Matthew 5:15

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Matthew 5:15, part of Jesus' foundational Sermon on the Mount, employs a vivid household analogy to elucidate the inherent purpose and public nature of a believer's life and good works. Just as a lamp is lit not to be concealed but to illuminate an entire house, so too are Christ's followers, as the "light of the world," intended to openly display their faith and righteous deeds, thereby bringing glory to God and guiding others. This verse underscores the divine design for Christian influence, emphasizing that spiritual light is meant for manifestation, not suppression.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the opening declarations of Jesus' [Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5-7 "Matthew 5-7 - The Sermon on the Mount"), specifically following His pronouncements on the identity and calling of His disciples. Immediately preceding [Matthew 5:15](/matthew/5-15 "Matthew 5:15 - Light on a Candlestick"), Jesus declares His followers to be "[the salt of the earth](/matthew/5-13 "Matthew 5:13 - Salt of the Earth")" and, more directly, "[the light of the world](/matthew/5-14 "Matthew 5:14 - Light of the World")". Verse 15 serves as an elaboration and logical extension of the "light of the world" metaphor, explaining *how* this light is to function. It sets the stage for the subsequent verse, [Matthew 5:16](/matthew/5-16 "Matthew 5:16 - Let Your Light Shine"), which explicitly connects the shining light to "good works" that glorify the Father. The entire passage (Matthew 5:13-16) forms a cohesive unit defining the public, influential role of the Kingdom citizen in the world.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel and the broader Greco-Roman world, homes were typically small, often consisting of one or two rooms, and lacked modern electricity. The primary source of artificial illumination after sunset was an oil lamp. These lamps, usually small clay vessels with a wick, would be lit and then placed on a lampstand (a high, stable platform or piece of furniture) to maximize the diffusion of light throughout the dwelling. The "bushel" (Greek: _modios_) refers to a common dry measuring container, roughly equivalent to a peck or about two gallons (approximately 8.75 liters), used for grains or other dry goods. Placing a lit lamp under such a container would be entirely counterproductive; it would not only hide the light but also quickly extinguish the flame due to lack of oxygen, and potentially pose a fire hazard. Jesus' analogy draws on these everyday, relatable household items and practices, making His teaching immediately understandable to His audience.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme in [Matthew 5:15](/matthew/5-15 "Matthew 5:15 - The Purpose of Light") is the **visibility and purposefulness of spiritual influence**. Building on the declaration that believers are "[the light of the world](/matthew/5-14 "Matthew 5:14 - Believers as Light")," this verse emphasizes that light's very nature is to illuminate. Hiding it would be to contradict its essence and purpose. This highlights the theme of **divine intentionality**: God calls His people to be a visible witness, not to hide their transformed lives. Their actions, character, and testimony are meant to be seen, revealing truth and dispelling spiritual darkness. Furthermore, the phrase "it giveth light unto all that are in the house" underscores the theme of **outward influence and benefit to others**. The light is not for the lamp's own sake, but for the benefit of everyone in the shared space, mirroring the communal impact of a believer's life. This aligns with the broader Kingdom ethic of active participation and societal transformation found throughout [the Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5 - The Beatitudes and Kingdom Ethics").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **candle (Greek, _lýchnos'_):** From the base of _leukos_ (white, bright), _lychnos_ refers to a portable lamp or other illuminator. While translated "candle" in the KJV, it more accurately denotes an oil lamp, which was the common household light source in ancient times. This word emphasizes the physical object that produces light, serving as a direct metaphor for the believer.
* **bushel (Greek, _módios'_):** Of Latin origin, _modios_ signifies a specific dry measuring container, typically holding a substantial quantity (around 8-9 liters). The choice of this common, opaque household item highlights the absurdity of concealing something meant to shine. It represents anything that might obscure or suppress the believer's light, whether fear, apathy, or worldly concerns.
* **giveth light (Greek, _lámpō'_):** A primary verb meaning "to beam" or "radiate brilliancy," literally or figuratively. This word captures the active, outward nature of light. It's not merely about possessing light, but about its emanation and effect. For the believer, this signifies the active demonstration of faith and good works that illuminate their surroundings.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel":** This initial clause presents a rhetorical question in the form of a negative assertion, highlighting an illogical and counterproductive action. The "candle" (oil lamp) is lit for the express purpose of providing illumination, making its concealment under a "bushel" (a measuring container) an absurd and self-defeating act. This illustrates the futility and unreasonableness of a believer attempting to hide their transformed life or the spiritual light they possess.
* **"but on a candlestick":** This contrasting clause provides the logical and intended placement for a lit lamp. A "candlestick" (lampstand) is designed to elevate the lamp, allowing its light to spread effectively. This signifies that believers are meant to be positioned in a way that maximizes their spiritual influence and visibility, openly living out their faith rather than concealing it.
* **"and it giveth light unto all that are in the house":** This final clause articulates the natural and intended outcome of placing the lamp correctly. The light's purpose is to illuminate the entire dwelling, benefiting everyone within. For the believer, this means their visible faith and good works are not for self-glory but are intended to impact and benefit those around them, revealing truth, guiding others, and dispelling spiritual darkness within their sphere of influence.

