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.

MATTHEW 5:15KJV
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Matthew 5:15 (KJV)

What does Matthew 5:15 mean?

Matthew 5:15 uses the image of a lamp being placed on a stand, not hidden under a basket, to show that light is meant to be seen and shared with everyone in the house. Jesus is teaching that what is good and true should not be concealed but allowed to shine out for the benefit of all.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to a crowd during his Sermon on the Mount, using everyday objects like lamps and baskets to make his point clear. The message follows his statement that his followers are the "light of the world," encouraging them not to hide their faith or good deeds but to let them be visible, just as a lamp is placed high so its light reaches everyone nearby.

The Greek behind Matthew 5:15

  • ἄγγειον (bushel, transliterated as "modios") refers to a container used for measuring grain, about the size of a basket. The image is of something that would cover and block the lamp’s light, not just hide it a little.
  • λυχνία (candlestick, transliterated as "lychnia") means a lampstand or stand for a lamp. The idea is that the lamp is put in a prominent place so its light can reach as far as possible.
  • οἶκος (house, transliterated as "oikos") means a household or home. The verse emphasizes that the light is meant for everyone present, not just for one person.

Why Matthew 5:15 matters

  • Matthew 5:15 clears up the idea that faith or goodness is meant to be private or hidden; instead, Jesus stresses that it should be visible and shared.
  • The verse connects directly to the larger teaching about being "the light of the world," showing that the purpose of light is to benefit others, not just oneself.
  • Understanding the everyday objects Jesus mentions helps modern readers see how practical and relatable his teaching was to his original audience.

Where else these words appear

“bushel” Greek G3426 · used in 3 verses

  • 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?
  • 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.

“light” Greek G2989 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
  • Matthew 17:2 And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.
  • Acts 12:7 And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.

“candlestick” Greek G3087 · used in 11 verses

  • 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?
  • 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.

“light” Greek G2545 · used in 12 verses

  • Luke 12:35 Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning;
  • John 15:6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
  • Revelation 8:8 And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood;