"a candlestick, lampstand, Mt. 5:15; met. a candlestick, as a figure of a Christian church, Rev. 1:12, 13, 20; of a teacher or prophet, Rev. 11:4"
Definition and meaning
a candlestick, lampstand, Mt. 5:15; met. a candlestick, as a figure of a Christian church, Rev. 1:12, 13, 20; of a teacher or prophet, Rev. 11:4
In the original Greek the word is written: λυχνία
Historical context
Rome had controlled Judea since 63 BC. Herod the Great rebuilt the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world — and simultaneously murdered members of his own family. The common people paid multiple layers of taxation and were politically powerless. Into that world a carpenter from Galilee began teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of lychnia (G3087) across the King James Bible.
Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?
No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light.
No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light.
For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary.
And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;
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.
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.
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;
Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
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Common questions
Strong's G3087 (lychnia) is a Greek word that means: a candlestick, lampstand, Mt. 5:15; met. a candlestick, as a figure of a Christian church, Rev. 1:12, 13, 20; of a teacher or prophet, Rev. 11:4 It appears 11 times in the King James Bible.
The word lychnia (G3087) appears 11 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G3087 is lychnia, a Greek word defined as: a candlestick, lampstand, Mt. 5:15; met. a candlestick, as a figure of a Christian church, Rev. 1:12, 13, 20; of a teacher or prophet, Rev. 11:4. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
lychnia is a Greek word found in the New Testament.