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

REVELATION 1:12KJV
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Revelation 1:12 (KJV)

What does Revelation 1:12 mean?

Revelation 1:12 describes John turning toward the voice that has spoken to him. His attention moves from what he heard to what he sees: seven golden lampstands. The verse begins a description of the scene that unfolds before him.

John’s phrase “see the voice” is a vivid way of saying that he turns to see who is speaking. Just before this, he heard a voice behind him (verse 10). The lampstands are the first things he mentions seeing.

The Greek behind Revelation 1:12

  • “voice” — φωνή (phōnē): This word can mean a sound or a voice. Here it refers to the speaking John has heard, drawing attention to the sound that makes him turn.
  • “candlesticks” — λυχνία (lychnia): The word refers to lampstands, supports for lamps. The KJV’s “candlesticks” pictures stands for light, rather than necessarily the holders for wax candles familiar today.

Why Revelation 1:12 matters

  • The seven lampstands have an identified meaning within the passage. In verse 20, John is told that they represent seven churches, or groups of believers.
  • The lampstands prepare the reader to notice where the speaker appears. Verse 13 places someone “in the midst” of them, making their arrangement part of the scene.
  • John’s description moves from hearing to sight. The words “turned to see” mark the point where the voice behind him leads into the vision he describes.

Where else these words appear

“candlesticks” Greek G3087 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
  • Luke 11:33 No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light.
  • Revelation 1:20 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.

“golden” Greek G5552 · used in 16 verses

  • 2 Timothy 2:20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.
  • Revelation 4:4 And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.
  • Revelation 14:14 And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.

“turned” Greek G1994 · used in 38 verses

  • Matthew 9:22 But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.
  • Luke 8:55 And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat.
  • Acts 15:36 And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.

“seven” Greek G2033 · used in 63 verses

  • Matthew 12:45 Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.
  • Luke 20:29 There were therefore seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and died without children.
  • Revelation 5:5 And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.