Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

Revelation 1:12

βλέπειν τὴν φωνήν. The meaning is obvious and the inconsequence of language characteristic.

λυχνίας. These are stands for portable oil-lamps, which stood on the ground and in shape though not in size resembled our candlesticks. The Latin word was candelabra which served to support torches, funiculi ardentes, before lamps were in common use at Rome: afterwards candles nearly like ours were used by the poor and as night-lights (Mart. XI. 40), because though one gave less light than a lamp it required less attention. In the middle ages candles became commoner than lamps, for wax and tallow were to be had everywhere, whereas oil had to be fetched from the neighbourhood of the Mediterranean: so candelabra (and λυχνίαι) were translated candlesticks i. e. sticks or shafts that carry candles.

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Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

Revelation 1:12

Old Testament

New Testament