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 8:16KJV
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Luke 8:16 (KJV)

What does Luke 8:16 mean?

Luke 8:16 uses the image of lighting a candle and placing it on a stand to show that no one hides a source of light; instead, they set it out so others can see. The verse teaches that what is meant to give light should be visible and not concealed.

Jesus is speaking to a crowd, using a common household example to make a point about openness and visibility. In the context of Luke 8, Jesus has just told the parable of the sower, and here He is emphasizing that the truth or message people receive is not meant to be hidden but shared openly, like a lamp lighting up a room.

The Greek behind Luke 8:16

  • "Candle" (λαμπάς, lampas): The Greek word here refers to a small oil lamp, not a wax candle. This helps us picture a simple, everyday object that gives light in a dark house.
  • "Covereth" (καλύπτει, kalyptei): This word means to cover or hide something. The sense is that it would make no sense to light a lamp and then deliberately block its light.
  • "Candlestick" (λυχνία, lychnia): This is a stand or holder for the lamp, raising it up so its light can reach more of the room. The verse stresses the intention to make the light as useful and visible as possible.

Why Luke 8:16 matters

  • Luke 8:16 clarifies that the message or truth Jesus gives is meant to be shared, not kept private or hidden away.
  • The verse connects to the surrounding passage by showing that hearing and understanding Jesus’ teaching comes with the responsibility to let it shine out to others.
  • The imagery of light and visibility helps clear up any idea that faith or understanding is just for personal benefit; it is meant to be seen and to help those who "enter in" or come near.

Where else these words appear

“lighted” Greek G681 · used in 4 verses

  • 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.
  • 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.

“covereth” Greek G2572 · used in 7 verses

  • Matthew 8:24 And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.
  • Luke 23:30 Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us; and to the hills, Cover us.
  • James 5:20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

“under” Greek G5270 · used in 9 verses

  • Mark 6:11 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.
  • John 1:50 Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these.
  • Revelation 5:13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.

“bed” Greek G2825 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 9:2 And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.
  • Mark 7:4 And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables.
  • Luke 17:34 I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left.