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 1:20KJV
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Revelation 1:20 (KJV)

What does Revelation 1:20 mean?

Revelation 1:20 explains that the figures John has seen stand for the churches and their angels. Jesus gives John a key for understanding the picture: the stars relate to the angels, while the golden candlesticks represent the churches themselves.

Jesus is speaking to John, who has seen him holding the stars in his right hand. The “candlesticks” are lampstands: stands that hold lamps and give light. The explanation prepares John to hear the messages that follow.

The Greek behind Revelation 1:20

  • “mystery” — μυστήριον (mystērion): This word can mean something hidden that is made known. Here, Jesus makes known what the images John saw represent.
  • “angels” — ἄγγελοι (angeloi): This word means “messengers.” Christians understand these figures in different ways: some see heavenly beings, while others see human messengers or leaders.
  • “churches” — ἐκκλησίαι (ekklēsiai): This word refers to assemblies or gatherings of people. Here, the churches are groups of believers in the places named earlier, rather than buildings.

Why Revelation 1:20 matters

  • The number seven points to specific communities addressed in the book. Revelation 1:11 names the seven places, beginning with Ephesus and ending with Laodicea.
  • The image places Jesus among the churches. John sees him “in the midst of the seven candlesticks” in Revelation 1:13, and verse 20 identifies those candlesticks.
  • The stars are held in Jesus’ right hand, the same hand he placed on John after John fell at his feet in Revelation 1:17. This links the figures in his hand with the speaker who addresses John.

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 1:13 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.

“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.

“stars” Greek G792 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 2:2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:41 There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory.
  • Revelation 8:10 And the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters;

“mystery” Greek G3466 · used in 27 verses

  • Matthew 13:11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.
  • 1 Corinthians 14:2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.
  • Colossians 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: