King James Version

What Does Revelation 1:13 Mean?

Revelation 1:13 in the King James Version says “And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and gi...” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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 · KJV

Context

11

Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.

12

And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;

13

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.

14

His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;

15

And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.

Read Revelation 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.... This verse from Revelation's vision of vision of the glorified christ - his majesty, authority, and presence among the churches employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic of Jewish prophetic literature, drawing heavily from Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Zechariah.

The symbolism must be interpreted within its first-century context while recognizing timeless spiritual realities. The imagery would resonate powerfully with persecuted believers facing Roman imperial cult worship, providing hope that despite present suffering, Christ reigns sovereign and will consummate His kingdom. The apocalyptic genre uses symbolic numbers (seven, twelve, 144,000), colors, beasts, and cosmic imagery to convey theological truth rather than photographic descriptions.

Christologically, Revelation consistently exalts Jesus as the victorious Lamb, the faithful witness, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Every vision ultimately points to Christ's supremacy, His finished redemptive work, and His certain return to judge the living and dead and establish the new creation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

John received this revelation circa AD 95 during Domitian's persecution, exiled on Patmos for his testimony. The seven churches of Asia Minor faced increasing pressure to participate in emperor worship and pagan religious practices. Refusal meant economic hardship, social ostracism, and potential martyrdom. Understanding this context illuminates Revelation's encouragement to faithful endurance.

The apocalyptic genre was familiar to first-century Jewish and Christian readers. Rather than newspaper-style predictions, apocalyptic literature uses symbolic imagery to reveal spiritual realities behind earthly events, encourage the faithful, warn the unfaithful, and assert God's ultimate sovereignty over history. Parallels with Daniel, Ezekiel, and intertestamental apocalyptic writings would help original readers decode the symbols.

Rome's imperial cult demanded worship of Caesar as divine, placing Christians in impossible situations—compromise their faith or face persecution. Revelation identifies Rome as "Babylon" and assures believers that despite appearances, the Lamb conquered through His death and resurrection, and all earthly kingdoms will submit to His reign.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Revelation 1:13 reveal God's character, particularly His sovereignty, holiness, and justice?
  2. What specific encouragement or warning does this verse offer for maintaining faithful Christian witness amid cultural pressure?
  3. How does this passage point to Christ's victory and the hope of new creation, and how should that shape your present priorities?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
καὶ1 of 18

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐν2 of 18

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

μέσῳ3 of 18

“the midst”

G3319

middle (as an adjective or (neuter) noun)

τῶν4 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἑπτὰ5 of 18

“of the seven”

G2033

seven

λυχνιῶν6 of 18

“candlesticks”

G3087

a lamp-stand (literally or figuratively)

ὅμοιον7 of 18

“one like”

G3664

similar (in appearance or character)

ὑιῷ8 of 18

“unto the Son”

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

ἀνθρώπου9 of 18

“of man”

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

ἐνδεδυμένον10 of 18

“clothed with a garment”

G1746

to invest with clothing (literally or figuratively)

ποδήρη11 of 18

“down to the foot”

G4158

a dress (g2066 implied) reaching the ankles

καὶ12 of 18

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

περιεζωσμένον13 of 18

“girt”

G4024

to gird all around, i.e., (middle voice or passive) to fasten on one's belt (literally or figuratively)

πρὸς14 of 18

“about”

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

τοῖς15 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μαστοῖς16 of 18

“the paps”

G3149

a (properly, female) breast (as if kneaded up)

ζώνην17 of 18

“girdle”

G2223

a belt; by implication, a pocket

χρυσῆν18 of 18

“with a golden”

G5552

made of gold

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Revelation. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Revelation 1:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Revelation 1:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Daniel 7:13Daniel 10:16Daniel 10:5-6Revelation 15:6Exodus 28:6-8Leviticus 8:7

Test Your Knowledge

Revelation 1 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRevelation Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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