Luke 8:16
New International Version
“No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light.

New Living Translation
“No one lights a lamp and then covers it with a bowl or hides it under a bed. A lamp is placed on a stand, where its light can be seen by all who enter the house.

English Standard Version
“No one after lighting a lamp covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light.

Berean Standard Bible
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.

Berean Literal Bible
And no one having lighted a lamp, covers it with a vessel, or puts it under a bed. But he puts it on a lampstand, so that those entering in may see the light.

King James Bible
No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light.

New King James Version
“No one, when he has lit a lamp, covers it with a vessel or puts it under a bed, but sets it on a lampstand, that those who enter may see the light.

New American Standard Bible
“Now no one lights a lamp and covers it over with a container, or puts it under a bed; but he puts it on a lampstand so that those who come in may see the light.

NASB 1995
“Now no one after lighting a lamp covers it over with a container, or puts it under a bed; but he puts it on a lampstand, so that those who come in may see the light.

NASB 1977
“Now no one after lighting a lamp covers it over with a container, or puts it under a bed; but he puts it on a lampstand, in order that those who come in may see the light.

Legacy Standard Bible
“Now no one after lighting a lamp covers it with a container or puts it under a bed, but he puts it on a lampstand, so that those who come in may see the light.

Amplified Bible
“Now no one lights a lamp and then covers it with a container [to hide it], or puts it under a bed; instead, he puts it on a lampstand, so that those who come in may see the light.

Christian Standard Bible
“No one, after lighting a lamp, covers it with a basket or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a lampstand so that those who come in may see its light.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
“No one, after lighting a lamp, covers it with a basket or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a lampstand so that those who come in may see its light.

American Standard Version
And no man, when he hath lighted a lamp, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but putteth it on a stand, that they that enter in may see the light.

Contemporary English Version
No one lights a lamp and puts it under a bowl or under a bed. A lamp is always put on a lampstand, so people who come into a house will see the light.

English Revised Version
And no man, when he hath lighted a lamp, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but putteth it on a stand, that they which enter in may see the light.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"No one lights a lamp and hides it under a bowl or puts it under a bed. Instead, everyone who lights a lamp puts it on a lamp stand so that those who come in will see the light.

Good News Translation
"No one lights a lamp and covers it with a bowl or puts it under a bed. Instead, it is put on the lampstand, so that people will see the light as they come in.

International Standard Version
"No one lights a lamp and hides it under a bowl or puts it under a bed. Instead, he puts it on a lamp stand so that those who come in will see the light.

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
"No one lights a lamp and then covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a lampstand so that those who come in can see the light.

New Heart English Bible
"No one, when he has lit a lamp, covers it with a container, or puts it under a bed; but puts it on a stand, that those who enter in may see the light.

Webster's Bible Translation
No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they who enter in may see the light.

Weymouth New Testament
"When any one lights a lamp, he does not cover it with a vessel or hide it under a couch; he puts it on a lampstand, that people who enter the room may see the light.

World English Bible
“No one, when he has lit a lamp, covers it with a container or puts it under a bed; but puts it on a stand, that those who enter in may see the light.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And no one having lighted a lamp covers it with a vessel, or puts [it] under a bed; but he puts [it] on a lampstand, that those coming in may see the light,

Berean Literal Bible
And no one having lighted a lamp, covers it with a vessel, or puts it under a bed. But he puts it on a lampstand, so that those entering in may see the light.

Young's Literal Translation
And no one having lighted a lamp doth cover it with a vessel, or under a couch doth put it; but upon a lamp-stand he doth put it, that those coming in may see the light,

Smith's Literal Translation
None, having lighted a light, covers it with a vessel, or puts under a bed; but sets upon a candlestick, that they entering might see the light.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Now no man lighting a candle covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it upon a candlestick, that they who come in may see the light.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Now no one, lighting a candle, covers it with a container, or sets it under a bed. Instead, he places it on a lampstand, so that those who enter may see the light.

New American Bible
“No one who lights a lamp conceals it with a vessel or sets it under a bed; rather, he places it on a lampstand so that those who enter may see the light.

New Revised Standard Version
“No one after lighting a lamp hides it under a jar, or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a lampstand, so that those who enter may see the light.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
No man lights a lamp and covers it with a vessel, or puts it under the bed; but he puts it on the lamp holder, that whoever enters sees its light.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“No man lights a lamp and covers it with a vessel or sets it under a bed, but he sets it upon a lamp stand that everyone who enters may see its light.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
No one when he has lighted a lamp, covers it with a vessel, or puts it under a divan, but sets it on a lamp-stand, that they who come in may see the light.

