Revelation 1:20

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#2
μυστήριον
The mystery
a secret or "mystery" (through the idea of silence imposed by initiation into religious rites)
#3
τῶν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
ἑπτὰ
The seven
seven
#5
ἀστέρες
stars
a star (as strown over the sky), literally or figuratively
#6
ἅς
which
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#7
εἶδες
thou sawest
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
#8
ἐπὶ
in
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#9
τῆς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
δεξιᾶς
right hand
the right side or (feminine) hand (as that which usually takes)
#11
μου
my
of me
#12
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#13
τὰς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
ἑπτὰ
The seven
seven
#15
λυχνίαι
candlesticks
a lamp-stand (literally or figuratively)
#16
τὰς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
χρυσᾶς·
golden
made of gold
#18
οἱ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#19
ἑπτὰ
The seven
seven
#20
ἀστέρες
stars
a star (as strown over the sky), literally or figuratively
#21
ἄγγελοι
G32
the angels
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
#22
τῶν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#23
ἑπτὰ
The seven
seven
#24
ἐκκλησίαι
churches
a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth
#25
εἰσίν
are
they are
#26
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#27
αἱ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#28
ἑπτὰ
The seven
seven
#29
λυχνίαι
candlesticks
a lamp-stand (literally or figuratively)
#30
ἅς
which
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#31
εἶδες
thou sawest
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
#32
ἑπτὰ
The seven
seven
#33
ἐκκλησίαι
churches
a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth
#34
εἰσίν
are
they are

Analysis

This verse is part of John's apocalyptic vision of the glorified Christ. The symbolism connects to Old Testament prophetic tradition, particularly from Daniel and Ezekiel, while revealing Christ's divine nature and authority. The imagery of seven stars are contributes to the overall majestic portrayal.

Historical Context

Written during a time of imperial persecution under Domitian, this vision would have encouraged believers to remain faithful despite opposition. The apocalyptic imagery draws on Jewish prophetic traditions while speaking to the specific challenges faced by first-century Christians in Asia Minor.

Questions for Reflection