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.
Original Language Analysis
καίουσιν
do men light
G2545
καίουσιν
do men light
Strong's:
G2545
Word #:
2 of 20
to set on fire, i.e., kindle or (by implication) consume
λύχνον
a candle
G3088
λύχνον
a candle
Strong's:
G3088
Word #:
3 of 20
a portable lamp or other illuminator (literally or figuratively)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τιθέασιν
put
G5087
τιθέασιν
put
Strong's:
G5087
Word #:
5 of 20
to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr
αὐτὸν
it
G846
αὐτὸν
it
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 20
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
ὑπὸ
under
G5259
ὑπὸ
under
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
7 of 20
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 #:
8 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μόδιον
a bushel
G3426
μόδιον
a bushel
Strong's:
G3426
Word #:
9 of 20
a modius, i.e., certain measure for things dry (the quantity or the utensil)
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
10 of 20
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ἐπὶ
on
G1909
ἐπὶ
on
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
11 of 20
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 #:
12 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
λάμπει
it giveth light
G2989
λάμπει
it giveth light
Strong's:
G2989
Word #:
15 of 20
to beam, i.e., radiate brilliancy (literally or figuratively)
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Mark 4:21And 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 11:33No 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.Numbers 8:2Speak unto Aaron, and say unto him, When thou lightest the lamps, the seven lamps shall give light over against the candlestick.Exodus 25:37And thou shalt make the seven lamps thereof: and they shall light the lamps thereof, that they may give light over against it.
Historical Context
Hilltop cities were common in ancient Palestine for defense purposes and were visible landmarks. Jesus likely pointed to such a city while teaching. This metaphor would resonate powerfully with His audience who saw such cities daily.
Questions for Reflection
- In what ways are you tempted to hide your Christian faith rather than letting it shine publicly?
- How can you be a visible witness without being self-righteous or hypocritical?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
After declaring disciples to be light, Jesus commands them to shine publicly. A city on a hill cannot be hidden—it's visible from all directions. Christians are not called to private faith but public witness. Hiding one's light denies the very purpose of being illuminated by Christ.