Godbey New Testament
But no one having lighted a candle covers it with a vessel, or puts it under a bed; but he places it on a candlestick, in order that those coming in may see the light.

Haweis New Testament
No man lighting a lamp hides it with a cover, or putteth it under a bed, but on a stand, that they who are coming in, may see the light.

Mace New Testament
Now, no one lights a lamp to hide it under a vessel, or under a bed: but sets it on a stand, to give light to all the company.

Weymouth New Testament
"When any one lights a lamp, he does not cover it with a vessel or hide it under a couch; he puts it on a lampstand, that people who enter the room may see the light.

Worrell New Testament
"And no one, having lighted a lamp, covers it with a vessel, or puts it under a bed; but puts it on a lamp-stand, that those coming in may see the light;

Worsley New Testament
No man when he hath lighted a candle covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a couch; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they who come in may see the light.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Lesson of the Lamp
15But the seeds on good soil are those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, cling to it, and by persevering produce a crop. 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. 17For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be made known and brought to light.…

Cross References
Matthew 5:14-16
You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. / 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. / In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Mark 4:21-22
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? / For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be brought to light.

John 8:12
Once again, Jesus spoke to the people and said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Matthew 10:27
What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the housetops.

John 12:35-36
Then Jesus told them, “For a little while longer, the Light will be among you. Walk while you have the Light, so that darkness will not overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. / While you have the Light, believe in the Light, so that you may become sons of light.” After Jesus had spoken these things, He went away and was hidden from them.

Ephesians 5:8-14
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light, / for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth. / Test and prove what pleases the Lord. ...

Philippians 2:14-16
Do everything without complaining or arguing, / 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 / as you hold forth the word of life, in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.

2 Corinthians 4:6
For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Revelation 1:20
This is the mystery of the seven stars you saw in My right hand and of the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.

Isaiah 42:6-7
“I, the LORD, have called you for a righteous purpose, and I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and appoint you to be a covenant for the people and a light to the nations, / to open the eyes of the blind, to bring prisoners out of the dungeon and those sitting in darkness out from the prison house.

Isaiah 60:1-3
Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. / For behold, darkness covers the earth, and thick darkness is over the peoples; but the LORD will rise upon you, and His glory will appear over you. / Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.

Proverbs 4:18
The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining brighter and brighter until midday.

Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

1 John 1:5-7
And this is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you: God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. / If we say we have fellowship with Him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. / But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.

1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.


Treasury of Scripture

No man, when he has lighted a candle, covers it with a vessel, or puts it under a bed; but sets it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light.

when.

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.

Matthew 5:15,16
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…

Mark 4:21,22
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? …

Jump to Previous
Bed Candle Candlestick Container Couch Covereth Covers Enter Fast Good Ground Hides Hold Instead Jar Lampstand Lighted Lit Means Message Minds Open Patiently Puts Putteth Right Sets Spirit Stand Vessel Yield
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Bed Candle Candlestick Container Couch Covereth Covers Enter Fast Good Ground Hides Hold Instead Jar Lampstand Lighted Lit Means Message Minds Open Patiently Puts Putteth Right Sets Spirit Stand Vessel Yield
Luke 8
1. Women minister unto Jesus of their own means.
4. Jesus, after he had preached from place to place,
9. explains the parable of the sower,
16. and the candle;
19. declares who are his mother, and brothers;
22. rebukes the winds;
26. casts the legion of demons out of the man into the herd of pigs;
37. is rejected by the Gadarenes;
43. heals the woman of her bleeding;
49. and raises Jairus's daughter from death.














No one lights a lamp
This phrase begins with a universal truth, emphasizing the intentionality behind lighting a lamp. In the Greek, the word for "lamp" (λύχνος, lychnos) refers to a small oil lamp used in ancient times. The act of lighting a lamp signifies purpose and preparation, suggesting that the light is meant to serve a function. Historically, lamps were essential for visibility in homes without modern lighting, symbolizing guidance and revelation.

and covers it with a jar
The imagery of covering a lamp with a jar (σκεῦος, skeuos) is paradoxical. In the cultural context, a jar would typically be used for storage, not for concealing light. This phrase highlights the absurdity of hiding something meant to illuminate. Spiritually, it suggests the futility of suppressing the truth or the message of the Gospel, which is meant to be shared openly.

or puts it under a bed
Placing a lamp under a bed (κλίνη, klinē) further illustrates the impracticality of hiding light. Beds in ancient times were simple structures, often raised slightly off the ground. This action would not only hide the light but also pose a fire hazard, emphasizing the counterproductive nature of such an act. Theologically, it underscores the importance of living out one's faith visibly and actively.

