Revelation 1:20 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Christ explains the mystery: the seven stars are the messengers of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the churches themselves.
What Does Revelation 1:20 Mean?
The chapter closes as the Lord unveils the meaning of two images John has seen. The seven stars in His right hand are the angels, or messengers, of the seven churches, and the seven golden lampstands are the seven churches themselves. What seemed a mystery is now made plain by the One who gave the vision.
So the churches are lampstands, called to bear the light of Christ in a dark world, and they are held within His care, with their messengers in His very hand. He walks in their midst, watches over them, and keeps them. As chapters two and three turn to address each church in turn, the reader already knows the most important thing: the risen Lord is present among His people, and they are safe in His grasp.
Revelation 1:20 in the Original Language
angelos (ἄγγελος), 'angel' -- a messenger, one sent to bear and deliver a message.
Frequently Asked Questions About Revelation 1:20
What does Revelation 1:20 mean?
Christ explains the mystery: the seven stars are the messengers of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the churches themselves.