Luke 11:33

No one lights a lamp and puts it in a cellar or under a basket. Instead, he sets it on a stand, so those who enter can see the light.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Jesus delivers this teaching immediately after contrasting Jonah’s ministry with His own presence, and directly before explaining how the eye governs the body’s spiritual illumination. He addresses a listening audience within a broader discourse on responding to divine revelation.

The words — The Greek λύχνον (luchnon) translates literally to “a lamp,” while κρύπτην (kruptēn) means “a cellar” or hidden place. The text states that no one lights a lamp to place it in a cellar or under a basket, but instead sets it on a stand so entering visitors can see.

The thread — The identical lamp analogy runs through Luke 8:16, Mark 4:21, and Matthew 5:15, where Jesus repeats the domestic scene to illustrate that revealed truth must not be concealed. Each parallel account records the same structural command to display light openly rather than hide it.

Why it lands — The text establishes that light is intended for visibility, not concealment, and explicitly states the practical result: those who enter must be able to see it. It requires the reader to align their conduct with the purpose of what they have received, rather than suppressing it.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

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.

Cross-references

Luke 8:16 No one lights a lamp and covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, he sets it on a stand, so those who enter can see the light.
Mark 4:21 Jesus also said to them, “Does anyone bring in a lamp to put it under a basket or under a bed? Doesn’t he set it on a stand?
Matthew 5:15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
John 12:46 I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in Me should remain in darkness.
Philippians 2:15 so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine as lights in the world
John 11:9 Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? If anyone walks in the daytime, he will not stumble, because he sees by the light of this world.
Matthew 10:27 What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the housetops.