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.
Original Language Analysis
Οὐδεὶς
No man
G3762
Οὐδεὶς
No man
Strong's:
G3762
Word #:
1 of 21
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
λύχνον
a candle
G3088
λύχνον
a candle
Strong's:
G3088
Word #:
3 of 21
a portable lamp or other illuminator (literally or figuratively)
ἅψας
when he hath lighted
G681
ἅψας
when he hath lighted
Strong's:
G681
Word #:
4 of 21
properly, to fasten to, i.e., (specially) to set on fire
εἰς
it in
G1519
εἰς
it in
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
5 of 21
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τίθησιν
putteth
G5087
τίθησιν
putteth
Strong's:
G5087
Word #:
7 of 21
to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr
ὑπὸ
under
G5259
ὑπὸ
under
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
9 of 21
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
τὸ
they which
G3588
τὸ
they which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μόδιον
a bushel
G3426
μόδιον
a bushel
Strong's:
G3426
Word #:
11 of 21
a modius, i.e., certain measure for things dry (the quantity or the utensil)
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
12 of 21
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ἐπὶ
on
G1909
ἐπὶ
on
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
13 of 21
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τὸ
they which
G3588
τὸ
they which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὸ
they which
G3588
τὸ
they which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Oil lamps were primary light sources in first-century homes, typically placed on stands to maximize illumination. Hiding a lit lamp would be absurd and dangerous. Jesus uses this universally understood domestic image to critique those who, despite his public ministry, claim they cannot perceive his messianic identity. The light is visible; the problem is spiritual blindness.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this passage challenge claims that God hasn't provided sufficient evidence for faith?
- In what ways are you called to be a 'lamp on a candlestick' rather than hiding your Christian witness?
- What causes spiritual blindness to clearly revealed truth—stubbornness, pride, love of sin?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
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 (Οὐδεὶς λύχνον ἅψας εἰς κρύπτην τίθησιν οὐδὲ ὑπὸ τὸν μόδιον ἀλλ' ἐπὶ τὴν λυχνίαν)—Jesus returns to the lamp metaphor (also 8:16) illustrating truth's self-evident nature. A luchnos (lamp) exists to illuminate, not be hidden. The purpose clause emphasizes revelation's missionary intent: hoi eisporeuomenoi (they which come in) must see the light.
Context suggests Jesus addresses the Pharisees' spiritual blindness (v.34-36). Despite Jesus's public ministry ('on a candlestick'), they demand more signs, failing to recognize light already shining. The issue isn't insufficient revelation but defective perception—their 'eye' is evil (v.34), rendering them unable to see clearly presented truth.