#### Literary Devices
Jesus masterfully employs **Analogy** and **Metaphor** in this verse to convey a profound spiritual truth through a simple, everyday scenario. The lit lamp serves as an **Analogy** for the believer's life, and the light it emits is a **Metaphor** for their good works, character, and testimony. The lampstand represents the appropriate public display of faith, while the bushel symbolizes anything that would obscure or suppress this spiritual light. The entire statement functions as a **Rhetorical Question** (implied by the "Neither... but..." construction), highlighting the self-evident absurdity of hiding a light, thereby emphasizing the equally illogical nature of a Christian concealing their faith. The vivid imagery creates a memorable and universally understandable teaching.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 5:15 profoundly connects to the broader biblical themes of witness, God's glory, and the inherent nature of light as a symbol of truth and revelation. Just as God's very being is light (1 John 1:5), He calls His people to reflect His character and truth into a dark world. The act of "giving light" is not merely a human endeavor but a participation in God's redemptive work, making His presence and principles known. To hide this light would be to deny God's purpose for His redeemed community and to deprive the world of the very illumination it desperately needs. This verse underscores the missional imperative inherent in being a follower of Christ: our transformed lives are meant to be a beacon, drawing others to the source of all light.

* [Philippians 2:15](/philippians/2-15 "Shining as Lights in the World")
* [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")
* [Isaiah 60:1-3](/isaiah/60-1-3 "Arise, Shine, for Your Light Has Come")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 5:15 is a powerful call to authentic, visible Christian living. It challenges us to consider whether our faith is truly shining forth or if we are, perhaps inadvertently, placing it "under a bushel" due to fear, apathy, or a desire to conform to worldly standards. Our good works, our integrity, our compassion, and our verbal testimony are all facets of the light we are called to emit. This light is not for our own commendation, but so that others might see God's transforming power at work in us and be drawn to Him. It encourages us to identify the "bushels" in our own lives—whether it's fear of judgment, pursuit of comfort, or a lack of intentionality—and to actively remove them, allowing our lives to be clear, unhindered expressions of God's grace and truth in every sphere of influence, from our homes to our workplaces and communities.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "bushels" in my life might be preventing my light from shining brightly for Christ?**
* **In what specific ways can I intentionally place my "lamp on a candlestick" in my daily interactions and activities?**
* **How does my life actively "give light unto all that are in the house" (my family, community, workplace)?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to ensure my faith is more visibly expressed for God's glory?**

### FAQ

**What does Jesus mean by "candle" and "bushel" in this verse?**

Answer: In [Matthew 5:15](/matthew/5-15 "Matthew 5:15 - The Lamp and the Bushel"), Jesus uses these common household items as an **analogy**. The "candle" (Greek: _lychnos_) refers to an oil lamp, the primary source of artificial light in ancient homes. It represents the spiritual light that believers possess through their relationship with Christ—their transformed character, good deeds, and testimony. The "bushel" (Greek: _modios_) was a standard dry measuring container, typically holding a significant amount of grain. Placing a lit lamp under such a container would be illogical and counterproductive, as it would hide the light and likely extinguish the flame. It symbolizes anything that would obscure or suppress a believer's spiritual influence, such as fear, apathy, self-consciousness, or a desire to blend in with the world.

**Why is it important for a Christian's light to be seen?**

Answer: Jesus emphasizes that a Christian's light must be seen because its purpose is to illuminate and influence. Just as a physical lamp is lit to provide light for everyone in the house, a believer's spiritual light is meant to benefit and guide others. As [Matthew 5:16](/matthew/5-16 "Matthew 5:16 - Glorifying God Through Good Works") clarifies, the ultimate goal is not self-glorification, but that others "may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." Our visible faith and righteous living serve as a testimony to God's transforming power, drawing others to Him, revealing truth, and dispelling spiritual darkness in the world. Hiding this light would contradict God's divine purpose for His people and deprive the world of necessary spiritual illumination.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 5:15 finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in Christ Himself. Jesus is not merely instructing His followers to be light, but He is declaring that they are light *because* they are connected to Him, the source of all light. He unequivocally proclaimed, "[I am the light of the world](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World"). Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." Before believers can shine, they must first receive light from Him. The "light" that believers possess and are called to display is, therefore, a reflection of Christ's own radiant truth, holiness, and love. Our "good works" are not merely moral deeds but are the overflow of Christ's life working through us, making His invisible Kingdom visible. Thus, when we place our "lamp on a candlestick," we are not shining our own glory, but rather, we are allowing the glory of the "[light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ](/2_corinthians/4-6 "2 Corinthians 4:6 - The Light of the Gospel")" to radiate through us, illuminating the spiritual darkness and drawing all people to the true Light who "[gives light to everyone](/john/1-9 "John 1:9 - The True Light")."

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

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.