King James Version

What Does Revelation 1:20 Mean?

Revelation 1:20 in the King James Version says “The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars ar... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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 · KJV


Context

18

I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore , Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

19

Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter ;

20

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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... 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 1:20 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 · 34 words
τὸ1 of 34
G3588

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

μυστήριον2 of 34

The mystery

G3466

a secret or "mystery" (through the idea of silence imposed by initiation into religious rites)

τῶν3 of 34
G3588

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

ἑπτὰ4 of 34

The seven

G2033

seven

ἀστέρες5 of 34

stars

G792

a star (as strown over the sky), literally or figuratively

ἅς6 of 34

which

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

εἶδες7 of 34

thou sawest

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

ἐπὶ8 of 34

in

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τῆς9 of 34
G3588

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

δεξιᾶς10 of 34

right hand

G1188

the right side or (feminine) hand (as that which usually takes)

μου11 of 34

my

G3450

of me

καὶ12 of 34

and

G2532

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

τὰς13 of 34
G3588

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

ἑπτὰ14 of 34

The seven

G2033

seven

λυχνίαι15 of 34

candlesticks

G3087

a lamp-stand (literally or figuratively)

τὰς16 of 34
G3588

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

χρυσᾶς·17 of 34

golden

G5552

made of gold

οἱ18 of 34
G3588

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

ἑπτὰ19 of 34

The seven

G2033

seven

ἀστέρες20 of 34

stars

G792

a star (as strown over the sky), literally or figuratively

ἄγγελοι21 of 34

the angels

G32

compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor

τῶν22 of 34
G3588

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

ἑπτὰ23 of 34

The seven

G2033

seven

ἐκκλησίαι24 of 34

churches

G1577

a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth

εἰσίν25 of 34

are

G1526

they are

καὶ26 of 34

and

G2532

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

αἱ27 of 34
G3588

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

ἑπτὰ28 of 34

The seven

G2033

seven

λυχνίαι29 of 34

candlesticks

G3087

a lamp-stand (literally or figuratively)

ἅς30 of 34

which

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

εἶδες31 of 34

thou sawest

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

ἑπτὰ32 of 34

The seven

G2033

seven

ἐκκλησίαι33 of 34

churches

G1577

a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth

εἰσίν34 of 34

are

G1526

they are


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 1:20 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 1:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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