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?
Original Language Analysis
Καὶ
And
G2532
Καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἔλεγεν
he said
G3004
ἔλεγεν
he said
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
2 of 22
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
αὐτοῖς
unto them
G846
αὐτοῖς
unto them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 22
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λύχνος
a candle
G3088
λύχνος
a candle
Strong's:
G3088
Word #:
6 of 22
a portable lamp or other illuminator (literally or figuratively)
ἔρχεται
brought
G2064
ἔρχεται
brought
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
7 of 22
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
ὑπὸ
under
G5259
ὑπὸ
under
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
9 of 22
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 (
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μόδιον
a bushel
G3426
μόδιον
a bushel
Strong's:
G3426
Word #:
11 of 22
a modius, i.e., certain measure for things dry (the quantity or the utensil)
τεθῇ
be put
G5087
τεθῇ
be put
Strong's:
G5087
Word #:
12 of 22
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 #:
14 of 22
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 (
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὐχ
and not
G3756
οὐχ
and not
Strong's:
G3756
Word #:
17 of 22
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
ἐπὶ
on
G1909
ἐπὶ
on
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
19 of 22
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Matthew 5:15Neither 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 11:33No 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 8:16No 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.1 Corinthians 12:7But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
Historical Context
Ancient oil lamps provided modest illumination in small, windowless Palestinian homes. Placing lit lamp under bushel or bed would be dangerous (fire hazard) and foolish (defeating purpose). Lamps sat on stands illuminating whole room. Jesus' audience immediately grasped the metaphor. Early Christians understood themselves as light-bearers in pagan darkness. Church history records faithful witness despite persecution—gospel light couldn't be extinguished. Reformers emphasized priesthood of all believers—every Christian called to shine gospel truth.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you hide your spiritual light rather than letting it shine boldly for Christ?
- What does this passage teach about the purpose of receiving biblical revelation?
- How can you practically 'set your lamp on a candlestick' in your spheres of influence?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus asks rhetorical question: 'Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?' The 'candle' (λύχνος, lychnosλαμπάς) represents revealed truth, particularly gospel light. The absurdity of lighting lamp only to hide it under bushel (grain measure) or bed illustrates that revelation demands proclamation. Truth isn't given to be concealed but displayed. This applies to disciples: having received kingdom mysteries, they must illuminate others. The rhetorical question expects negative answer—of course lamps aren't hidden! Similarly, disciples must shine gospel light, not hide it. Reformed theology emphasizes believer's witness as salt and light in dark world.