CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Revelation 1:12 Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And having turned, I saw seven golden lampstands,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/revelation/1-12.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/66_Rev_01_12.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Revelation 1:12 - John's Vision on Patmos" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And having turned, I saw seven golden lampstands," /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/revelation/1-12.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/revelation/1-12.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/revelation/">Revelation</a> > <a href="/revelation/1.htm">Chapter 1</a> > Verse 12</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad12.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/revelation/1-11.htm" title="Revelation 1:11">◄</a> Revelation 1:12 <a href="/revelation/1-13.htm" title="Revelation 1:13">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/revelation/1.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/revelation/1.htm">New International Version</a> I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, <a href="/nlt/revelation/1.htm">New Living Translation</a> When I turned to see who was speaking to me, I saw seven gold lampstands. <a href="/esv/revelation/1.htm">English Standard Version</a> Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, <a href="/bsb/revelation/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And having turned, I saw seven golden lampstands, <a href="/blb/revelation/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And having turned, I saw seven golden lampstands, <a href="/kjv/revelation/1.htm">King James Bible</a> And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; <a href="/nkjv/revelation/1.htm">New King James Version</a> Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands, <a href="/nasb_/revelation/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And after turning I saw seven golden lampstands; <a href="/nasb/revelation/1.htm">NASB 1995</a> Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands; <a href="/nasb77/revelation/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands; <a href="/lsb/revelation/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands; <a href="/amp/revelation/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And after turning I saw seven golden lampstands; <a href="/csb/revelation/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Then I turned to see whose voice it was that spoke to me. When I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, <a href="/hcsb/revelation/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> I turned to see whose voice it was that spoke to me. When I turned I saw seven gold lampstands, <a href="/asv/revelation/1.htm">American Standard Version</a> And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And having turned I saw seven golden candlesticks; <a href="/cev/revelation/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> When I turned to see who was speaking to me, I saw seven gold lampstands. <a href="/erv/revelation/1.htm">English Revised Version</a> And I turned to see the voice which spake with me. And having turned I saw seven golden candlesticks; <a href="/gwt/revelation/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> I turned toward the voice which was talking to me, and when I turned, I saw seven gold lamp stands. <a href="/gnt/revelation/1.htm">Good News Translation</a> I turned around to see who was talking to me, and I saw seven gold lampstands, <a href="/isv/revelation/1.htm">International Standard Version</a> Then I turned to see who was talking to me, and when I turned I saw seven gold lamp stands. <a href="/net/revelation/1.htm">NET Bible</a> I turned to see whose voice was speaking to me, and when I did so, I saw seven golden lampstands, <a href="/nheb/revelation/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. Having turned, I saw seven golden lampstands. <a href="/wbt/revelation/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; <a href="/wey/revelation/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> I turned to see who it was that was speaking to me; and then I saw seven golden lampstands,<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/revelation/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> And there I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And having turned, I saw seven golden lampstands, <a href="/web/revelation/1.htm">World English Bible</a> I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. Having turned, I saw seven golden lamp stands. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/revelation/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And I turned to see the voice that spoke with me, and having turned, I saw seven golden lampstands, <a href="/blb/revelation/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And having turned, I saw seven golden lampstands, <a href="/ylt/revelation/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And I did turn to see the voice that did speak with me, and having turned, I saw seven golden lamp-stands, <a href="/slt/revelation/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And I turned back to see the voice which spake with me. And having turned back, I saw seven gold chandeliers;<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/revelation/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks: <a href="/cpdv/revelation/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And I turned around, so as to see the voice which was speaking with me. And having turned around, I saw seven golden lampstands. <a href="/nabre/revelation/1.htm">New American Bible</a> Then I turned to see whose voice it was that spoke to me, and when I turned, I saw seven gold lampstands <a href="/nrsvce/revelation/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Then I turned to see whose voice it was that spoke to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands,<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/revelation/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And I turned to see the voice that spoke to me. And as I turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/revelation/1.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And I turned to know that voice which spoke with me, and when I turned around, I saw seven menorahs of gold;<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/revelation/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And I turned to see the voice that spoke with me: and having turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks, <a href="/godbey/revelation/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And I turned to see the voice which was speaking with me; and having turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; <a href="/haweis/revelation/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> And I turned to see what voice spake to me. And when I turned round I saw seven lamps of gold; <a href="/mace/revelation/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a> and I turned to see from whence the voice came that spake to me, and turning about, I saw seven golden candlesticks; <a href="/wey/revelation/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> I turned to see who it was that was speaking to me; and then I saw seven golden lampstands, <a href="/worrell/revelation/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me; and, having turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; <a href="/worsley/revelation/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> And I turned to see the voice that spake to me: and when I turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; <a href="/parallel/revelation/1-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LJfD7KQcx0I?start=139" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/revelation/1.htm">John's Vision on Patmos</a> …11saying, “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.” 12<a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: Kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">Then</a> <a href="/greek/1994.htm" title="1994: epestrepsa (V-AIA-1S) -- From epi and strepho; to revert.">I turned</a> <a href="/greek/991.htm" title="991: blepein (V-PNA) -- (primarily physical), I look, see, perceive, discern. A primary verb; to look at.">to see</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/5456.htm" title="5456: phōnēn (N-AFS) -- Probably akin to phaino through the idea of disclosure; a tone; by implication, an address, saying or language.">voice</a> <a href="/greek/3748.htm" title="3748: hētis (RelPro-NFS) -- Whosoever, whichsoever, whatsoever. ">that</a> <a href="/greek/2980.htm" title="2980: elalei (V-IIA-3S) -- A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.">was speaking</a> <a href="/greek/3326.htm" title="3326: met’ (Prep) -- (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives. ">with</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: emou (PPro-G1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">me.</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">And</a> <a href="/greek/1994.htm" title="1994: epistrepsas (V-APA-NMS) -- From epi and strepho; to revert.">having turned,</a> <a href="/greek/3708.htm" title="3708: eidon (V-AIA-1S) -- Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.">I saw</a> <a href="/greek/2033.htm" title="2033: hepta (Adj-AFP) -- Seven. A primary number; seven.">seven</a> <a href="/greek/5552.htm" title="5552: chrysas (Adj-AFP) -- Golden, made of gold, adorned with gold. From chrusos; made of gold.">golden</a> <a href="/greek/3087.htm" title="3087: lychnias (N-AFP) -- A lamp-stand. From luchnos; a lamp-stand.">lampstands,</a> 13and among the lampstands was One like the Son of Man, dressed in a long robe, with a golden sash around His chest.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/exodus/25-31.htm">Exodus 25:31-40</a> Then you are to make a lampstand of pure, hammered gold. It shall be made of one piece, including its base and shaft, its cups, and its buds and petals. / Six branches are to extend from the sides of the lampstand—three on one side and three on the other. / There are to be three cups shaped like almond blossoms on the first branch, each with buds and petals, three on the next branch, and the same for all six branches that extend from the lampstand. ... <a href="/zechariah/4-2.htm">Zechariah 4:2</a> “What do you see?” he asked. “I see a solid gold lampstand,” I replied, “with a bowl at the top and seven lamps on it, with seven spouts to the lamps. <a href="/daniel/10-5.htm">Daniel 10:5-6</a> I lifted up my eyes, and behold, there was a certain man dressed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist. / His body was like beryl, his face like the brilliance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of polished bronze, and his