Matthew 5:15-16
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)
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Jesus isn't just talking about hiding your faith; he's highlighting the very purpose of the "lamp" – which is the light itself, meant to illuminate the entire house. By emphasizing "the stand" and "all in the house," he points to the inherent nature of this divine light: it's meant to be seen and to benefit everyone within its reach.
Jesus is teaching his followers about how their lives should reflect God's kingdom, following His teachings on righteousness. He just explained they are like salt, meant to preserve and add flavor to the world. Now, He's using another analogy to show that their calling is meant to be seen and impact others, not hidden away.
Why would someone light a lamp only to hide it? Jesus uses this everyday scenario to reveal a profound truth about why God illuminates us.
Jesus presents a vivid analogy: no one lights a lamp to hide it under a basket. The very purpose of a lamp is to provide light for a whole house.
God's Design for Your Light
He's saying that just as a lamp's function is to shine, your spiritual illumination – the light of Christ within you – is given for a purpose. It's not meant to be kept hidden or contained. God intends for this light to extend beyond yourself, impacting those around you. This isn't about a personal, private faith; it's about a faith that is meant to be seen and to benefit others.
What kind of lamp are we talking about here? Understanding the details of this ancient light reveals more about its intended visibility.
The 'lamp' Jesus refers to was likely a common, oil-burning lamp, and the 'basket' was a standard grain measure used in every home. These weren't fancy or powerful spotlights, but essential household items.
Visibility by Design
The lamp itself wasn't hidden, but placed on a 'stand' (or 'candlestick' in some translations). This stand would elevate the lamp, making its light effective for the entire room. Even a single, modest lamp on a stand could illuminate a whole house, dispelling darkness. The point is, the natural function of this common object was to be seen and to provide illumination.
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.
This passage, found in Luke's Gospel, shares the same lamp illustration, but specifies that the light is intended 'so that those who enter may see the light,' broadening the scope to include outsiders.
Mark 4:21Mark also records Jesus using this metaphor, emphasizing that a lamp's purpose is to be placed on a stand where it can be seen, not hidden away.
John 1:9This verse speaks of the 'true light, which gives light to everyone,' echoing the idea that divine light is meant to illuminate the world and not be hidden.
Philippians 2:15Paul encourages believers to 'shine like lights in the world,' reinforcing the concept that their faith and actions are meant to be visible and a testimony to others.
1 Peter 2:9Peter describes believers as a 'chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation' called to 'declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light,' highlighting the purpose of God's light in them.
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 isn't just talking about hiding your faith; he's highlighting the very purpose of the "lamp" – which is the light itself, meant to illuminate the entire house. By emphasizing "the stand" and "all in the house," he points to the inherent nature of this divine light: it's meant to be seen and to benefit everyone within its reach.
Jesus is teaching his followers about how their lives should reflect God's kingdom, following His teachings on righteousness. He just explained they are like salt, meant to preserve and add flavor to the world. Now, He's using another analogy to show that their calling is meant to be seen and impact others, not hidden away.
Jesus is teaching his followers about how their lives should reflect God's kingdom, following His teachings on righteousness. He just explained they are like salt, meant to preserve and add flavor to the world. Now, He's using another analogy to show that their calling is meant to be seen and impact others, not hidden away.
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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.
"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 isn't just talking about hiding your faith; he's highlighting the very purpose of the "lamp" – which is the light itself, meant to illuminate the entire house. By emphasizing "the stand" and "a…
