Luke 11:33

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

{G1161} No man {G3762}, when he hath lighted {G681} a candle {G3088}, putteth {G5087} it in {G1519} a secret place {G2926}, neither {G3761} under {G5259} a bushel {G3426}, but {G235} on {G1909} a candlestick {G3087}, that {G2443} they which {G3588} come in {G1531} may see {G991} the light {G5338}.

Complete Jewish Bible

“No one who has kindled a lamp hides it or places it under a bowl; rather, he puts it on a stand, so that those coming in may see its light.

Berean Standard Bible

No one lights a lamp and puts it in a cellar or under a basket. Instead, he sets it on a stand, so those who enter can see the light.

American Standard Version

No man, when he hath lighted a lamp, putteth it in a cellar, neither under the bushel, but on the stand, that they which enter in may see the light.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 11:33 presents a profound parable from Jesus, asserting that a lamp, once lit, is always intended for illumination, not concealment. This simple domestic image serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual truth, divine revelation, and the very person of Jesus Christ, all of which are meant to be openly displayed and understood, not hidden away from those who need to see. The verse underscores the inherent purpose of light: to dispel darkness, guide, and make visible what was previously unseen.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This proverb about the lamp's proper placement is strategically positioned within Luke's Gospel. It immediately follows Jesus' teaching on the "sign of Jonah" (Luke 11:29-32), which emphasizes the unique and undeniable nature of Jesus' identity and mission as a sign to His generation. The lamp parable then transitions seamlessly into Jesus' discourse on the "light of the body" (Luke 11:34-36), where He stresses the importance of a "good eye" or spiritual perception. In this sequence, the lamp represents the truth and revelation embodied by Jesus Himself, which is meant to be clearly perceived and not obscured, setting the stage for understanding how one's inner spiritual state affects their ability to receive this light. While similar sayings appear in [Matthew 5:15](/matthew/5-15 "Matthew 5:15 - Lamp on a Stand") and [Mark 4:21](/mark/4-21 "Mark 4:21 - The Purpose of a Lamp"), Luke's placement specifically highlights the public, undeniable nature of Jesus' ministry and the clarity with which His message should be received.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Palestine, homes were typically small, often with a single room serving multiple functions. Illumination came primarily from small oil lamps (`lychnos`), which were essential for daily life after sunset. These lamps were usually placed on a `lychnia` (lampstand), a piece of furniture designed to elevate the lamp to maximize its light distribution throughout the room. The "bushel" (`módios`) was a common dry measure, roughly equivalent to a peck (about 8-9 liters), used for grains or other commodities. Placing a lamp "under a bushel" or "in a secret place" (`krýptē`, a hidden cellar or closet) would be entirely counterproductive, as it would either extinguish the flame due to lack of air or completely obscure its light, rendering it useless. Jesus' audience would have immediately understood the absurdity of such an action, making the spiritual application clear and impactful.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 11:33 contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully conveys the theme of **Revelation and Visibility**. The very nature of light is to be seen, and similarly, God's truth, embodied in Jesus, is not meant to be hidden but to be openly revealed to humanity. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative of God progressively revealing Himself and His plan of salvation. Secondly, the verse touches upon the **Purpose of Jesus' Ministry**. Jesus is implicitly positioning Himself as the ultimate "light" (as seen in [John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")), whose teachings and presence are designed to illuminate spiritual darkness and guide people to truth and life. Thirdly, while primarily about Jesus, this principle extends to the **Nature of Discipleship**. Believers, having received the light of Christ, are called to reflect that light to the world, becoming "the light of the world" themselves, as Jesus teaches in [Matthew 5:14](/matthew/5-14 "Matthew 5:14 - You Are the Light of the World"). Their faith, actions, and witness are meant to be visible, influencing and transforming their surroundings, rather than being concealed.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **candle (Greek, _lýchnos'_):** This term refers to a portable oil lamp, a common household item in the ancient world. It signifies a source of artificial light, often small but essential for illuminating a dark space. In this context, it symbolizes divine truth, revelation, or the presence of Christ Himself, which brings spiritual illumination.