voice like the sound of a multitude. <a href="/exodus/37-17.htm">Exodus 37:17-24</a> Then he made the lampstand out of pure hammered gold, all of one piece: its base and shaft, its cups, and its buds and petals. / Six branches extended from the sides, three on one side and three on the other. / There were three cups shaped like almond blossoms on the first branch, each with buds and petals, three on the next branch, and the same for all six branches that extended from the lampstand. ... <a href="/1_kings/7-49.htm">1 Kings 7:49</a> the lampstands of pure gold in front of the inner sanctuary, five on the right side and five on the left; the gold flowers, lamps, and tongs; <a href="/zechariah/4-11.htm">Zechariah 4:11-14</a> Then I asked the angel, “What are the two olive trees on the right and left of the lampstand?” / And I questioned him further, “What are the two olive branches beside the two gold pipes from which the golden oil pours?” / “Do you not know what these are?” he inquired. “No, my lord,” I replied. ... <a href="/daniel/7-9.htm">Daniel 7:9</a> As I continued to watch, thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took His seat. His clothing was white as snow, and the hair of His head was like pure wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze. <a href="/matthew/17-2.htm">Matthew 17:2</a> There He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. <a href="/john/1-14.htm">John 1:14</a> The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. <a href="/john/8-12.htm">John 8:12</a> Once again, Jesus spoke to the people and said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.” <a href="/john/12-46.htm">John 12:46</a> I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in Me should remain in darkness. <a href="/hebrews/1-3.htm">Hebrews 1:3</a> The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature, upholding all things by His powerful word. After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. <a href="/hebrews/9-2.htm">Hebrews 9:2</a> A tabernacle was prepared. In its first room were the lampstand, the table, and the consecrated bread. This was called the Holy Place. <a href="/1_john/1-5.htm">1 John 1:5</a> And this is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you: God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. <a href="/revelation/2-1.htm">Revelation 2:1</a> “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of Him who holds the seven stars in His right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;see.<a href="/ezekiel/43-5.htm">Ezekiel 43:5,6</a> So the spirit took me up, and brought me into the inner court; and, behold, the glory of the LORD filled the house… <a href="/micah/6-9.htm">Micah 6:9</a> The LORD'S voice crieth unto the city, and the man of wisdom shall see thy name: hear ye the rod, and who hath appointed it.I saw.<a href="/revelation/1-13.htm">Revelation 1:13,20</a> 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… <a href="/revelation/2-1.htm">Revelation 2:1</a> 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;<a href="/exodus/25-37.htm">Exodus 25:37</a> And thou shalt make the seven lamps thereof: and they shall light the lamps thereof, that they may give light over against it.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_peter/3-12.htm">Burning</a> <a href="/jeremiah/52-19.htm">Candlesticks</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-3.htm">Gold</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-4.htm">Golden</a> <a href="/jeremiah/52-19.htm">Lampstands</a> <a href="/revelation/11-4.htm">Lamp-Stands</a> <a href="/revelation/1-11.htm">Seven</a> <a href="/jude/1-16.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/2_john/1-6.htm">Speaking</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-22.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/1_john/2-26.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/jude/1-4.htm">Turning</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-21.htm">Vessels</a> <a href="/revelation/1-10.htm">Voice</a> <a href="/revelation/1-3.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/revelation/1-20.htm">Burning</a> <a href="/revelation/1-13.htm">Candlesticks</a> <a href="/revelation/1-13.htm">Gold</a> <a href="/revelation/1-13.htm">Golden</a> <a href="/revelation/1-13.htm">Lampstands</a> <a href="/revelation/11-4.htm">Lamp-Stands</a> <a href="/revelation/1-13.htm">Seven</a> <a href="/revelation/2-24.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/revelation/4-1.htm">Speaking</a> <a href="/revelation/3-10.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/revelation/2-4.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/genesis/14-17.htm">Turning</a> <a href="/revelation/1-20.htm">Vessels</a> <a href="/revelation/1-15.htm">Voice</a> <a href="/revelation/2-1.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Revelation 1</div>1. <a href="/revelation/1-1.htm">The preface.</a> 4. <a href="/revelation/1-4.htm">John's salutation to the seven churches of Asia.</a> 7. <a href="/revelation/1-7.htm">The coming of Christ.</a> 8. <a href="/revelation/1-8.htm">His glorious power and majesty.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/revelation/1.