Mark 4:21

KJV

¶ 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?

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he said {G3004} unto them {G846}, Is {G3385} a candle {G3088} brought {G2064} to {G2443} be put {G5087} under {G5259} a bushel {G3426}, or {G2228} under {G5259} a bed {G2825}? and not {G3756} to {G2443} be set {G2007} on {G1909} a candlestick {G3087}?

Complete Jewish Bible

He said to them, "A lamp isn't brought in to be put under a bowl or under the bed, is it? Wouldn't you put it on a lampstand?

Berean Standard Bible

Jesus also said to them, “Does anyone bring in a lamp to put it under a basket or under a bed? Doesn’t he set it on a stand?

American Standard Version

And he said unto them, Is the lamp brought to be put under the bushel, or under the bed, and not to be put on the stand?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Mark 4:21, Jesus employs a poignant rhetorical question to illuminate a foundational principle concerning the nature of divine truth and its intended purpose. This verse serves as a crucial interpretive lens for understanding His parables and the inherent, expansive character of the kingdom of God, emphasizing that revelation is given not for concealment but for widespread illumination and transformative impact.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This declaration by Jesus is strategically placed within a significant teaching block in Mark's Gospel, immediately following the [Parable of the Sower](/mark/4-1-9 "Mark 4:1-9 - The Parable of the Sower") and its subsequent, detailed explanation to the disciples in private ([Mark 4:10-20](/mark/4-10-20 "Mark 4:10-20 - Explanation of the Parable of the Sower")). The disciples had asked why Jesus spoke in parables, and His answer in [Mark 4:11-12](/mark/4-11-12 "Mark 4:11-12 - The Purpose of Parables") suggests a veiled revelation for some, while [Mark 4:13](/mark/4-13 "Mark 4:13 - Understanding the Parable of the Sower") underscores the necessity of understanding. Verse 21, therefore, acts as a bridge, clarifying that while understanding may initially be limited or veiled, the ultimate purpose of divine truth is not to remain hidden. It sets the stage for the subsequent sayings in [Mark 4:22-25](/mark/4-22-25 "Mark 4:22-25 - What is Hidden Will Be Revealed"), which reinforce the principle that "nothing is hidden except to be made manifest" and that "to the one who has, more will be given."
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery Jesus uses—a candle, a bushel, a bed, and a candlestick—would have been immediately recognizable to His audience. In ancient Palestinian homes, which were often small and dimly lit, an oil lamp (`lýchnos`) was the primary source of artificial light after sunset. This lamp would be placed on a lampstand (`lychnía`), typically a wooden or clay stand, designed to elevate the lamp so its light could effectively spread throughout the single room. A "bushel" (`módios`) was a common household item, a dry measure equivalent to about two gallons (or eight liters), often used for grain. Placing a lamp under such a container would not only hide its light but also likely extinguish it due due to lack of oxygen. Similarly, putting a lamp "under a bed" (`klínē`), which might be a low mat or raised platform, would also obscure its light and render it useless for illumination. The absurdity of intentionally hiding a lamp, whose sole purpose is to provide light, would have been self-evident, making Jesus' rhetorical question powerfully effective.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Mark's Gospel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Revelation and Purpose**, asserting that God's truth, embodied in Jesus' teachings and the kingdom He proclaims, is inherently designed for disclosure, not concealment. The light of the Gospel is meant to illuminate the darkness of the world. Secondly, it speaks to **Discipleship and Witness**, implying a clear mandate for those who receive this light. Just as a lamp is not lit for its own sake, but to serve others, so too are believers called to be conduits of God's truth, actively displaying their faith and understanding. This resonates with the broader biblical call for God's people to be a [light to the nations](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - A Light to the Nations"). Finally, the passage underscores the **Impact and Influence** of divine truth. When the "light" is properly positioned, it transforms its surroundings, providing clarity, guidance, and warmth, thereby impacting individuals and communities with the transformative power of God's presence and message.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **candle (Greek, _lýchnos'_):** This term refers to a portable lamp, typically an oil lamp with a wick, which was the common source of artificial light in ancient homes. Its primary function was to illuminate, dispelling darkness. In Jesus' analogy, it symbolizes the truth, the Gospel, and the light of God's kingdom, as well as the revelation that He brings.
* **bushel (Greek, _módios'_):** Derived from Latin, this word denotes a dry measure, a large container or basket used for measuring grain, roughly equivalent to a peck or half-bushel. When placed over a lamp, it would completely obscure the light and potentially extinguish the flame, rendering the lamp useless. It symbolizes anything that would hide, suppress, or hinder the spread of divine truth—fear, apathy, social pressure, or self-interest.
* **candlestick (Greek, _lychnía'_):** This refers to a lamp-stand, a piece of furniture designed specifically to hold a lamp and elevate it. By placing the lamp on the `lychnía`, its light could spread effectively throughout the entire room, fulfilling its purpose. This symbolizes the appropriate and intended position for divine truth and revelation—a place of prominence and visibility, allowing it to illuminate and impact its surroundings.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed?"**: Jesus initiates His teaching with a rhetorical question, immediately engaging His audience by presenting an absurd scenario. The "candle" (lamp) is brought into the house with a clear purpose: to provide light. To place it "under a bushel" (a grain measure) or "under a bed" would be counter-intuitive and illogical, as both actions would effectively conceal or extinguish its light, negating its very reason for existence. This highlights the inherent purposelessness of hidden truth.
* **"and not to be set on a candlestick?"**: This second part of the rhetorical question provides the obvious and correct answer, reinforcing the lamp's true purpose. A "candlestick" (lampstand) is designed precisely to elevate the lamp, allowing its light to radiate freely and illuminate the entire room. This emphasizes that divine truth, the Gospel, and the light of God's kingdom are intended for public display, widespread dissemination, and effective illumination, not for private hoarding or concealment.