Instead, he sets it on a lampstand
The lampstand (λυχνία, lychnia) is a deliberate choice for placing a lamp, elevating it to maximize its effectiveness. In biblical symbolism, the lampstand represents the church or the believer's life, meant to shine brightly in the world. This phrase calls Christians to be intentional about their witness, ensuring that their light is visible to all.

so those who enter can see the light
The purpose of the lamp is fulfilled when it provides illumination for those who enter. The Greek word for "see" (βλέπω, blepō) implies perception and understanding. This phrase highlights the transformative power of light, both physically and spiritually. It serves as a metaphor for the Gospel's ability to bring clarity and truth to those who encounter it, encouraging believers to be beacons of hope and truth in a dark world.

(16) No man, when he hath lighted a candle.--Better, a lamp; and for "a candlestick," the lampstand. See Notes on Matthew 5:15; Mark 4:21. In St. Matthew the proverb comes into the Sermon on the Mount; in St. Mark it occupies a position analogous to that in which it stands here, and this agreement favours the view that it was actually spoken in connection with the interpretation of the parable, as a special application of what had before been stated generally.

Note St. Luke's more general term, "a vessel," instead of "the bushel," as in St. Matthew and St. Mark, and the somewhat wider range of the lamp's illumining power, not only to those who are "in the house," but to those also who are in the act of "entering" into it. We may, perhaps, venture to connect the choice of the latter phrase with St. Luke's personal experience as a convert from heathenism. As such, he had been among those that entered into the house; and as he did so, he had seen the light of the lamp which the Apostles of Christ had lighted.

Verses 16-18. - A solemn conclusion of the Lord's to his exposition of his first great parable. Verse 16. - No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light. The meaning of the Lord's saying here is - the disciples must not look on this parable-method of teaching, which from henceforth he purposed frequently to adopt, as mysterious, or as containing anything beyond ordinary human comprehension. The explanation of "the sower," which he had just given them, showed them how really simple and adapted to everyday life his teaching was. "No man," said the Lord, "when he hath lighted the candle of the true knowledge, really wishes to hide it - he rather displays it that men may see the light; and that is what I have been doing for you in my careful explanation of my story."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
No one
Οὐδεὶς (Oudeis)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3762: No one, none, nothing.

lights
ἅψας (hapsas)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 681: To kindle, light. A primary verb; properly, to fasten to, i.e. to set on fire.

a lamp
λύχνον (lychnon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3088: A lamp. From the base of leukos; a portable lamp or other illuminator.

[and] covers
καλύπτει (kalyptei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2572: To veil, hide, conceal, envelop. Akin to klepto and krupto; to cover up.

it
αὐτὸν (auton)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

with a jar
σκεύει (skeuei)
Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4632: A vessel, implement, equipment or apparatus (specially, a wife as contributing to the usefulness of the husband).

or
(ē)
Conjunction
Strong's 2228: Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.

puts [it]
τίθησιν (tithēsin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5087: To put, place, lay, set, fix, establish. A prolonged form of a primary theo to place.

under
ὑποκάτω (hypokatō)
Preposition
Strong's 5270: Underneath, below, under. From hupo and kato; down under, i.e. Beneath.

a bed.
κλίνης (klinēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 2825: A couch, bed, portable bed or mat, a couch for reclining at meals, possibly also a bier. From klino; a couch.

Instead,
ἀλλ’ (all’)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

he sets [it]
τίθησιν (tithēsin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5087: To put, place, lay, set, fix, establish. A prolonged form of a primary theo to place.

on
ἐπὶ (epi)
Preposition
Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at.

a lampstand,
λυχνίας (lychnias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3087: A lamp-stand. From luchnos; a lamp-stand.

so
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

those who
οἱ (hoi)
Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

enter
εἰσπορευόμενοι (eisporeuomenoi)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1531: To journey in(to), I go in(to), enter, intervene. From eis and poreuomai; to enter.

can see
βλέπωσιν (blepōsin)
Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 991: (primarily physical), I look, see, perceive, discern. A primary verb; to look at.

the
τὸ (to)
Article - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

light.
φῶς (phōs)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5457: Light, a source of light, radiance. From an obsolete phao; luminousness.


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NT Gospels: Luke 8:16 No one when he has lit (Luke Lu Lk)
Luke 8:15
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