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/revelation/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/revelation/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. This phrase indicates a pivotal moment of revelation for John. The act of turning signifies a deliberate response to a divine call, reminiscent of Moses turning aside to see the burning bush (<a href="/exodus/3-3.htm">Exodus 3:3-4</a>). The "voice" is a central theme in prophetic literature, often representing divine communication (<a href="/ezekiel/1-28.htm">Ezekiel 1:28</a>; <a href="/daniel/10-9.htm">Daniel 10:9</a>). In the context of Revelation, this voice is authoritative and commands attention, suggesting the presence of Christ Himself, as seen in the subsequent verses.And having turned, I saw seven golden lampstands, The "seven golden lampstands" are symbolic and hold significant meaning. In the ancient Near East, lampstands were used in the tabernacle and temple (<a href="/exodus/25-31.htm">Exodus 25:31-40</a>), representing the presence of God and the light of His truth. The number seven is often associated with completeness and perfection in biblical literature (<a href="/genesis/2-2.htm">Genesis 2:2-3</a>; <a href="/joshua/6-15.htm">Joshua 6:15-16</a>). In Revelation, these lampstands are later identified as the seven churches (<a href="/revelation/1-20.htm">Revelation 1:20</a>), indicating their role as bearers of God's light in the world. The use of gold signifies purity and value, underscoring the precious nature of the church in God's eyes. This imagery connects to Jesus' teaching about believers being the light of the world (<a href="/matthew/5-14.htm">Matthew 5:14-16</a>) and highlights the church's mission to reflect Christ's light.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/john_the_apostle.htm">John the Apostle</a> The author of the Book of Revelation, who is receiving the vision while exiled on the island of Patmos. 2. <a href="/topical/s/seven_golden_lampstands.htm">Seven Golden Lampstands</a> Symbolic representations of the seven churches in Asia Minor, which are addressed in the subsequent chapters of Revelation. 3. <a href="/topical/v/voice.htm">Voice</a> The voice that John hears is later revealed to be that of Jesus Christ, who is delivering a message to the churches.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/s/symbolism_of_light.htm">Symbolism of Light</a> The lampstands symbolize the churches as bearers of God's light in a dark world. Believers are called to reflect Christ's light through their lives. <a href="/topical/c/christ's_presence.htm">Christ's Presence</a> The presence of Christ among the lampstands signifies His intimate involvement and oversight of the church. This reassures believers of His constant presence and guidance. <a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_witness.htm">Faithfulness in Witness</a> Just as the lampstands are meant to shine, Christians are called to be faithful witnesses, maintaining their testimony even in challenging circumstances. <a href="/topical/u/unity_and_diversity.htm">Unity and Diversity</a> The seven lampstands represent different churches, each with unique characteristics and challenges, yet all are part of the universal body of Christ. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_vigilance.htm">Spiritual Vigilance</a> The imagery encourages believers to remain spiritually vigilant, ensuring that their "light" does not dim through complacency or compromise.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_revelation_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Revelation 1</a> <a href="/q/what_do_the_7_lampstands_symbolize.htm">What do the seven lampstands in Revelation represent?</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_an_abomination.htm">What do the seven lampstands in Revelation represent?</a> <a href="/q/who_are_the_24_elders_in_revelation.htm">Who are the 24 Elders in Revelation?</a> <a href="/q/how_is_satan_bound_for_1000_years.htm">(Revelation 20:1–3) How can Satan be literally bound for a thousand years and then released if he is not a physical being? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/revelation/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(12) Seven golden candlesticks.--Comp. the vision in <a href="/context/zechariah/4-2.htm" title="And said to me, What see you? And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl on the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are on the top thereof:">Zechariah 4:2-11</a>. It has been observed that there is a difference in the two visions. In Zech., as in <a href="/context/exodus/25-31.htm" title="And you shall make a candlestick of pure gold: of beaten work shall the candlestick be made: his shaft, and his branches, his bowls, his knops, and his flowers, shall be of the same.">Exodus 25:31-32</a>, the seven branches are united, so as to form one candlestick; here there are said to be seven candlesticks; and from this supposed difference it is argued that we have a hint of the variety of the Christian churches, as distinguished from the singleness of the Jewish church. But is it not more probable that what St. John saw was the old familiar seven-branched candlestick, identical in form with that which has been rendered familiar to all by the Arch of Titus, but that as the mention of the seven churches was then fresh in his mind, his eye fell rather upon the seven limbs and seven lights than on the whole candlestand, especially if, as Prof. Plumptre suggests, the figure of the Christ concealed part of the main stem? Thus to his view the separate individuality of the churches, and their real union in Him who was the Light, would rather be symbolised. Thus, too, the external teachings of the earlier symbols are not disturbed: the new revelation illumines the types and shadows of the older. "These symbols were intended to raise them out of symbols; the truths were to throw light on the parables, rather than the parables on the truths. Men were to study the visions of an earlier day by the revelations of that day" (Maurice, Apocalypse, p. 22).