#### Literary Devices
Jesus masterfully employs two key literary devices in Mark 4:21. The primary device is a **Rhetorical Question**. By posing a question with an obvious answer, Jesus compels His listeners to acknowledge the absurdity of hiding something meant to illuminate. This technique does not seek information but rather emphasizes a self-evident truth, drawing the audience into agreement and preparing them for the deeper spiritual application. Secondly, the verse is built upon powerful **Metaphor** and **Symbolism**. The "candle" (lamp) serves as a metaphor for the light of divine truth, the Gospel, and the revelation of God's kingdom that Jesus embodies and proclaims. The "bushel" and "bed" symbolize anything that would obscure or suppress this truth, representing obstacles or hindrances to its spread. Conversely, the "candlestick" (lampstand) symbolizes the proper and intended position for this truth—a place of prominence and visibility, where it can fulfill its purpose of illuminating the world.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 4:21 powerfully articulates a fundamental theological truth: God's revelation, particularly in the person and teachings of Jesus, is inherently expansive and purposed for illumination, not secrecy. The kingdom of God, though it may begin subtly like a seed, is destined to grow and manifest its transformative power openly. This verse challenges any notion that spiritual truth is meant for an exclusive few or to be hoarded. Instead, it underscores the divine intention for the Gospel to be proclaimed widely, bringing light to those in darkness and exposing the hidden things of the heart. It speaks to God's character as a God who reveals Himself and desires for humanity to walk in His light, a light that exposes sin and offers salvation.

* [Matthew 5:14-16](/matthew/5-14-16 "Matthew 5:14-16 - You Are the Light of the World")
* [Luke 8:16-18](/luke/8-16-18 "Luke 8:16-18 - The Purpose of the Lamp")
* [John 3:19-21](/john/3-19-21 "John 3:19-21 - Light and Darkness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 4:21 serves as a profound call to action for every believer and for the Church as a whole. If we have received the light of Christ—the truth of the Gospel, the understanding of God's kingdom, and the transformative power of His Spirit—we are not to conceal it. This means actively living out our faith, sharing our testimonies, and proclaiming the good news with intentionality and boldness. Are we allowing fear of rejection, desire for comfort, or personal apathy to place our "light" under a "bushel" of silence or a "bed" of inactivity? Or are we purposefully positioning our lives, our words, and our actions as a "candlestick," elevating the truth of Christ so that it shines brightly into a world desperately in need of His illumination? This verse compels us to consider how our gifts, talents, and spiritual insights can be used to serve others and glorify God, ensuring that the light we have received fulfills its divine purpose of dispelling darkness and guiding others to the Savior.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "bushels" or "beds" might I be using to hide the light of Christ within me (e.g., fear, apathy, comfort, self-consciousness)?**
* **In what practical ways can I intentionally "set my light on a candlestick" in my daily life, community, and workplace?**
* **How does my understanding of the Gospel's purpose (to be revealed, not hidden) influence my commitment to evangelism and discipleship?**
* **What specific steps can I take this week to allow the light of God's truth to shine more brightly through my actions and words?**

### FAQ
**What is the "bushel" that Jesus refers to in this verse?**

Answer: The "bushel" (Greek: `módios`) was a common dry measuring container in ancient times, roughly equivalent to a peck or about two gallons (eight liters). It was typically a large, inverted basket or wooden box used for measuring grain or other dry goods. In Jesus' analogy, placing a lamp under such a container would completely obscure its light, rendering it useless for illumination. Symbolically, the "bushel" represents anything that would hide, suppress, or hinder the spread of the light of God's truth—whether it be fear, social pressure, personal comfort, or a lack of understanding regarding the expansive nature of the [kingdom of God](/mark/4 "Mark 4 - Parables of the Kingdom"). Its purpose in the analogy is to highlight the absurdity and counter-productivity of concealing what is meant to be revealed.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 4:21 finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ Himself. He is not merely the bearer of light; He is the [Light of the World](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World"), the very revelation of God's truth and glory made manifest. Just as a lamp is brought to be set on a stand, Jesus came into the world not to be hidden or obscured, but to illuminate humanity's spiritual darkness. His entire ministry, from His public teachings to His miraculous signs, was a deliberate act of placing the divine light "on a candlestick," revealing the Father's character and the nature of His [kingdom](/luke/17-20-21 "Luke 17:20-21 - The Kingdom of God Within You"). His life, death, and resurrection were the ultimate unveiling of God's redemptive plan, shining the brightest light on sin, grace, and eternal life. Through His sacrifice, He became the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), a truth meant to be proclaimed to every nation. Therefore, when believers are called to let their light shine, they are participating in Christ's ongoing mission to illuminate the world, reflecting the very light that has been revealed in Him ([2 Corinthians 4:6](/2_corinthians/4-6 "2 Corinthians 4:6 - God's Light in Our Hearts")).

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

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.

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.

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.

Isaiah 60:1

¶ Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.

Isaiah 60:3

And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.

Ephesians 5:3

¶ But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;

Ephesians 5:15

See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,