Luke 8:16

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

{G1161} No man {G3762}, when he hath lighted {G681} a candle {G3088}, covereth {G2572} it {G846} with a vessel {G4632}, or {G2228} putteth {G5087} it under {G5270} a bed {G2825}; but {G235} setteth {G2007} it on {G1909} a candlestick {G3087}, that {G2443} they which enter in {G1531} may see {G991} the light {G5457}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"No one who has lit a lamp covers it with a bowl or puts it under a bed; no, he puts it on a stand; so that those coming in may see the light.

Berean Standard Bible

No one lights a lamp and covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, he sets it on a stand, so those who enter can see the light.

American Standard Version

And no man, when he hath lighted a lamp, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but putteth it on a stand, that they that enter in may see the light.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Luke 8:16, Jesus employs a common household illustration to convey a profound spiritual truth: the divine revelation and understanding granted to His disciples are not meant to be concealed but openly displayed. Just as a lamp is lit to provide illumination for all who enter a room, so too is the truth of God's kingdom, once received, intended for public proclamation and spiritual enlightenment, underscoring the inherent purpose of revelation as a means of dispelling darkness and guiding others.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Jesus' explanation of the [Parable of the Sower](/luke/8-4-15 "Luke 8:4-15 - The Parable of the Sower and Its Meaning") to His disciples. In [Luke 8:9-10](/luke/8-9-10 "Luke 8:9-10 - The Purpose of Parables"), Jesus clarifies that parables serve to reveal the "mysteries of the kingdom of God" to those who are receptive ("to you it has been given") while simultaneously veiling them from those who are not ("but to the rest it is given in parables, so that seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand"). Luke 8:16 then functions as a foundational principle, indicating that the understanding granted to the disciples—the "light" of truth—is not for their exclusive benefit or private hoarding. Instead, it is given with the explicit purpose of being shared and illuminating others, serving as a direct mandate for the dissemination of the Gospel message that they have received.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of a lamp, vessel, bed, and lampstand would have been instantly recognizable to Jesus' audience in first-century Galilee. Homes were typically small, often consisting of one or two rooms, and relied on oil lamps (Greek: _lychnos_) for nighttime illumination. These lamps, usually small clay or metal vessels with a wick, provided essential light. To maximize their effectiveness, they were placed on a lampstand (Greek: _lychnía_), which could be a simple elevated platform or a more elaborate stand, ensuring the light spread throughout the room. Conversely, covering a lamp with a "vessel" (like a bushel basket, used for measuring grain) or putting it "under a bed" (a common piece of furniture, often a mat or raised platform) would be illogical and counter-productive, as it would extinguish or obscure the light. This everyday scenario underscores the absurdity of concealing something designed to illuminate, making Jesus' spiritual point powerfully clear through a relatable domestic example.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 8:16 contributes significantly to several major themes in Luke's Gospel and Jesus' broader teaching. Primarily, it emphasizes **Revelation and Illumination**, asserting that divine truth, once received, is inherently public and meant to dispel spiritual darkness. It directly links to the **Responsibility of Discipleship**, highlighting that those who have been granted understanding of the Kingdom of God are entrusted with a mandate to proclaim it, echoing Jesus' call for His followers to be the "[light of the world](/matthew/5-14 "Matthew 5:14 - You are the Light of the World")" in the [Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5 - The Sermon on the Mount"). The verse also subtly touches upon the **Nature of God's Kingdom**, portraying it as a dynamic, expanding reality that cannot be contained or hidden, but must be made known to all who are willing to receive it. This principle of open proclamation is further reinforced later in Luke's Gospel, where Jesus states that "[nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest](/luke/12-2 "Luke 12:2 - Nothing Hidden That Will Not Be Revealed")".

