Revelation 1:20
What does Revelation 1:20 mean?
A plain-English look at Revelation 1:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Revelation 1:20 means
Jesus explains the mystery: the seven stars in His right hand are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven golden candlesticks are the seven churches. Whatever precise identity the angels have—heavenly guardians or human messengers—the point is clear: Christ holds them securely. The churches are candlesticks, bearers of light, precious and purposeful. By standing among them and holding their representatives, Jesus shows intimate knowledge and sovereign care. This interpretation invites readers to receive the letters that follow as words from the Lord who is present with His people and governs their leaders for their good and His glory.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000the 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 are seven churches.
KJV
King James Version · 1611The 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901the 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 are seven churches.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The secret of the seven stars which you saw in my right hand, and of the seven gold vessels with burning lights. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven lights are the seven churches.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862the secret of the seven stars that thou hast seen upon my right hand, and the seven golden lamp-stands: the seven stars are messengers of the seven assemblies, and the seven lamp-stands that thou hast seen are seven assemblies.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The 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 are the seven churches.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890The mystery of the seven stars which thou hast seen on my right hand, and the seven golden lamps. — The seven stars are angels of the seven assemblies; and the seven lamps are seven assemblies.
Context
The chapter closes by decoding key symbols from the vision, linking the majestic imagery back to the concrete congregations named in verse 11. This prepares for the messages to Ephesus through Laodicea in chapters 2–3, each introduced by elements from this vision. The explanation reassures the churches that the Lord who speaks to them is both transcendent and near—walking among their candlesticks and holding their stars—so His praise, rebuke, and promises carry divine authority and compassionate concern.
v.19Write therefore the things which thou sawest, and the things which are, and the things which shall come to pass hereafter;
v.20This passage
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Revelation 1:12
And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And having turned I saw seven golden candlesticks;
- Revelation 2:12
And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These things saith he that hath the sharp two-edged sword:
- Revelation 3:1
And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars: I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and thou art dead.
- Revelation 3:7
And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth and none shall shut, and that shutteth and none openeth:
- Zechariah 4:2
And he said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have seen, and, behold, a candlestick all of gold, with its bowl upon the top of it, and its seven lamps thereon; there are seven pipes to each of the lamps, which are upon the top thereof;
- Matthew 13:11
And he answered and said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Revelation 1
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Revelation 1.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About the Deity of Christ
The Bible consistently reveals Jesus Christ as truly God, possessing divine attributes, titles, and authority.
Topic
Bible Verses About God as King
Explore how the Bible reveals God as the sovereign King, ruling over all creation with justice and love
Topic
Bible Verses About the Eternity of God
God’s endless existence, without beginning or end, assures His faithfulness and unchanging nature through all generations.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for the Fear of Death
When you're afraid to die — what scripture promises about the last enemy.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Grief After Losing Someone You Love
When the room is empty — verses that grieve with you, not around you.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Grief After a Miscarriage
A holy ache the world rarely names — scripture for the weight you're carrying.