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.
Word-by-Word Analysis
Analysis
This verse begins the extraordinary Christophany—the vision of the glorified Christ among the lampstands. The description combines elements of royal, priestly, prophetic, and divine imagery in a stunning portrait of Christ's transcendent glory.
The phrase "one like unto the Son of man" (ὅμοιον υἱὸν ἀνθρώπου) deliberately echoes Daniel 7:13-14, where the "Son of Man" comes with clouds and receives everlasting dominion. This title, Jesus' favorite self-designation in the Gospels, here takes on its full apocalyptic significance.
The clothing described has dual significance: the "garment down to the foot" (ποδήρη/podērē) recalls the high priest's robe (Exodus 28:4, 39:29) while the "golden girdle" or sash around the chest rather than waist suggests royal dignity. In combining these images, Christ is presented as both King and High Priest in the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 7).
His position "in the midst of the seven lampstands" is theologically significant, showing Christ's immediate presence with and authority over the churches. The lampstands (later identified as the seven churches) allude to both the tabernacle menorah (Exodus 25:31-40) and Zechariah's vision (Zechariah 4:2-10), suggesting the churches' function as light-bearers in the world under Christ's oversight.
Historical Context
In the Greco-Roman world of the late first century, this vision would have provided a stunning contrast to imperial imagery. Roman emperors were typically portrayed in statuary and coinage with idealized, youthful features, wearing the purple toga of authority, and often with radiate crowns suggesting solar divinity.
Domitian particularly promoted his divine status, having himself addressed as dominus et deus noster ("our lord and god"). In the provincial capital Pergamum (one of the seven churches addressed), a massive temple complex dedicated to emperor worship dominated the acropolis, visible throughout the city.
The Jewish community would have recognized multiple elements from prophetic tradition. The figure combines features from Ezekiel's vision of God's glory (Ezekiel 1:26-28), Daniel's "Ancient of Days" and "Son of Man" (Daniel 7:9-14, 10:5-6), and various theophany accounts. This deliberate merging of divine imagery with the human "Son of Man" figure creates one of the New Testament's most explicit presentations of Christ's deity.
Archaeological excavations at Ephesus (another of the seven churches) have uncovered a 23-foot statue of Emperor Domitian that once stood in his temple. John's vision provides the ultimate counter-imperial image: Christ as the true divine sovereign standing among His churches, outshining all imperial pretensions.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this vision of the glorified Christ compare with other portraits in Scripture, such as the transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-8) or Isaiah's throne room vision (Isaiah 6:1-5)?
- What theological significance does Christ's position 'in the midst of the seven lampstands' have for our understanding of His relationship to the church?
- How does the combination of royal, priestly, and divine imagery shape our understanding of Christ's multifaceted identity and work?
- In what ways might this vision of Christ have challenged first-century believers' perspectives and provided comfort during persecution?
- How should this majestic portrayal of Christ influence our worship and daily discipleship today?