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.

{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}.

"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.

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.

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

Context of Luke 8:16

This powerful statement from Jesus immediately follows His explanation of the Parable of the Sower to His disciples. The preceding verses (Luke 8:9-10) address why Jesus taught in parables – to reveal truth to those who are open to it, while concealing it from those who are not. Luke 8:16 then serves as a principle, illustrating that the truth revealed (the "light") is not meant to be hidden but to be displayed for all to see. It underscores the purpose of understanding and revelation: it is for proclamation and illumination, not for secrecy or personal hoarding.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Revelation and Illumination: The primary message is that divine truth, once received, is meant to be shared. Just as a lamp's purpose is to provide light, the understanding of God's kingdom is intended to illuminate the spiritual darkness of the world.
  • Responsibility of Disciples: Those who receive the "light" – whether it's the understanding of parables or the truth of the Gospel – have a responsibility to let it shine. This echoes Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:14-16, where He calls His followers the "light of the world".
  • Purposeful Display: The imagery of the lamp on a stand emphasizes the intentional and public nature of this light. It's not about being ostentatious, but about making truth accessible and visible to those who need it.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses "candle," but the Greek word is lychnos (λύχνος), which more accurately refers to an oil lamp – a common household item in ancient Israel. These lamps provided essential light in homes, and placing one "on a candlestick" (lychnia, λυχνία – a lampstand) was the practical way to maximize its illumination for everyone in the room. This simple, everyday illustration would have been immediately understood by Jesus' audience, highlighting the practical necessity of the light being visible.

Related Scriptures

This teaching is also found in other Gospels, demonstrating its importance in Jesus' ministry:

  • Mark 4:21: "Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?"
  • 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." (Part of the Sermon on the Mount)

The principle of truth being revealed is further emphasized in Luke 12:2, which states, "For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known."

Practical Application

For believers today, Luke 8:16 serves as a powerful reminder of our mission. The "light" we have received – the Gospel, our faith, the truth of God's Word, and the transformative power of Christ – is not for our private consumption alone. We are called to:

  • Share the Gospel: Actively proclaim the good news of salvation to a world in spiritual darkness.
  • Live Authentically: Allow our lives to reflect the light of Christ, demonstrating His love, joy, and peace through our actions and words.
  • Use Our Gifts: Employ our spiritual gifts and talents to serve God and others, illuminating His truth in various spheres of influence.
  • Be a Witness: Overcome fear or hesitation in sharing our faith, understanding that our testimony can guide others to the true light.

Just as a lamp on a stand benefits everyone in the house, a life lived in Christ's light can guide many to Him, fulfilling the very purpose for which the light was given.

Note: Commentary was generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please remember that only the commentary section is AI-generated. The main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are sourced from trusted and verified materials.

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

    ΒΆ 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.
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