* **bushel (Greek, _módios'_):** A dry measure, typically a large container used for grain. Placing a lamp under it would not only hide the light but also likely extinguish the flame dueating its oxygen supply. It represents anything that would obscure, suppress, or prevent the light of truth from being seen or having its intended effect—such as fear, apathy, human tradition, or worldly concerns.
* **candlestick (Greek, _lychnía'_):** This refers to a lampstand, a piece of furniture designed to elevate the lamp so its light can spread effectively throughout a room. It symbolizes the proper place or platform for truth to be displayed, allowing it to fulfill its purpose of illumination and guidance. It implies visibility, prominence, and utility.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"No man, when he hath lighted a candle":** This clause establishes a universally understood premise: the act of lighting a lamp is inherently purposeful. It is done with the intention of creating light and dispelling darkness. This sets up the logical absurdity of the subsequent actions, implying that spiritual light, like physical light, is given for a specific, active purpose.
* **"putteth [it] in a secret place, neither under a bushel":** This highlights the antithetical and illogical actions. To hide a lit lamp in a "secret place" (a hidden cellar or closet) or "under a bushel" (a grain measure that would completely obscure it) would negate its very purpose. Spiritually, this speaks to the futility and unfaithfulness of concealing divine truth, whether out of fear, self-preservation, or a desire to avoid discomfort or persecution.
* **"but on a candlestick":** This presents the correct and logical placement for a lit lamp. A "candlestick" (lampstand) elevates the light, allowing it to shine freely and effectively throughout the entire room. This signifies that spiritual truth, the person of Christ, and the witness of His followers are meant to be openly displayed, prominent, and accessible, fulfilling their intended purpose of illuminating the spiritual darkness of the world.
* **"that they which come in may see the light":** This final clause explicitly states the ultimate purpose of the lamp's proper placement: for the benefit of others. The light is not for the one who lights it alone, but for all who "come in"—those who enter the sphere of its influence. This underscores the communal and evangelistic dimension of divine revelation, emphasizing that God's truth is given to be shared and to bring clarity and guidance to those who are in darkness.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 11:33 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The primary device is **Parable/Proverb**, as Jesus uses a simple, relatable illustration from everyday life—the lighting and placement of a lamp—to convey a deeper spiritual truth. This makes the teaching accessible and memorable. Central to the proverb is **Metaphor/Symbolism**. The "candle" (lamp) serves as a powerful metaphor for divine truth, the revelation of God, the teachings of Jesus, and ultimately, Jesus Himself as the source of light. The "secret place" and "bushel" symbolize anything that would obscure or suppress this truth, such as human pride, fear, worldly distractions, or spiritual apathy. Conversely, the "candlestick" symbolizes the proper platform or open display for this truth to be seen and understood. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** in the verse, highlighting the stark difference between hiding the light (secret place, bushel) and revealing it (candlestick). This contrast underscores the absurdity of the former action and the inherent purposefulness of the latter, driving home the spiritual imperative for truth to be manifested.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 11:33 is deeply rooted in the pervasive biblical theme of light and darkness, which often symbolizes truth versus falsehood, good versus evil, and salvation versus condemnation. God Himself is frequently described as light (e.g., [1 John 1:5](/1_john/1-5 "1 John 1:5 - God Is Light")), and His Word is a "lamp to my feet and a light to my path" ([Psalm 119:105](/psalms/119-105 "Psalm 119:105 - Your Word Is a Lamp")). Jesus, as the incarnate Word, declares Himself to be "the light of the world" ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")), whose coming dispels the spiritual darkness that covers humanity. This verse emphasizes that this divine light, once manifested, is not meant to be confined or hidden. Its very nature demands visibility and dissemination for the benefit of all. It speaks to the inherent purpose of revelation: to be known, understood, and to transform lives. This principle extends to believers, who, having received this light, are called to reflect it, becoming "lights in the world" ([Philippians 2:15](/philippians/2-15 "Philippians 2:15 - Shining as Lights in the World")), illuminating the path for others to see God's truth and glory.

