(old English text)
Revelation 1:19-20 KJV
[19] Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; [20] 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.
(Americn text)
Revelation 1:19-20 NIV
[19] “Write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later. [20] The mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and of the seven golden lampstands is this: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.
(Hebrew text)
התגלות א' 19-20
[19] "כתוב לכן את אשר ראית, את אשר עכשיו ואת אשר יהיה אחר כך. [20] סוד שבעת הכוכבים אשר ראית בידי ימיני ואת שבע מנורות הזהב הוא זה: שבעת הכוכבים הם מלאכי שבע הקהילות, ושבע המנורות הן שבע הקהילות."
(Amharic text)
ራእይ 1፡19-20
[19]“እንግዲህ ያየኸውን አሁንም ያለውንና በኋላ የሚሆነውን ጻፍ፤ 20 በቀኝ እጄ ያየሃቸው የሰባቱ ከዋክብትና የሰባቱ የወርቅ መቅረዞች ምሥጢር ይህ ነው፤ ሰባቱ ከዋክብት የሰባቱ አብያተ ክርስቲያናት መላእክት ናቸው ሰባቱም መቅረዞች ሰባቱ አብያተ ክርስቲያናት ናቸው።
(Greek text)
Αποκάλυψη 1:19-20
[19] «Γράψε, λοιπόν, όσα είδες, όσα είναι τώρα και όσα θα γίνουν αργότερα. [20] Το μυστήριο των επτά αστέρων που είδες στο δεξί μου χέρι και των επτά χρυσών λυχνιών είναι τούτο: Τα επτά αστέρια είναι οι άγγελοι των επτά εκκλησιών, και οι επτά λυχνίες είναι οι επτά εκκλησίες
The passage from Revelation 1:19-20 has captivated scholars and believers for centuries due to its symbolic language and profound spiritual meaning. Across various languages—from Old English to Hebrew, Amharic, and Greek—the imagery of the seven stars and seven golden candlesticks consistently represents divine guardianship and the community of churches. The 'seven stars' are understood as the angels or messengers of the seven churches mentioned throughout the Book of Revelation, holding a protective and communicative role between the divine and the church communities. The 'seven golden candlesticks' or 'lampstands' symbolize these churches themselves, illuminating the spiritual light and presence in the world. Studying this passage in multiple languages highlights not only the richness of biblical text translation but also the transmission of theological concepts across cultures. For example, the Hebrew text captures the mystery (סוד - sod) inherent in the symbolism, emphasizing the sacred secret behind these images. The Amharic and Greek versions similarly preserve this idea while adapting the phrasing to match linguistic and cultural nuances. This passage invites reflection on the role of spiritual leaders ('angels') and congregations ('lampstands') as bearers of faith and light to the world. For modern readers, understanding these metaphors can enhance appreciation for the depth of biblical symbolism and inspire personal application—encouraging individuals and communities to embody light and guidance in their lives. Furthermore, comparing translations such as the King James Version and the New International Version demonstrates the evolution of biblical language, aiding both academic study and devotional reading. It is important to consider how translation choices affect interpretation and the accessibility of scripture to a diverse audience. In sum, Revelation 1:19-20 serves as a powerful reminder of connection, faith, and mystery in Christian theology. Exploring it through its original languages and modern translations enriches our understanding and appreciation of this enduring passage.