possession, and He is the one who empowers, oversees, and holds them accountable. This divine hold also conveys security and destiny; these leaders are secure in His powerful grasp.

The "seven golden candlesticks" being identified with the churches underscores their purpose. Just as a candlestick's purpose is to hold a lamp and emit light, the Church's essential function is to be a beacon of God's truth, holiness, and witness in a fallen world. "Golden" emphasizes their divine origin and preciousness in God's eyes. Christ's presence among the candlesticks signifies His intimate knowledge, constant vigilance, and active engagement with each local body of believers. He evaluates their light, their testimony, and their faithfulness, as evidenced in the subsequent letters. It reminds every church that its ultimate strength, purpose, and survival depend not on its human structure or efforts, but on the continual, indwelling presence and authority of Christ Himself.

This verse therefore serves as a vital foundation for understanding Christ's supreme authority over, care for, and expectation from His churches, through their leaders and as congregations. It stresses that both leaders and the collective body are directly accountable to Him.