Devine Scripture

Revelation 2:1

What does Revelation 2:1 mean?

A plain-English look at Revelation 2:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Revelation 2:1 means

Jesus directs John to address the overseer (the “angel”) of the church in Ephesus, introducing Himself as the One who holds the seven stars in His right hand and walks among the seven golden candlesticks. This reveals His sovereign authority over the leaders of the churches and His continual, active presence among all His congregations. He is not distant; He knows their condition from the inside. The imagery reassures Ephesus that their Lord both protects and evaluates them. The hand that holds the stars is strong enough to keep, and the feet that walk among the candlesticks are attentive enough to correct. Christ’s nearness means both comfort for faithfulness and accountability for decline.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, he that walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, he that walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

To the angel of the church in Ephesus say: These things says he who has the seven stars in his right hand, who is walking in the middle of the seven gold lights:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`To the messenger of the Ephesian assembly write: These things saith he who is holding the seven stars in his right hand, who is walking in the midst of the seven lamp-stands--the golden:

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write: These things saith he who holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

To the angel of the assembly in Ephesus write: These things says he that holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lamps:

Context

This verse opens the first of the seven letters, addressed to Ephesus. Each letter begins with a self-description of Christ drawn from the vision in chapter 1, suited to the situation of that church. Before commendations and rebukes are given (verses 2–6), Jesus first asserts who He is in relation to the churches. This introduction sets the tone for the Ephesian message, reminding readers that the coming words flow from Christ’s authority and intimate knowledge. A call to hear and a promise to overcomers will conclude the section (verse 7).

v.1This passage

v.2I know thy works, and thy toil and patience, and that thou canst not bear evil men, and didst try them that call themselves apostles, and they are not, and didst find them false;

Cross references

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

  • Revelation 3:14

    And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God:

  • 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:

  • Revelation 2:12

    And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These things saith he that hath the sharp two-edged sword:

  • John 5:35

    He was the lamp that burneth and shineth; and ye were willing to rejoice for a season in his light.

  • Revelation 2:8

    And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These things saith the first and the last, who was dead, and lived again:

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