* [John 1:4-5](/john/1-4-5 "John 1:4-5 - The Life and Light of Men")
* [Matthew 5:14-16](/matthew/5-14-16 "Matthew 5:14-16 - You Are the Light of the World")
* [Ephesians 5:8-9](/ephesians/5-8-9 "Ephesians 5:8-9 - Walk as Children of Light")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 11:33 serves as a powerful and direct challenge to every believer, urging us to consider the visibility and impact of our faith. Just as a physical lamp is lit with the clear intention of dispelling darkness and guiding those who enter a room, so too are we, as followers of Christ, illuminated by His truth for a divine purpose: to shine. This verse compels us to examine our lives and ask whether we are truly allowing the light of Christ within us to be seen by the world, or if we are inadvertently, or even intentionally, obscuring it. Are we hiding our faith, our spiritual gifts, our transformed lives, or the very message of the Gospel "under a bushel" of fear, apathy, busyness, or the desire for comfort and conformity? Perhaps we conceal it in the "secret place" of private piety, never allowing it to impact our public spheres. The call is to live authentically, to share the hope that is within us, and to allow our actions, words, and character to be a clear testimony to God's grace. Our lives, lived in accordance with God's principles, are meant to be like a lamp on a stand, illuminating the path for others, dispelling spiritual darkness, and drawing them to the source of all light.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be inadvertently hiding the light of Christ?**
* **What "bushels" (e.g., fear of judgment, desire for acceptance, comfort, busyness) prevent me from shining more brightly?**
* **How can I more intentionally position my faith and actions "on a candlestick" in my daily interactions, work, and community?**

### FAQ
**What does the "bushel" represent in this verse?**

Answer: The "bushel" (Greek: _módios_) was a common household container used for measuring grain, roughly equivalent to a peck. In Jesus' parable, placing a lit lamp under a bushel represents anything that would intentionally or unintentionally obscure, suppress, or prevent the light of spiritual truth from being seen or having its intended effect. This could include human traditions, worldly desires, fear of persecution, apathy, or simply a lack of intentionality in living out one's faith. The point is that light, by its very nature, is meant to illuminate, and anything that hinders this purpose is contrary to its design. Just as it would be absurd to light a lamp only to hide it, it is equally absurd to possess the truth of God and keep it from the world that desperately needs it, as Jesus' teachings are for all to see and understand ([Luke 11:34-36](/luke/11-34-36 "Luke 11:34-36 - The Light of the Body")).

**Is this verse primarily about evangelism, or does it have a broader meaning?**

Answer: While Luke 11:33 certainly has strong implications for evangelism—the sharing of the Gospel so that others "may see the light"—its meaning is broader. It speaks to the fundamental nature of divine revelation and the purpose of God's truth. Jesus Himself is the ultimate light, and His teachings are meant to be openly proclaimed and understood, not kept secret. Beyond evangelism, the verse applies to the Christian life in its entirety. It calls believers to live authentically, allowing their transformed lives, good works, and spiritual gifts to be visible testimonies to God's grace. This includes living ethically, demonstrating love, practicing justice, and embodying Christ-like character in all spheres of life, so that others might see their "good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven" ([Matthew 5:16](/matthew/5-16 "Matthew 5:16 - Let Your Light Shine")). Therefore, it encompasses both the proclamation of the Gospel and the lived witness of a disciple.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 11:33 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ Himself. He is the preeminent "light" that has come into the world, as declared in [John 1:4-5](/john/1-4-5 "John 1:4-5 - In Him was life, and the life was the light of men"). His incarnation was the dawning of true light into a world shrouded in spiritual darkness, a light that "shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." Jesus consistently presented Himself as the one who illuminates, stating, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life" ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")). His entire ministry—His teachings, miracles, and ultimately His death and resurrection—was a public display of God's truth and love, meant to be seen and understood by all, not hidden away. He came not to conceal God's plan but to reveal it fully, bringing salvation and exposing the works of darkness ([John 3:19-21](/john/3-19-21 "John 3:19-21 - Light and Darkness")). The "candlestick" upon which His light is placed is the cross, His resurrection, and the ongoing proclamation of the Gospel, ensuring that "they which come in may see the light" of redemption and eternal life. Thus, the light we are called to shine as believers is not our own, but a reflection of the glorious light of Christ, who perfectly fulfilled the purpose of the lamp.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 8:16

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.

Luke 8:17

For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither [any thing] hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.

Mark 4:21

¶ 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?

Mark 4:22

For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.

Matthew 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.

Matthew 5:16

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

John 12:46

I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.