New Testament
Revelation 1:20
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, John reveals the meaning behind the symbols he has seen in his vision.
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 95
- Genre
- Apocalyptic prophecy
- Original Audience
- The seven churches of Asia Minor
Here is the mystery of the 7 stars you saw in my right hand and the 7 golden lampstands: the 7 stars are the angels of the 7 churches, and the 7 lampstands are the 7 churches themselves."
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.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, John reveals the meaning behind the symbols he has seen in his vision. The seven stars represent the angels or messengers of the seven churches, indicating that each church has a spiritual overseer. The seven golden lampstands symbolize the churches themselves, highlighting their role as lights in the world. This imagery emphasizes the connection between Christ and the churches, showing that He holds authority over them. The use of 'mystery' suggests that these truths were not fully understood until revealed by Christ. The stars and lampstands together illustrate the importance of divine guidance and the responsibility of the churches to shine brightly in their communities, reflecting God's light and truth. This passage reassures believers that their churches are under Christ's care and that He is aware of their situations and challenges. It encourages them to remain faithful and to recognize the significance of their collective witness in the world.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Revelation 1:20 to your life
Understanding that each church has a spiritual leader reminds us to support our church leaders in prayer and action. We should also strive to be a light in our communities, reflecting Christ's love and truth in our daily lives.
Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Revelation 1:20 mean?
Revelation 1:20 explains the symbols of the seven stars and seven lampstands seen in a vision. The seven stars represent the angels or messengers of the seven churches, while the seven lampstands symbolize the churches themselves.
What is the meaning of the seven stars in Revelation 1:20?
In Revelation 1:20, the seven stars signify the angels or spiritual leaders of the seven churches, indicating that each church has a divine overseer.
What is the significance of the seven lampstands in Revelation 1:20?
The seven lampstands in Revelation 1:20 represent the seven churches, highlighting their role as lights in the world and their connection to Christ.
Why does Revelation 1:20 refer to a 'mystery'?
The term 'mystery' in Revelation 1:20 indicates that the meanings of the symbols were not fully understood until revealed by Christ, emphasizing the importance of divine revelation.

The Book of Revelation
Revelation 1: The Revelation of Jesus Christ
This is the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gives Him to show His servants things which must shortly come to pass, sent and signified by His angel to John, who bears record of the word of God. A blessing is pronounced upon those who read and hear the words of this prophecy and keep the things written therein, for the time is at hand. John writes to the seven churches in Asia, sending grace and peace from Him which is, and which was, and which is to come, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first begotten of the dead, who washed us from our sins in His own blood. He declares Himself Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending. John, in the isle of Patmos for the word of God, is in the Spirit on the Lord's day and hears behind him a great voice as a trumpet. Turning, he sees seven golden candlesticks and one like the Son of man among them, clothed to the foot, His head and hairs white as wool, His eyes as a flame of fire, His feet like fine brass, His voice as the sound of many waters, seven stars in His right hand, and a sharp twoedged sword going out of His mouth. John falls at His feet as dead, and the Lord lays His right hand upon him, saying, Fear not, I am the first and the last, He that liveth and was dead and is alive for evermore. He reveals that the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches and the seven candlesticks are the seven churches.
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