Revelation 1:12

Modern

Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And having turned, I saw seven golden lampstands,

Traditional

And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;

Literal

And I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And having turned, I saw seven golden lampstands,

Latin

Et conversus sum ut viderem vocem, quæ loquebatur mecum: et conversus vidi septem candelabra aurea:

Greek

English

Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And having turned, I saw seven golden lampstands,

I turned to see the voice that was speaking: This refers to the loud voice in Revelation 1:10.
seven gold lampstands: The lighted menorah was a symbol of God's presence among his people (Exodus 27:21; Leviticus 24:1–4) and his all-seeing eyes in the world (Zechariah 4:10).

John's first vision shows Christ as a wise, strong, and powerful messenger of God who always cares for his people.

Theme notes and profiles

Zechariah 4:2
“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.
Exodus 25:37
Make seven lamps and set them up on the lampstand so that they illuminate the area in front of it.
Revelation 1:20–2:1
This is the mystery of the seven stars you saw in My right hand and of the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.
Revelation 1:13
…and among the lampstands was One like the Son of Man, dressed in a long robe, with a golden sash around His chest.
Ezekiel 43:5–6
Then the Spirit lifted me up and brought me into the inner court, and the glory of the LORD filled the temple.
Micah 6:9
The voice of the LORD calls out to the city (and it is sound wisdom to fear Your name): “Heed the rod and the One who ordained it.