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Matthew 5:15

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

Matthew 5:15

Verse 15 of 48

Scripture focus

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 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on Matthew 5:15

Theological / Devotional

A candle. Greek luchnos, “lamp,” not a modern candle. Ancient lamps were clay or metal bowls with wicks floating in oil (Mark 4:21; Luke 8:16 ; 11:33).

A bushel. Greek modios, about 0.25 bushel (8.75 liters), often a flour bin in homes. Jesus spoke of a bushel because homes usually had one. The Jews were hiding their light under a bushel; Jesus pointed out the light belonged to all.

A candlestick. Greek luchnia, “lampstand,” usually a low earthenware stand or shelf (Ex. 25:31; Heb. 9:2; Rev. 1:12 ; 11:4).

Light unto all. A lamp on a stand benefits all in a household. God intended the entire human family to benefit from the truth’s light entrusted to Abraham’s descendants (Gen. 12:3; Deut. 4:6; Isa. 60:1-3). Compare the candle in the lost coin parable (Luke 15:8).

By SdaBc