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.

Let your {G5216} light {G5457} so {G3779} shine {G2989} before {G1715} men {G444}, that {G3704} they may see {G1492} your {G5216} good {G2570} works {G2041}, and {G2532} glorify {G1392} your {G5216} Father {G3962} which {G3588} is in {G1722} heaven {G3772}.

In the same way, let your light shine before people, so that they may see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven.

In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Even so let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

Matthew 5:16 is a pivotal verse from the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus outlines the characteristics and responsibilities of His followers. It serves as a direct instruction following the declarations that His disciples are the "salt of the earth" and the "light of the world."

Context

This verse flows directly from Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:14-15, where He states, "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 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, therefore, is not merely a statement about identity but a command for action. It emphasizes that the light believers possess is not for their own benefit or to be concealed, but to be actively displayed for the world to see, contrasting with the hypocrisy of those who sought human praise for their religious acts.

Key Themes

  • Active Witness: The phrase "Let your light so shine" is an imperative, urging believers to actively manifest their faith. This light is not passive; it is a radiant testimony to God's presence and truth within them.
  • Visible Good Works: The purpose of this shining light is specifically "that they may see your good works." These are not merely religious rituals, but actions that embody God's love, justice, and righteousness. Such good works are a natural outflow of a transformed heart, demonstrating genuine faith.
  • Glorifying God: The ultimate goal of this visible witness is not self-promotion or human applause, but "that they may... glorify your Father which is in heaven." Our lives and actions should point beyond ourselves to the source of all goodness. This aligns with the biblical principle that whatever we do, we should do it all for the glory of God.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "light" is phos (φῶς), which in this context signifies spiritual and moral illumination, truth, and the very nature of God. The verb "shine" is lampō (λάμπω), meaning to give light or to be resplendent, suggesting a continuous and evident emanation. "Good works" translates kala erga (καλὰ ἔργα), where kala means intrinsically good, beautiful, noble, and excellent, distinguishing them from merely outwardly acceptable or religiously performative actions.

Practical Application

Matthew 5:16 challenges believers to live authentically and purposefully. Our faith is meant to be visible and impactful in the world, not hidden away. This means:

  1. Living with Integrity: Our actions should align with our confession of faith, providing a consistent witness to others.
  2. Serving Selflessly: Engaging in acts of kindness, compassion, and justice, not for personal recognition, but out of love for God and neighbor.
  3. Reflecting Christ: Understanding that our lives are a reflection of God's character, drawing others to Him through our conduct and service.
This verse encourages every follower of Christ to be a beacon of hope and truth, allowing their transformed lives to naturally lead others to acknowledge and praise God.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, 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. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 Peter 2:12

    Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by [your] good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

  • Titus 2:7

    In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine [shewing] uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,

  • John 15:8

    Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

  • 1 John 1:5

    ¶ This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

  • 1 John 1:7

    But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

  • Philippians 2:15

    That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

  • Philippians 2:16

    Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

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