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 11:33KJVWhat 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.