Lexical Summary luchnia: Lampstand Original Word: λυχνία Strong's Exhaustive Concordance candlestick. From luchnos; a lamp-stand (literally or figuratively) -- candlestick. see GREEK luchnos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom luchnos Definition a lampstand NASB Translation lampstand (6), lampstands (6). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3087: λυχνίαλυχνία, λυχνίας, ἡ, a later Greek word for the earlier λυχνίον, see Lob. ad Phryn., p. 313f; (Wetstein (1752) on Matthew 5:15; Winers Grammar, 24); the Sept. for מְנורָה; a (candlestick) lampstand, candelabrum: Matthew 5:15; Mark 4:21; Luke 8:16; (Luke 11:33); Hebrews 9:2; the two eminent prophets who will precede Christ's return from heaven in glory are likened to 'candlesticks,' Revelation 11:4 (Buttmann, 81 (70); Winer's Grammar, 536 (499)); to the seven 'candlesticks' (Exodus 25:37 (A. V. lamps; cf. B. D. (especially the American edition), under the word Topical Lexicon Physical Object and Daily Life In first-century homes a small oil lamp gave only limited illumination, so a dedicated stand lifted the flame to disperse light throughout the room. Because the stand existed solely to magnify the lamp’s radiance, the image became an ideal metaphor for public, unhindered testimony to God’s truth. Tabernacle and Temple Context The lampstand prescribed in Exodus 25:31-40 was beaten from a single talent of pure gold and placed in the Holy Place to burn continually. Its seven branches—later known as the menorah—symbolized the perpetual presence and guidance of the LORD. Hebrews 9:2 recalls this furnishing when rehearsing Israel’s liturgical pattern: “In its first room were the lampstand, the table, and the consecrated bread”. By anchoring New Covenant theology to this fixture, the writer affirms continuity between Mosaic worship and Christ’s priestly ministry. Didactic Use in the Synoptic Gospels Jesus employs the domestic lampstand four times to illustrate open proclamation of the kingdom: In each context the lamp represents revealed truth; the stand is the believer’s public placement of that truth. Concealment contradicts purpose. The Lord thus charges disciples to display, not disguise, the light He has kindled in them. Priestly Imagery in Hebrews Linking the wilderness menorah with Christ’s heavenly ministry, Hebrews highlights the once-for-all supremacy of the Savior’s sacrifice. The earthly lampstand illuminated priestly service; the exalted Christ, the true Light, now illuminates the conscience, enabling believers to serve “the living God” (Hebrews 9:14). Seven Golden Lampstands in Revelation John’s inaugural vision centers on “seven golden lampstands” (Revelation 1:12) among which stands the glorified Son of Man (1:13). Verse 20 removes all doubt: “The seven lampstands are the seven churches.” Several observations flow from the imagery: 1. Gold signifies value and purity; Christ cherishes His assemblies. Discipline and Reward of Local Churches To Ephesus the Lord warns, “If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place” (Revelation 2:5). The threat is not loss of individual salvation but loss of corporate witness—the very raison d’être of a lampstand. Persevering love, doctrinal purity, and vibrant works keep a church’s light in place; neglect extinguishes influence. Prophetic Witness in Revelation 11 The two eschatological witnesses are styled “the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth” (Revelation 11:4), echoing Zechariah 4. Empowered by the Spirit, they shine in a darkened world, demonstrating that God always preserves a testimony even in the last days. Theological Themes of Light and Testimony 1. Origin of Light—God alone is the source; the stand can offer nothing independent of the lamp. Practical Ministry Lessons • Guard first love; otherwise the Lord may silence a congregation’s voice. Forms and Transliterations λυχνια λυχνία λυχνιαι λυχνίαι λυχνίαις λυχνιαν λυχνίαν λυχνιας λυχνίας λυχνιων λυχνιών λυχνιῶν luchnia luchniai luchnian luchnias luchnion luchniōn lychnia lychnía lychniai lychníai lychnian lychnían lychnias lychnías lychnion lychniôn lychniōn lychniō̂nLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 5:15 N-AFSGRK: ἐπὶ τὴν λυχνίαν καὶ λάμπει NAS: a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light KJV: on a candlestick; and INT: upon the lampstand and it shines Mark 4:21 N-AFS Luke 8:16 N-GFS Luke 11:33 N-AFS Hebrews 9:2 N-NFS Revelation 1:12 N-AFP Revelation 1:13 N-GFP Revelation 1:20 N-AFP Revelation 1:20 N-NFP Revelation 2:1 N-GFP Revelation 2:5 N-AFS Revelation 11:4 N-NFP Strong's Greek 3087 |
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