Lexical Summary luchnos: Lamp Original Word: λύχνος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance candle, light. From the base of leukos; a portable lamp or other illuminator (literally or figuratively) -- candle, light. see GREEK leukos HELPS Word-studies 3088 lýxnos – an oil-fed portable "lamp," usually set on a stand (Abbott-Smith). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. word Definition a (portable) lamp NASB Translation lamp (13), lamps (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3088: λύχνοςλύχνος, λύχνου, ὁ, the Sept. for נֵר (from Homer down); a lamp, candle (?), that is placed on a stand or candlestick (Latincandelabrum) (cf. Trench, N. T. Synonyms, § xlvi.; Becker, Charicles, Sc. ix. (English translation, p. 156 n. 5)): Matthew 5:15; Mark 4:21; (Luke 11:36); Topical Lexicon Literal Context and Historical Background In the household life of the first-century Mediterranean world the μικρός λύχνος—a small clay vessel fed by olive oil—was the primary means of illumination after sunset. It was inexpensive, portable, and effective, yet its light was limited and quickly quenched if hidden or neglected. That everyday reality lies behind every New Testament occurrence of λύχνος, providing a vivid concrete image for spiritual truth. Domestic Illustrations in the Teaching of Jesus Jesus repeatedly drew on the familiar sight of a lamp set on a stand to challenge His hearers. In the Sermon on the Mount He declared, “Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a lampstand, and it gives light to everyone in the house” (Matthew 5:15). The same picture appears in Luke 8:16 and Mark 4:21, reinforcing the call to open, public witness. When urging perseverance in discipleship He told His followers, “Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning” (Luke 12:35), an image of sustained readiness for the Master’s return. In Luke 15:8 the diligent woman searching for her lost coin “light[s] a lamp, sweep[s] her house, and search[es] carefully,” linking repentance and divine initiative with the ordinary glow of a household lamp. Witness and Mission A burning λύχνος represents visible testimony. Good works, gospel proclamation, and holy living are meant to stand in open view, never stifled by fear or compromise. The lamp “gives light to everyone in the house” (Matthew 5:15), so the believer’s life is intended to benefit every sphere he or she touches. Like John the Baptist—“a lamp that burned and gave light” (John 5:35)—each servant of Christ is to radiate truth that draws others toward the true Light (John 1:9). Vigilance and Readiness Luke 12:35 frames burning lamps within the context of eschatological expectation. Constant flame implies continual supply of oil, self-examination, and alertness. The believer who trims the wick and refills the reservoir exemplifies faithful stewardship until the Lord’s appearing. Moral and Spiritual Perception Jesus twice called the eye “the lamp of the body” (Matthew 6:22; Luke 11:34). Clear spiritual sight allows the whole person to be “full of light,” whereas a darkened outlook floods life with moral confusion. The metaphor moves from external object to internal faculty, stressing that one’s perspective determines spiritual vitality. Scripture as Prophetic Lamp Peter applies the image directly to the written word: “You will do well to pay attention to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the Morning Star rises in your hearts” (2 Peter 1:19). The prophetic writings are not a dim or uncertain glow but a sure, divinely provided lamp, sufficient until the fullness of Christ’s glory breaks upon creation. Christ, the Lamb and Eternal Lamp In the New Jerusalem “the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp” (Revelation 21:23). All lesser lamps point to this ultimate reality: the incarnate, crucified, and risen Lamb is the everlasting source of light. Therefore, in the perfected kingdom “there will be no more night… they will have no need for the light of a lamp or of the sun” (Revelation 22:5). Judgment: The Extinguished Lamp For Babylon the Great the sentence is solemn: “The light of a lamp will never shine in you again” (Revelation 18:23). The removal of every lamp signals total and irreversible abandonment under divine judgment. What once glittered with commercial splendor is left in absolute darkness. Pastoral and Ministry Applications • Proclamation: Preachers and teachers are to set the gospel “on a lampstand,” ensuring clarity and accessibility. Key References Luke 8:16; Luke 11:33-36; Luke 12:35; Luke 15:8 Revelation 18:23; Revelation 21:23; Revelation 22:5 Forms and Transliterations λυχνοι λύχνοι λύχνοις λυχνον λύχνον λυχνος λύχνος λυχνου λύχνου λύχνους λυχνω λύχνω λύχνῳ luchno luchnō luchnoi luchnon luchnos luchnou lychno lychnō lychnoi lýchnoi lýchnōi lychnon lýchnon lychnos lýchnos lychnou lýchnouLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 5:15 N-AFSGRK: οὐδὲ καίουσιν λύχνον καὶ τιθέασιν NAS: does [anyone] light a lamp and put KJV: Neither do men light a candle, and put INT: Nor do they light a lamp and put Matthew 6:22 N-NMS Mark 4:21 N-NMS Luke 8:16 N-AFS Luke 11:33 N-AFS Luke 11:34 N-NMS Luke 11:36 N-NMS Luke 12:35 N-NMP Luke 15:8 N-AFS John 5:35 N-NMS 2 Peter 1:19 N-DMS Revelation 18:23 N-GMS Revelation 21:23 N-NMS Revelation 22:5 N-GMS Strong's Greek 3088 |
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