λυχνία (luchnia)
luchnia
lampstand
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 11 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun luchnia refers to a lampstand or candelabrum, serving as the vessel that holds and displays light. In the Gospels, Jesus uses it as a simple illustration for visibility: just as a lamp is placed on a stand so its light shines in a house, so too should a believer’s faith be evident (Matthew 5:15; Luke 11:33). The word appears frequently in Revelation, where it takes on significant symbolic weight. Here, the lampstands represent the seven churches of Asia Minor (Revelation 1:20), and their removal signifies a church losing its primary role or testimony (Revelation 2:5).
Its usage traces back to the Old Testament Greek translations, where it renders the Hebrew menorah, the golden lampstand described in Exodus for the Tabernacle (Exodus 25:31). This connection links the New Testament imagery directly to ancient Israelite worship. The term also appears in Hebrews describing the tabernacle’s furnishings (Hebrews 9:2) and metaphorically identifies the two witnesses in Revelation as "the two lampstands" standing before the Lord (Revelation 11:4). Translators consistently use "lampstand" to preserve this concrete, physical image of sustained illumination.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
A lampstand is not designed to be hidden under a basket or buried in the dark. Its sole purpose is to hold light so that everyone in the room can see it clearly. When Jesus used this image, He was pointing to something simple but profound: your faith is meant to be visible. Just as a lamp on a stand illuminates a house, your life should naturally reflect God’s truth to those around you.
In the book of Revelation, these lampstands take on a deeper meaning. They represent communities of believers, reminding us that we are called to shine together. If a church loses its witness, it is like a lampstand removed from its place—no longer fulfilling its purpose. This word invites you to consider how your own light is being displayed. Are you letting your actions and words bring clarity and hope to your daily environment?
It is a gentle call to live openly and honestly. You do not need to perform for others; you simply need to stay connected to the source of light. When we remain close to Christ, our lives naturally glow with His grace, offering comfort and direction to anyone who needs it.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 11 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- lampstands6×
- lampstand3×
- the lampstand1×
- lampstand,1×
- a lampstand1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- λυχνίας3×
- λυχνίαν3×
- λυχνίαι2×
- λυχνιῶν2×
- λυχνίαν,1×
- λυχνία1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 5:15
Neither do you light a lamp and put it under a measuring basket, but on a stand; and it shines to all who are in the house.
Jesus uses the lampstand here to illustrate that a disciple’s faith should be openly visible rather than hidden.
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Revelation of John 1:20
The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lamp stands is this: The seven stars are the angels of the seven assemblies. The seven lamp stands are seven assemblies.
This verse explicitly identifies the seven golden lampstands as symbols for the seven churches, linking physical objects to spiritual communities.
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Revelation of John 2:5
Remember therefore from where you have fallen, and repent and do the first works; or else I am coming to you swiftly, and will move your lamp stand out of its place, unless you repent.
The warning about moving a lampstand from its place shows that losing one’s primary witness has serious spiritual consequences.