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 11:33KJV
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Luke 11:33 (KJV)

What does Luke 11:33 mean?

Luke 11:33 says that when someone lights a candle, they do not hide it away or cover it up, but instead place it where others can see its light. The verse uses this image to show that something meant to give light should be visible and accessible, not kept secret.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to a crowd, using a simple example from daily life. The candle (or lamp) stands for something valuable or illuminating—often understood as truth, wisdom, or a message. Jesus points out that just as a lamp is meant to shine for everyone in the house, what is good and true should be shared openly, not hidden away.

The Greek behind Luke 11:33

  • "Candle" (λαμπάς, lampas): This word refers to a small oil lamp, not a wax candle as we think of today. It was a common household item for lighting a room.
  • "Bushel" (μόδιος, modios): This was a measuring basket for grain. Covering a lamp with it would snuff out the light, making the act pointless.
  • "Candlestick" (λυχνία, lychnia): This means a lampstand, a stand designed to hold the lamp up high so its light spreads further. The verse emphasizes putting the lamp where it can do the most good.
  • "See" (βλέπωσιν, blepōsin): The word here means to see or to notice. The point is that the light is meant to be seen by people who enter the room.

Why Luke 11:33 matters

  • Luke 11:33 clears up the idea that spiritual truth or insight is meant to be kept private or hidden; instead, Jesus stresses openness and visibility.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage where Jesus is talking about spiritual light and darkness, making it clear that what is good should be shared, not concealed.
  • The everyday image of a lamp and lampstand helps listeners grasp the practical point: truth is meant to help others, not just the person who has it.

Where else these words appear

“bushel” Greek G3426 · used in 3 verses

  • 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.
  • 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?

“light” Greek G5338 · used in 3 verses

  • Matthew 24:29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:
  • Mark 13:24 But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light,

“lighted” Greek G681 · used in 4 verses

  • 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.
  • Luke 15:8 Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?
  • Luke 22:55 And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them.

“candlestick” Greek G3087 · used in 11 verses

  • 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.
  • Hebrews 9:2 For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary.
  • Revelation 1:20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.