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **candle (Greek, _lýchnos_):** This word refers to a portable lamp, typically an oil lamp, rather than a wax candle. It signifies a source of artificial light used in homes. In this context, it symbolizes the truth of the Gospel or the spiritual understanding given by God.
* **candlestick (Greek, _lychnía_):** This denotes a lampstand, a raised support designed to elevate a lamp so its light can spread effectively throughout a room. Symbolically, it represents the visible platform or position from which the truth is to be openly displayed and shared.
* **light (Greek, _phōs_):** This term encompasses luminousness in its broadest sense, whether natural or artificial, abstract or concrete. Here, it represents spiritual truth, divine revelation, the Gospel message, and ultimately, the presence and nature of God Himself, which is intended to be seen and experienced by all.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth [it] under a bed;":** This initial clause sets up the illogical and counter-intuitive action. It highlights that the natural and intended purpose of lighting a lamp is to provide light, not to obscure it. The "vessel" (like a bushel basket) or "bed" represents anything that would intentionally or unintentionally hide or diminish the impact of the light. Spiritually, this refers to the absurdity of receiving divine truth or the Gospel and then concealing it, either out of fear, selfishness, or a misunderstanding of its purpose.
* **"but setteth [it] on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light.":** This contrasting clause presents the proper and purposeful action. Placing the lamp on a "candlestick" (lampstand) ensures its maximum visibility and effectiveness. The phrase "that they which enter in may see the light" clearly states the teleological purpose: the light is for the benefit of all who come into its sphere of influence. This emphasizes that the revelation of God's kingdom is not for private consumption but for public proclamation, designed to illuminate the path for all who are seeking or in need of spiritual guidance.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 8:16 is rich in **Simile** and **Metaphor**. The entire verse functions as a **Simile**, comparing the practical act of lighting a lamp and placing it on a stand to the spiritual principle of revealing and proclaiming the truth of God's kingdom. The "candle" (lamp) itself serves as a **Metaphor** for divine truth, spiritual understanding, or the Gospel message. The "vessel" and "bed" are **Metaphors** for anything that would obscure or hinder the spread of this truth. The "candlestick" (lampstand) is a **Metaphor** for the platform or means by which truth is openly displayed. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** presented: the illogical act of hiding light versus the logical and purposeful act of displaying it. This rhetorical device underscores the clear expectation for those who receive spiritual light. Furthermore, **Symbolism** is pervasive, with light representing knowledge, truth, and God's presence, and darkness representing ignorance, sin, and the absence of God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly articulates God's inherent desire for revelation and His intention that His truth should not be confined but widely disseminated. It establishes a divine pattern: God reveals Himself and His kingdom not for the exclusive benefit of a select few, but so that His light might penetrate the darkness of the world. Therefore, those who receive this light become stewards of it, obligated to reflect and share it. This principle undergirds the entire mission of the church and the personal calling of every believer, transforming recipients of grace into agents of illumination for a world in spiritual need.

* [Mark 4:21](/mark/4-21 "Mark 4:21 - The Lamp on a Stand")
* [Matthew 5:15](/matthew/5-15 "Matthew 5:15 - You are the Light of the World")
* [Luke 12:2](/luke/12-2 "Luke 12:2 - Nothing Hidden That Will Not Be Revealed")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 8:16 serves as a powerful and enduring call to action for every follower of Christ. The "light" we have received is multifaceted: it is the Gospel message, the transformative power of the Holy Spirit within us, the truth of God's Word, and the very character of Christ being formed in our lives. This light is not a private treasure to be hoarded, but a divine gift entrusted to us for the benefit of others. Our lives, our words, and our actions are meant to be the "lampstand" upon which this light is set, making the reality of God's love and truth visible to a world often shrouded in spiritual darkness. This requires intentionality, courage, and a willingness to step out of our comfort zones, allowing our faith to shine brightly in our homes, workplaces, communities, and across the globe. We are called to live authentically, speak boldly, and serve selflessly, so that through us, others may "see the light" and be drawn to the source of all truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "vessels" or "beds" might I be using to inadvertently cover or diminish the light of Christ in my own life or sphere of influence?**
* **In what practical ways can I more intentionally "set my light on a candlestick" in my daily interactions and activities?**
* **How does my understanding of God's truth impact my desire and efforts to share it with others?**
* **What fears or hesitations might be preventing me from allowing Christ's light to shine more brightly through me?**

### FAQ
**What does Jesus mean by "lighted a candle" and "see the light" in this context?**

Answer: When Jesus speaks of "lighted a candle" (more accurately, an oil lamp), He is referring to the act of receiving spiritual understanding or the truth of the Kingdom of God. This spiritual illumination is given by God, often through Jesus' teaching, as seen in the preceding explanation of the [Parable of the Sower](/luke/8-11-15 "Luke 8:11-15 - The Meaning of the Parable of the Sower"). The "light" itself represents divine revelation, the Gospel message, and the transformative power of God's truth. To "see the light" means to grasp this spiritual truth, to comprehend the mysteries of the Kingdom, and ultimately, to come into a saving knowledge of God. The verse emphasizes that this spiritual light is not meant to be kept hidden, but to be openly displayed so that others, too, can perceive and benefit from it.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 8:16 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ Himself, who is the very embodiment of the "light" that is to be revealed. He is not merely a bearer of light, but the "[Light of the World](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")" (as declared in [John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")), the true light that "gives light to everyone" ([John 1:9](/john/1-9 "John 1:9 - The True Light")). His incarnation was the setting of the divine lamp on the ultimate "candlestick"—His earthly ministry, His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension—making the truth of God, previously veiled, fully manifest to humanity. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus perfectly revealed the Father, dispelling the darkness of sin and ignorance. As believers, we are called to reflect this light, for we have been "[called out of darkness into his wonderful light](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race")" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race")). Our mission to shine is therefore a participation in Christ's ongoing work, making His glory visible to a world still in need of His illuminating presence, just as [2 Corinthians 4:6](/2_corinthians/4-6 "2 Corinthians 4:6 - God's Light in Our Hearts") reminds us that "God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' has made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God's glory displayed in the face of Christ."

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 11:33

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.

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.

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.

Acts 26:18

To open their eyes, [and] to turn [them] from darkness to light, and [from] the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

Revelation 1:20

The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.