Revelation 1:12
New International Version
I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands,

New Living Translation
When I turned to see who was speaking to me, I saw seven gold lampstands.

English Standard Version
Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands,

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

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

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

New King James Version
Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands,

New American Standard Bible
Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And after turning I saw seven golden lampstands;

NASB 1995
Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands;

NASB 1977
And I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands;

Legacy Standard Bible
Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands;

Amplified Bible
Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And after turning I saw seven golden lampstands;

Christian Standard Bible
Then I turned to see whose voice it was that spoke to me. When I turned I saw seven golden lampstands,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
I turned to see whose voice it was that spoke to me. When I turned I saw seven gold lampstands,

American Standard Version
And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And having turned I saw seven golden candlesticks;

Contemporary English Version
When I turned to see who was speaking to me, I saw seven gold lampstands.

English Revised Version
And I turned to see the voice which spake with me. And having turned I saw seven golden candlesticks;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I turned toward the voice which was talking to me, and when I turned, I saw seven gold lamp stands.

Good News Translation
I turned around to see who was talking to me, and I saw seven gold lampstands,

International Standard Version
Then I turned to see who was talking to me, and when I turned I saw seven gold lamp stands.

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

NET Bible
I turned to see whose voice was speaking to me, and when I did so, I saw seven golden lampstands,

New Heart English Bible
I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. Having turned, I saw seven golden lampstands.

Webster's Bible Translation
And I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;

Weymouth New Testament
I turned to see who it was that was speaking to me; and then I saw seven golden lampstands,

World English Bible
I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. Having turned, I saw seven golden lamp stands.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And I turned to see the voice that spoke with me, and having turned, I saw seven golden lampstands,

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

Young's Literal Translation
And I did turn to see the voice that did speak with me, and having turned, I saw seven golden lamp-stands,

Smith's Literal Translation
And I turned back to see the voice which spake with me. And having turned back, I saw seven gold chandeliers;
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks:

Catholic Public Domain Version
And I turned around, so as to see the voice which was speaking with me. And having turned around, I saw seven golden lampstands.

New American Bible
Then I turned to see whose voice it was that spoke to me, and when I turned, I saw seven gold lampstands

New Revised Standard Version
Then I turned to see whose voice it was that spoke to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And I turned to see the voice that spoke to me. And as I turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And I turned to know that voice which spoke with me, and when I turned around, I saw seven menorahs of gold;
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And I turned to see the voice that spoke with me: and having turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks,

Godbey New Testament
And I turned to see the voice which was speaking with me; and having turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;

Haweis New Testament
And I turned to see what voice spake to me. And when I turned round I saw seven lamps of gold;

Mace New Testament
and I turned to see from whence the voice came that spake to me, and turning about, I saw seven golden candlesticks;

Weymouth New Testament
I turned to see who it was that was speaking to me; and then I saw seven golden lampstands,

Worrell New Testament
And I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me; and, having turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;

Worsley New Testament
And I turned to see the voice that spake to me: and when I turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
John's Vision on Patmos
11saying, “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.” 12Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And having turned, I saw seven golden lampstands, 13and among the lampstands was One like the Son of Man, dressed in a long robe, with a golden sash around His chest.…

Cross References
Exodus 25:31-40
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. ...

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.

Daniel 10:5-6
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.

Exodus 37:17-24
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. ...

1 Kings 7:49
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;

Zechariah 4:11-14
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. ...

Daniel 7:9
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.

Matthew 17:2
There He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light.

John 1:14
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.

John 8:12
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.”

John 12:46
I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in Me should remain in darkness.

Hebrews 1:3
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.

Hebrews 9:2
A tabernacle was prepared. In its first room were the lampstand, the table, and the consecrated bread. This was called the Holy Place.

1 John 1:5
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.

Revelation 2:1
“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.


Treasury of Scripture

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

see.

Ezekiel 43:5,6
So the spirit took me up, and brought me into the inner court; and, behold, the glory of the LORD filled the house…

Micah 6:9
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.

Revelation 1:13,20
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…

Revelation 2:1
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;

Exodus 25:37
And thou shalt make the seven lamps thereof: and they shall light the lamps thereof, that they may give light over against it.

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Burning Candlesticks Gold Golden Lampstands Lamp-Stands Seven Speak Speaking Turn Turned Turning Vessels Voice Words
Revelation 1
1. The preface.
4. John's salutation to the seven churches of Asia.
7. The coming of Christ.
8. His glorious power and majesty.














