Matthew 5 15

Matthew 5:15 kjv

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 5:15 nkjv

Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.

Matthew 5:15 niv

Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.

Matthew 5:15 esv

Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.

Matthew 5:15 nlt

No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.

Matthew 5 verses

Matthew 5 15 Meaning

Matthew 5:15 conveys that a disciple's transformed life and good deeds, infused with the teachings of Jesus, are meant to be visibly displayed for the benefit of others. Just as a lamp provides illumination to a household when properly positioned, so too should the spiritual light within believers shine brightly, dispelling spiritual darkness and guiding those around them, rather than being obscured or hidden. It underscores the purposeful and public nature of true discipleship, serving as a beacon of truth and God's glory.

Matthew 5 15 Context

This verse is part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, His foundational teaching on the character and conduct of those in the Kingdom of Heaven. It immediately follows the beatitudes (Mt 5:3-12), which describe the inner disposition of a blessed person, and the declarations that His disciples are "the salt of the earth" and "the light of the world" (Mt 5:13-14). Matthew 5:15 builds upon the concept of "light of the world" by explaining its intended purpose: to be visible and beneficial. The imagery used, involving common household items—a lamp, a basket (a grain-measuring tool often called a modius), and a lampstand—would have been instantly relatable to His original audience, making the abstract concept of spiritual light profoundly practical. The verse then directly leads into Matthew 5:16, which clarifies the ultimate goal of this visible light: that people see the disciples' good deeds and glorify God the Father. It challenges the idea of a private faith that yields no public impact.

Matthew 5 15 Word analysis

• Neither: Begins with a negative assertion, setting up a common, illogical action that people do not typically undertake. It underscores the obvious absurdity of hiding light.

• do people light: The action of kindling a light, an intentional human act for a specific purpose – illumination. It implies an expectation of functionality.

• a lamp (λύχνος - lychnos): Refers to a small, oil-burning lamp, common in every ancient home, providing modest but essential light after dark. It symbolizes the believer's life, testimony, and good deeds as a source of spiritual illumination in a dark world, reflecting the greater light of Christ.

• and put it under: Signifies an act of concealment, suppression, or making something ineffective. The preposterousness lies in deliberately thwarting the very purpose of the lamp.

• a basket (μόδιος - modios): A household measuring container, roughly equivalent to a peck (about 8-9 liters or two gallons), used for grain or dry goods. Placing a lit lamp under it would not only extinguish the flame due to lack of oxygen but also hide the light entirely. It symbolically represents things that might obscure or suppress one's spiritual light: worldly concerns, fear, materialism, public opinion, self-preservation, or an exclusive focus on oneself.

• but on a stand (λυχνία - lychnia): A lampstand, designed specifically to elevate the lamp to its optimal height, allowing its light to spread effectively throughout the room. It symbolizes proper positioning, intentional visibility, and providing access to spiritual light for others. This requires courage, conviction, and alignment with God's purpose.

• and it gives light: Describes the natural and intended outcome of placing a lamp on a stand—it illuminates. For believers, this means their actions and witness will naturally shine forth and reveal truth when appropriately placed and lived out.

• to everyone: The scope of the lamp's light is universal within the household. Similarly, the impact of a believer's shining life should extend broadly to all within their sphere of influence, not be restricted or exclusive.

• in the house (οἰκία - oikia): Refers to the dwelling, the immediate environment where daily life unfolds. It represents the communities, families, workplaces, and societal circles where believers are present. The purpose of their light is to bring illumination to their immediate surroundings.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket": This phrase highlights the sheer illogicality and counter-productivity of hiding what is meant to be seen and to serve. It's a rhetorical question implicitly asserting that such an action would be foolish, drawing an undeniable parallel to the spiritual reality Jesus is presenting.
  • "but on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house": This second phrase presents the natural, logical, and purposeful action. It emphasizes the purpose of light: to illuminate for the benefit of all within its reach. It implies an active, public demonstration of faith and good works, benefiting and influencing the immediate community.

Matthew 5 15 Bonus Section

The phrasing of Matthew 5:15 implies an inherent design and expectation: light is for illumination. Jesus is not giving an option but stating a natural law of the spiritual realm. Just as a lamp's very essence is to shine, so too is the essence of a Spirit-filled disciple's life to radiate the truth and love of God. To obscure this light is to deny its very nature and purpose, to render oneself unhelpful to the "house." This verse, in its straightforward domestic imagery, subtly carries the weight of spiritual responsibility, urging disciples to actively fulfill their God-given role as His emissaries of light in a world steeped in darkness, without reservation or concealment. The contrast between hiding and displaying the light emphasizes the choice a believer makes regarding the impact of their faith on the world.

Matthew 5 15 Commentary

Matthew 5:15 is a vital expansion of Jesus' declaration that His disciples are "the light of the world." It moves beyond identity to mandate action and visibility. The metaphor is a practical lesson from daily life: no one lights a lamp with the intention of hiding its radiance. Such an act would be utterly absurd, defeating the very purpose of the lamp. Therefore, Jesus conveys that for believers, being "light" is not a passive state but an active, observable manifestation. The "basket" (μόδιος), a common household measuring vessel, serves as a poignant symbol for anything that would obscure the believer's light—whether it be fear of rejection, a desire for anonymity, worldly possessions, self-centeredness, or adherence to traditions that prioritize private piety over public impact. Conversely, the "lampstand" (λυχνία) represents the proper posture for a disciple's life: openly positioned to allow God's truth and their transformed character to illuminate their surroundings. The objective is not self-glorification but that the light shines "to everyone in the house," demonstrating a Kingdom ethic that is outwardly focused and beneficial to the broader community. The practical application of this teaching means living a life that authentically reflects Christ's righteousness, integrity, and love in all spheres—at home, in the workplace, and in society. It calls for bold witness, compassionate service, and righteous living, not as a display for human praise, but as an overflow of a Spirit-filled life that points to God.For example, this can mean a student refusing to cheat and quietly excelling, a parent demonstrating patience and grace in challenging situations, a businessperson conducting affairs with integrity and fairness, or a neighbor actively showing compassion and help to those in need, all done as an expression of their faith in Christ.