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.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Jesus addresses his followers in the Sermon on the Mount, continuing the metaphor from Matthew 5:14 regarding believers as the light of the world.

The words — λυχνον (lychnon) = a lamp and τιθεασιν (titheasin) = put. The text describes the physical placement of a lit lamp either beneath a container or upon a stand.

The thread — This lamp analogy recurs in Luke 11:33, Mark 4:21, and Luke 8:16, each parallel account reinforcing that illumination is designed for visibility rather than concealment.

Why it lands — The passage instructs readers to reject hiddenness and position their conduct so that observers clearly see it and direct praise to God.

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

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.

Cross-references

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.
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?
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.
Numbers 8:2 “Speak to Aaron and tell him: ‘When you set up the seven lamps, they are to light the area in front of the lampstand.’”
Exodus 25:37 Make seven lamps and set them up on the lampstand so that they illuminate the area in front of it.