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.

Neither {G3761} do men light {G2545} a candle {G3088}, and {G2532} put {G5087} it {G846} under {G5259} a bushel {G3426}, but {G235} on {G1909} a candlestick {G3087}; and {G2532} it giveth light {G2989} unto all {G3956} that are in {G1722} the house {G3614}.

Likewise, when people light a lamp, they don't cover it with a bowl but put it on a lampstand, so that it shines for everyone in the house.

Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.

Neither do men light a lamp, and put it under the bushel, but on the stand; and it shineth unto all that are in the house.

Commentary

In Matthew 5:15, Jesus uses a simple, relatable household analogy to teach His disciples about the purpose of their faith and good works.

Context

This verse is an integral part of Jesus' profound teaching known as the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5-7). It immediately follows Jesus' declarations that His followers are "the salt of the earth" and, more directly, "the light of the world." Verse 15 elaborates on this identity as "light," explaining that light's inherent nature is to be seen and to illuminate. In ancient homes, a lamp (typically an oil lamp) was a crucial source of light, and it would logically be placed on a lampstand to maximize its reach, not hidden under a common measuring container like a "bushel."

Key Themes and Messages

  • Visibility of Faith: Jesus emphasizes that the spiritual light of believers – their character, actions, and testimony – is meant to be openly displayed. It is illogical and counterproductive to conceal what is designed to shine.
  • Purposeful Influence: The light is not for the believer's own benefit alone, but "giveth light unto all that are in the house." This highlights that the Christian life is intended to have a positive, illuminating influence on others, guiding them, revealing truth, and dispelling spiritual darkness.
  • Divine Intent: Just as a lamp is created to give light, believers are called by God to reflect His glory and truth to the world. Hiding this light would be to act contrary to God's divine purpose for their lives and for the world's need.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV translates "candle" from the Greek word lychnos (λύχνος), which more accurately refers to an oil lamp, a common and essential source of light in ancient homes. The "bushel" is from the Greek modios (μόδιος), a specific dry measuring container, typically holding about two gallons (or eight liters). Placing a lamp under such a container would not only hide its light but also likely extinguish it due to lack of oxygen, vividly illustrating the absurdity and futility of concealing one's spiritual purpose or good works.

Practical Application

This powerful verse challenges believers to live out their faith boldly and authentically in every area of life. It calls us to:

  • Shine Through Good Works: As Jesus further explains in Matthew 5:16, our light shines through our "good works," which ultimately bring glory to God. This includes acts of love, integrity, justice, and compassion in our daily interactions.
  • Be an Open Witness: Our lives should serve as a clear testimony to Christ, not something we keep private or hidden due to fear, apathy, or a desire for personal comfort. Whether in our families, workplaces, or communities, our faith should be evident and impactful.
  • Utilize God-Given Gifts: Every believer is endowed with unique gifts and talents. This passage encourages us to use these abilities to serve God and others, allowing His light to shine through us rather than burying them out of timidity or selfishness.

Ultimately, Matthew 5:15 serves as a timeless reminder that the Christian life is meant to be visible and impactful, illuminating the world around us with the truth, hope, and love of God.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 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?

  • 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.

  • Numbers 8:2

    Speak unto Aaron, and say unto him, When thou lightest the lamps, the seven lamps shall give light over against the candlestick.

  • Exodus 25:37

    And thou shalt make the seven lamps thereof: and they shall light the lamps thereof, that they may give light over against it.
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