I turned
The phrase "I turned" signifies a deliberate action by John, the author of Revelation. In the Greek, the word used is "ἐπέστρεψα" (epestrepsa), which implies a turning around or a change in direction. This action is not just physical but also spiritual, indicating John's readiness to receive divine revelation. Historically, turning is often associated with repentance or a change of heart, aligning with the biblical theme of turning towards God.

to see
The phrase "to see" comes from the Greek "βλέπειν" (blepein), which means to perceive or to look with intention. This is not a casual glance but a purposeful observation. In the context of Revelation, seeing often involves spiritual insight and understanding, suggesting that John is about to witness something of great significance. The act of seeing in biblical terms often precedes understanding and revelation.

the voice
"The voice" refers to the divine communication that John hears. In Greek, "φωνή" (phōnē) is used, which can mean sound or voice. This is reminiscent of the Old Testament, where the voice of God is a powerful and authoritative presence, as seen in the experiences of prophets like Moses and Elijah. The voice signifies authority and the presence of God, preparing John for the revelation he is about to receive.

that was speaking
The phrase "that was speaking" indicates an ongoing action, suggesting that the voice is continuous and active. The Greek word "λαλοῦσαν" (lalousan) is used, which means to speak or to talk. This implies a personal and direct communication from God to John, emphasizing the relational aspect of divine revelation. It highlights the importance of listening to God's ongoing communication in our lives.

with me
"With me" emphasizes the personal nature of the revelation. The Greek "μετ’ ἐμοῦ" (met' emou) suggests companionship and presence. This phrase reassures readers of God's intimate involvement with His people. It reflects the biblical theme of God being with His followers, as seen throughout Scripture, from the Old Testament promises to the New Testament fulfillment in Christ.

And having turned
This phrase reiterates the action of turning, emphasizing John's responsiveness to the divine call. The repetition underscores the importance of being attentive and responsive to God's voice. In the Greek, "καὶ ἐπιστρέψας" (kai epistrepsas) suggests a completed action, indicating that John has fully turned his attention to the source of the voice, ready to receive what is to come.

I saw
"I saw" indicates the result of John's turning. The Greek "εἶδον" (eidon) means to see or to behold, often implying a deeper understanding or revelation. This seeing is not just physical but spiritual, as John is about to witness a vision that reveals profound truths. It reflects the biblical theme of God revealing His mysteries to those who seek Him.

seven golden lampstands
The "seven golden lampstands" are rich in symbolic meaning. In the Greek, "ἑπτὰ λυχνίας χρυσᾶς" (hepta lychnias chryseas) refers to the menorah, a familiar symbol in Jewish tradition representing the presence of God and the light of His truth. The number seven signifies completeness and perfection in biblical numerology. The lampstands symbolize the seven churches to which Revelation is addressed, representing the universal church and its role as the light of the world, reflecting God's glory.

(12) Seven golden candlesticks.--Comp. the vision in Zechariah 4:2-11. It has been observed that there is a difference in the two visions. In Zech., as in Exodus 25:31-32, 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).

Verse 12. - To see the voice. As in Genesis 3:8, "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 Matthew 5:15; Mark 4:21; Luke 8:16; Luke 11:33; Hebrews 9:2; and seven times in this book. In Exodus 20:37 we have seven λύχνοι on one λυχνία, seven lamps on one lamp stand. So also in Zechariah 4:2. 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.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Then
Καὶ (Kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

I turned
ἐπέστρεψα (epestrepsa)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1994: From epi and strepho; to revert.

to see
βλέπειν (blepein)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 991: (primarily physical), I look, see, perceive, discern. A primary verb; to look at.

the
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: 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
Strong's 5456: 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
Strong's 3748: Whosoever, whichsoever, whatsoever.

was speaking
ἐλάλει (elalei)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2980: A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.

with
μετ’ (met’)
Preposition
Strong's 3326: (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
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

And
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

having turned,
ἐπιστρέψας (epistrepsas)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1994: From epi and strepho; to revert.

I saw
εἶδον (eidon)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 3708: 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
Strong's 2033: Seven. A primary number; seven.

golden
χρυσᾶς (chrysas)
Adjective - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 5552: Golden, made of gold, adorned with gold. From chrusos; made of gold.

lampstands,
λυχνίας (lychnias)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 3087: A lamp-stand. From luchnos; a lamp-stand.


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NT Prophecy: Revelation 1:12 I turned to see the voice that (Rev. Re Apocalypse)
Revelation 1:11
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