Revelation 1:13
and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This isn't just any robe; it's a long garment reaching the feet, like those worn by kings and priests in the Old Testament, hinting at Jesus' dual role as King and High Priest. And the golden sash isn't around his waist for action, but higher, across his chest, signifying rest from toil and the sovereign authority of one who reigns in glory.
John is on the island of Patmos, receiving a divine vision from Jesus. Following the initial heavenly greetings to the seven churches, Jesus Himself appears to John, described in glorious, majestic terms. This vision of Christ, positioned among the symbolic lampstands representing these churches, sets the stage for the specific messages that follow to each congregation.
Why does the vision of Christ start with 'one like a son of man' in the midst of the churches?
The phrase 'one like a son of man' immediately connects this glorious figure to Jesus' earthly identity. He walked among us as fully human, experiencing our joys and sorrows. But here, in the midst of His churches (symbolized by the lampstands), this title signifies that the very Jesus who lived, died, and rose again is now present in His divine glory, overseeing and sustaining His people.
This vision doesn't present a distant, abstract deity. It's the same Jesus, now exalted, who intimately knows and walks with His church. His presence among the lampstands is a powerful reminder that He hasn't left us as orphans; He is actively engaged with His people.
What do Christ's long robe and golden sash reveal about His role?
The description of Christ's attire—a long robe reaching to His feet and a golden sash—speaks volumes about His identity and authority. This isn't just any clothing; it draws heavily from the Old Testament imagery of the High Priest and royal figures.
Understand the original words
huion anthrōpou · Greek Noun phrase
A messianic title derived from Daniel 7:13-14, emphasizing both the humanity of the Messiah and his divine authority, celestial origin, and role as the ultimate judge and ruler over all nations.
This vision of Christ is deliberately crafted to evoke Old Testament imagery of Daniel's 'son of man' and the High Priest's robes. John is shown Jesus not just as the man he knew, but as the exalted, sovereign King-Priest, radiating divine authority and purity, ready to minister to and judge his churches.
c. 550 BC
Daniel's Vision of a Human-like Figure
The prophet Daniel experiences a vision where he sees a celestial figure in human form approaching a throne, described as 'like a son of man.' This vision carries immense theological weight regarding a divine, kingly authority.
c. 500-400 BC
Septuagint Translation of Exodus
The Greek translation of the Old Testament, the Septuagint, describes the High Priest's robes using specific terms, including 'garment down to the foot.' This sets a precedent for associating such attire with priestly dignity.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Earthly Ministry
Jesus Christ, the 'Son of Man,' lives, teaches, and performs miracles, often referring to himself by this title. His followers witness his humanity and divine power firsthand.
c. AD 33
Jesus' Ascension and Heavenly Session
After his resurrection, Jesus ascends to heaven and sits at the right hand of God, a position of supreme authority and power, foreshadowing his future reign.
This passage describes a vision of a 'son of man' figure coming with the clouds of heaven, a foundational image that Revelation 1:13 directly evokes, signifying divine authority and a heavenly coming.
Exodus 28:4The description of the long robe and golden sash strongly parallels the priestly garments of the High Priest in the Old Testament, highlighting Jesus' role as our ultimate High Priest who intercedes for us.
Isaiah 11:5This verse speaks of righteousness and faithfulness as a belt around the waist of the Messiah, connecting the 'golden girdle' in Revelation to the character and truth of Christ that secures His reign.
John 1:14The concept of the 'Word became flesh' directly relates to seeing the eternal Son of God in human form. Revelation 1:13 shows this same divine-human Son of Man, now in glorious heavenly raiment.
Hebrews 4:14This passage declares Jesus as the Son of God who has passed through the heavens, reinforcing the image in Revelation 1:13 of Christ in His exalted, heavenly state, fully equipped for His priestly and kingly duties.
ellicottRevelation 1:13: "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."
(13) In the midst of the seven candlesticks (the word “seven” is omitted in some of the best MSS.) one like unto the Son of man.—“He who kindled the light to be a witness of Himself and of His own presence with men was indeed present.” He was present the same as He had been known on earth, yet different—the same, for H…
bengelRevelation 1:13: "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 1:13 . Ποδήρη ) מעיל , Septuagint ποδήρης , of the garments of Aaron.
This isn't just any robe; it's a long garment reaching the feet, like those worn by kings and priests in the Old Testament, hinting at Jesus' dual role as King and High Priest. And the golden sash isn't around his waist for action, but higher, across his chest, signifying rest from toil and the sovereign authority of one who reigns in glory.
John is on the island of Patmos, receiving a divine vision from Jesus. Following the initial heavenly greetings to the seven churches, Jesus Himself appears to John, described in glorious, majestic terms. This vision of Christ, positioned among the symbolic lampstands representing these churches, sets the stage for the specific messages that follow to each congregation.
John is on the island of Patmos, receiving a divine vision from Jesus. Following the initial heavenly greetings to the seven churches, Jesus Himself appears to John, described in glorious, majestic terms. This vision of Christ, positioned among the symbolic lampstands representing these churches, sets the stage for the specific messages that follow to each congregation.
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c. AD 60-70
Tradition of Early Christian Writings
The period leading up to the writing of Revelation sees the development of early Christian theology and literature, exploring Christ's identity as King and Priest.
c. AD 95— this verse
John's Vision on Patmos
The Apostle John, exiled to the island of Patmos, receives a divine revelation where he sees a glorious, transformed vision of Jesus Christ, standing among seven churches.
"and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest." — This isn't just any robe; it's a long garment reaching the feet, like those worn by kings and priests in the Old Testament, hinting at Jesus' dual role as King and High Priest. And the golden sash is…