<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/revelation/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 12. - To see the voice. As in <a href="/genesis/3-8.htm">Genesis 3:8</a>, "the voice" is put for the speaker. This is the right method in studying the Revelation; we must, like St. John, "turn to see the voice." We must look, not to the events about which it seems to us to speak, but to him who utters it. The book is "the Revelation," not of the secrets of history, but "of Jesus Christ." Seven golden candlesticks. The word λυχνία occurs in <a href="/matthew/5-15.htm">Matthew 5:15</a>; <a href="/mark/4-21.htm">Mark 4:21</a>; <a href="/luke/8-16.htm">Luke 8:16</a>; <a href="/luke/11-33.htm">Luke 11:33</a>; <a href="/hebrews/9-2.htm">Hebrews 9:2</a>; and seven times in this book. In <a href="/exodus/20.htm">Exodus 20</a>:37 we have seven λύχνοι on one λυχνία, seven lamps on one lamp stand. So also in <a href="/zechariah/4-2.htm">Zechariah 4:2</a>. It is by no means certain that a similar figure is not meant here; the seven-branched candlestick familiar to all who know the Arch of Titus. If the Christ stood "in the midst of the candlesticks," his form would appear as that which united the seven branches. But it is perhaps more natural to understand seven separate lamp stands, each with its own lamp; and these, in contrast with the seven-branched stand of the temple, may represent the elastic multiplicity of the Christian Churches throughout the world in contrast with the rigid unity of the Jewish Church of Jerusalem. <a href="/commentaries/revelation/1-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Then Καὶ (Kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. I turned ἐπέστρεψα (epestrepsa) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1994.htm">Strong's 1994: </a> From epi and strepho; to revert. to see βλέπειν (blepein) Verb - Present Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_991.htm">Strong's 991: </a> (primarily physical), I look, see, perceive, discern. A primary verb; to look at. the τὴν (tēn) Article - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. voice φωνὴν (phōnēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5456.htm">Strong's 5456: </a> Probably akin to phaino through the idea of disclosure; a tone; by implication, an address, saying or language. that ἥτις (hētis) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3748.htm">Strong's 3748: </a> Whosoever, whichsoever, whatsoever. was speaking ἐλάλει (elalei) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2980.htm">Strong's 2980: </a> A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words. with μετ’ (met’) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_3326.htm">Strong's 3326: </a> (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives. me. ἐμοῦ (emou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. And καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. having turned, ἐπιστρέψας (epistrepsas) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1994.htm">Strong's 1994: </a> From epi and strepho; to revert. I saw εἶδον (eidon) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3708.htm">Strong's 3708: </a> Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear. seven ἑπτὰ (hepta) Adjective - Accusative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2033.htm">Strong's 2033: </a> Seven. A primary number; seven. golden χρυσᾶς (chrysas) Adjective - Accusative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5552.htm">Strong's 5552: </a> Golden, made of gold, adorned with gold. From chrusos; made of gold. lampstands, λυχνίας (lychnias) Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3087.htm">Strong's 3087: </a> A lamp-stand. From luchnos; a lamp-stand. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/revelation/1-12.htm">Revelation 1:12 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/revelation/1-12.htm">Revelation 1:12 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/revelation/1-12.htm">Revelation 1:12 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/revelation/1-12.htm">Revelation 1:12 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/revelation/1-12.htm">Revelation 1:12 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/revelation/1-12.htm">Revelation 1:12 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/revelation/1-12.htm">Revelation 1:12 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/revelation/1-12.htm">Revelation 1:12 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/revelation/1-12.htm">Revelation 1:12 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/revelation/1-12.htm">Revelation 1:12 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/revelation/1-12.htm">NT Prophecy: Revelation 1:12 I turned to see the voice that (Rev. Re Apocalypse)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/revelation/1-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Revelation 1:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Revelation 1:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/revelation/1-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Revelation 1:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Revelation 1:13" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>