Devine Scripture

Revelation 1:13

What does Revelation 1:13 mean?

A plain-English look at Revelation 1:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Revelation 1:13 means

In the midst of the candlesticks stands one like a son of man, dressed in a long robe and with a golden sash across His chest. The title recalls the promised figure of dominion and also identifies Jesus, who often used it of Himself. His attire suggests both priestly care and royal dignity. He is not distant from the churches; He is among them, overseeing their light. As priest-King, He both tends and rules His people. This vision lifts their eyes to the true leader of the church—majestic yet present—who will commend, correct, and strengthen them according to His holy wisdom.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

and in the midst of the candlesticks one like unto a son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about at the breasts with a golden girdle.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

and in the midst of the candlesticks one like unto a son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about at the breasts with a golden girdle.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And in the middle of them one like a son of man, clothed with a robe down to his feet, and with a band of gold round his breasts.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and in the midst of the seven lamp-stands, <FI>one<Fi> like to a son of man, clothed to the foot, and girt round at the breast with a golden girdle,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks, one like to the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the feet, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and in the midst of the [seven] lamps [one] like [the] Son of man, clothed with a garment reaching to the feet, and girt about at the breasts with a golden girdle:

Context

The appearance of the Son of Man anchors the vision. Verses 14–16 will describe His features—white hair, fiery eyes, bronze-like feet, thunderous voice, seven stars in His hand, a sharp sword from His mouth, and a face shining like the sun—each conveying aspects of purity, authority, judgment, and glory. The sequence builds awe before John’s collapse in verse 17 and the Lord’s reassuring self-identification and commission in verses 17–19.

v.12And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And having turned I saw seven golden candlesticks;

v.13This passage

v.14And his head and his hair were white as white wool, white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Hebrews 4:15

    For we have not a high priest that cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but one that hath been in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

  • Isaiah 11:5

    And righteousness shall be the girdle of his waist, and faithfulness the girdle of his loins.

  • Daniel 10:16

    And, behold, one in the likeness of the sons of men touched my lips: then I opened my mouth, and spake and said unto him that stood before me, O my lord, by reason of the vision my sorrows are turned upon me, and I retain no strength.

  • Exodus 39:5

    And the skilfully woven band, that was upon it, wherewith to gird it on, was of the same piece and like the work thereof; of gold, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen; as Jehovah commanded Moses.

  • Exodus 28:6

    And they shall make the ephod of gold, of blue, and purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen, the work of the skilful workman.

  • Philippians 2:7

    but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men;

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