Revelation 1:16

Context

In chapter 1 of the Book of Revelation, John, on the island of Patmos, is in the Spirit on the Lord's day and hears a great voice (Revelation 1:9-10). Turning, he sees "one like unto the Son of man" standing in the midst of seven golden candlesticks (1:13), and verses 13-16 describe in turn his garment, hair, eyes, feet, and voice. Verse 16 is the final part of this description. Upon seeing this figure, John falls at his feet as dead (1:17), and the figure declares that he "was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore" (1:18). Verse 20 then explains directly: "The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches." The verse thus serves as the introduction to the letters to the seven churches in chapters 2-3. Indeed, each letter recalls one element of this description ("the seven stars" in 2:1; "the sharp sword with two edges" in 2:12).

Interpretation

Most denominations read this figure as the risen and exalted Jesus Christ. The three images are read as follows.

• The seven stars: On the basis of 1:20, there is near-universal agreement that they signify the "angels" (messengers) of the seven churches. Views differ, however, on what these "angels" are. Some read them as angels assigned to each church, others as the leaders or preachers of the churches, and others as a personification of each church's spiritual reality. The phrase "in his right hand" is commonly interpreted to mean that Christ upholds and governs the church. Some scholars see the image as a contrast to Roman coins of the period that depicted the imperial family surrounded by stars.
• The sharp two-edged sword: This is generally read as the power of Christ's word to judge and discern. Isaiah 49:2 ("he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword") and Isaiah 11:4 are commonly cited as background. Because the sword proceeds from his mouth rather than his hand, some take it to mean that Christ fights and conquers by his word rather than by force of arms (compare Revelation 19:15).
• The face like the sun: This is understood to represent divine glory. It is often read in connection with Matthew 17:2, where Jesus' face shone as the sun at the Transfiguration, and with the vision of Daniel 10:6.

Debates and Issues

• Translation: The Greek word rendered "sword" here, rhomphaia, denotes a long, large sword. It is a different word from machaira, used in Hebrews 4:12, where the word of God is compared to "any twoedged sword." The Korean Revised Version, Revised Edition (개역개정), following the Korean Revised Version (개역한글), renders the phrase as "a sword sharpened on both sides," while the New Korean Standard Version (새번역) and others render it "a double-edged sword."
• The "seven stars" and pastors: In Korean church preaching, the "stars" are sometimes identified with pastors, and the verse is used to emphasize pastoral authority or responsibility. Critics point out that because the meaning of "angel" (messenger) is not settled, applying the verse directly to the authority of an ecclesiastical office is a stretch.
• The interpretation of Shincheonji: Shincheonji is known to interpret the seven stars and seven golden candlesticks of Revelation 1-3 as the "reality" (actual fulfillment) found in the Tabernacle Temple (Jangmak Seongjeon) of the 1960s and 1970s and its leaders. Shincheonji claims that this interpretation reveals the fulfillment of Revelation. Many denominations and heresy counseling organizations criticize it as departing from the text's own explanation in 1:20 and from the historical context of the first-century churches of Asia Minor.

Related Passages

• Revelation 1:20
• Revelation 19:15
• Isaiah 49:2
• Hebrews 4:12
• Matthew 17:2