Matthew 5:15-16
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Jesus highlights that the purpose of lighting a lamp isn't to hide its light, but to make it accessible. The "bushel" was a common household grain measure, and the "lampstand" was a standard piece of furniture; he's drawing on everyday realities to show that light is meant to be seen and serve others.
Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is teaching his disciples about how their lives should reflect God's kingdom, following the radical teachings on righteousness. After calling them "salt of the earth" to preserve and give flavor, he immediately pivots to calling them "light of the world," emphasizing that this light is meant to be seen and not hidden. This imagery sets up the expectation that their actions will be visible and influential, impacting those around them.
Ever felt like you have something valuable to share but hesitated to speak up? Jesus uses a simple, everyday image to address this.
Imagine lighting a lamp in a dark house. Would you immediately cover it up? Of course not! The whole point of lighting it is so everyone inside can see.
Jesus uses this practical illustration to explain the purpose of His followers being 'light'. It's not for personal enjoyment or to be kept hidden. The lamp, representing the divine light within believers, is meant to illuminate the entire house – the community, the world.
Ancient commentators point out that the 'bushel' was a common grain measure, a familiar household item used for concealment. The 'candlestick' (or lampstand) was a piece of furniture designed to elevate the light. Jesus is contrasting hiding something essential with placing it where it can be most effective.
Where does this light come from, and what is its ultimate goal?
Jesus isn't just talking about any light; He's speaking to His disciples, who have been 'enlightened' by Him. This divine illumination is not an accident or a personal possession to be hoarded. Its very design is to shine.
Commentaries suggest that Jesus is directly linking the disciples' spiritual light to His own illuminating presence and teaching. Just as a lamp's function is to dispel darkness, the light within believers is intended to reveal truth and God's presence in a world often lost in spiritual darkness.
The emphasis is on the inherent nature and intended function of the light. It's given to be seen, not to be concealed. This isn't about self-promotion, but about pointing others to the source of the light – God Himself.
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Understand the original words
lychnos · Greek Noun
A portable lamp or light source, typically fueled by oil, used to provide illumination in the home.
modios · Greek Noun
A dry measure (the Latin 'modius') equal to about eight or nine quarts; commonly used as a container to cover a lamp.
lychnia · Greek Noun
A pedestal or apparatus designed to hold a lamp aloft so its light can reach as far as possible.
phōs · Greek Noun
Biblical symbol of truth, holiness, and the presence of God; it describes God's nature and the influence of believers in a dark world.
kala erga · Greek Adjective and Noun
Actions that reflect God's character and obedience to His commands; they are the fruit of faith meant to point others toward God.
doxa · Greek Noun
The weight, splendor, or honor of God; giving glory involves acknowledging and praising His supreme worth and beauty.
patēr · Greek Noun
A title for God emphasizing His role as Creator and Provider, and the personal, familial relationship believers have with Him through Christ.
ouranos · Greek Noun
The dwelling place of God and the ultimate destination of the redeemed; it represents the realm of God's perfect authority and presence.
This passage presents the same imagery of a lamp not being hidden, but placed where it can be seen, reinforcing the idea that spiritual truth is meant to illuminate.
Luke 11:33Similar to Matthew 5:15, this verse highlights that a lamp's purpose is to give light to all who enter, emphasizing the outward-facing nature of divine illumination.
John 1:9This verse speaks of the 'true light, which gives light to everyone,' paralleling the Matthew passage by emphasizing the universal reach and purpose of divine light.
Philippians 2:15This passage calls believers to 'shine as lights in the world,' directly echoing the call to let one's spiritual light be visible and impactful, rather than hidden.
1 Peter 2:9Describing believers as 'a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation,' this verse underscores the distinct and visible purpose for which God has set them apart, much like a lamp on a stand.
vincentMatthew 5:15: "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."
A bushel (τὸν μόδιον)Rev., rightly, "the bushel;" since the definite article is designed to indicate a familiar object - the grain-measure which is found in every house.A candlestick (τὴν λυχνίαν)Rev., the stand. Also a part of the furniture of every house, and commonly but one in the house: hence the article. The word, which occurs four times i…
wesleyMatthew 5:15: "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."
5:15 Nay, the very design of God in giving you this light was, that it might shine. Mark 4:21; Luke 8:16; 11:33.
Jesus highlights that the purpose of lighting a lamp isn't to hide its light, but to make it accessible. The "bushel" was a common household grain measure, and the "lampstand" was a standard piece of furniture; he's drawing on everyday realities to show that light is meant to be seen and serve others.
Jesus is teaching his disciples about how their lives should reflect God's kingdom, following the radical teachings on righteousness. After calling them "salt of the earth" to preserve and give flavor, he immediately pivots to calling them "light of the world," emphasizing that this light is meant to be seen and not hidden. This imagery sets up the expectation that their actions will be visible and influential, impacting those around them.
Jesus is teaching his disciples about how their lives should reflect God's kingdom, following the radical teachings on righteousness. After calling them "salt of the earth" to preserve and give flavor, he immediately pivots to calling them "light of the world," emphasizing that this light is meant to be seen and not hidden. This imagery sets up the expectation that their actions will be visible and influential, impacting those around them.
"Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in…" — Jesus highlights that the purpose of lighting a lamp isn't to hide its light, but to make it accessible. The "bushel" was a common household grain measure, and the "lampstand" was a standard piece…
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Last reviewed October 2026
