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.
ουδεις δε λυχνον αψας καλυπτει αυτον σκευει η υποκατω κλινης τιθησιν αλλ επι λυχνιας επιτιθησιν ινα οι εισπορευομενοι βλεπωσιν το φως
8 Church Fathers comment on this verse
What follows is the start of a new lesson. He speaks to the disciples, urging them to live with care and to embody steadfastness in their ascetic practices, as many will look to their example. All will observe the actions of the teacher and proclaimer, scrutinizing his character and conduct, whether he is virtuous or flawed, and he cannot conceal any aspect of himself.
This is properly elucidated in the fifth chapter of Matthew's Gospel, following the beatitudes, where it states: ‘Ye are the light of the world.’ This proclamation is directed to the Apostles, though it appears to be addressed to all believers.
If the mind is not free from evil, it cannot perceive the light of the Divine, as evil acts as a dark barrier that leaves the soul desolate. As the Gospel states: “No one, after lighting a lamp, covers it with a vessel or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light” (Luke 8:16). Here, the bed symbolizes the injustice present in the world. Therefore, as long as our minds dwell in a state of unnaturalness, the lamp of the Divine cannot reside within them. However, when the mind becomes a lofty beacon, the light of the Divine shines upon it, enabling it to discern those in the house, casting out the unworthy and welcoming those with whom peace should be made.
This is why the Lord instructed those whose minds were illuminated by the commandments of His Divinity, saying: “But I say to you who hear, ‘Love your enemies and do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from one who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic. Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back’” (Luke 6:27-30, cf. Mt. 5:42).
These are the secrets of the kingdom, conveyed to the people through parables without detailed interpretation; understanding is granted solely to the group of disciples and specifically to the initial two. When the disciples inquired of the Lord regarding the meaning of this parable about the seed, He provided them with an explanation and subsequently offered clear guidance for their apostolic mission expressed through relatable parables (Mk. 4:21-25, concerning the lampstand; Lk. 8:16-18). The manifestation of the Word within them must be evident in their preaching, and here the extent of each individual’s fervor will reflect the essence of the message conveyed by the Word itself.
You are called to illuminate the entire world with the brilliance of my teachings; just as light is destined to shine, those filled with the essence of my message are compelled to share its illumination. A traveler cannot evade the gaze of a city perched upon a mountain (Matthew 5:14), and a lit candle is placed to provide light for everyone within the dwelling. Likewise, allow the light of truth I have ignited within you to radiate across the globe! Let your good works be evident to all! May people be astonished by the humility and gentleness with which you bear persecution and suffering, and may they glorify your heavenly Father who has bestowed upon you such fortitude. These words of Christ apply to all who have received enlightenment from his teachings.
Having been granted the light of Christ, we must not conceal it from those around us, nor allow it to be dimmed by a prevalent sense of false shame or the fear of being perceived as out of touch with a secular society.
They represent 'the light of the world', previously shrouded in the shadows of religious and moral confusion. Therefore, they are called to be prominently visible to all, much like a city situated atop a mountain (such as Safed, which can be easily seen from the Mount of Beatitudes due to its elevation of 2,650 feet above sea level). This height ensures that the city cannot be concealed from anyone's sight. Similarly, 'when one lights a lamp, it is not placed under a basket but on a stand, shining for all in the home. Let your light so shine before others, that they may witness your good deeds and honor your Father in heaven' (Matthew 5:13-16).
The expressions regarding the lamp, the hidden and the revealed, the lack versus abundance, are presented similarly as in the Gospel of Mark (Mark 4:21-25 and Notes). In the Gospel of Matthew, there is only a single expression concerning lack and abundance in this context, while the other two are found in different passages (Matt. 5:15 and Matt. 10:26). It is likely that the Lord reiterated certain teachings on multiple occasions (cf. Matt. 13 and Matt. 25:29), and the Evangelists arranged them according to their judgment.
The crucial aspect is not the timing of the teachings but their content and manner of presentation; if the expressions are conveyed consistently, then there is no pressing need to pinpoint when each particular saying occurred, especially as attempts to do so may be futile if precise determination is impossible. In Luke 8:19-21, the account of Jesus’ mother and His brothers approaching Him is more concise in the Gospel of Luke than in the first two Gospels (cf. Matt. 12:46-50, Mark 3:31-35 and Notes), yet it remains completely consistent with their narratives.
The Lord Jesus Christ communicated to his disciples that, with the illumination of understanding He provides, they are to serve as a living testimony to others and not keep what they learn in private cloistered. He posed the question, "When a lamp is lit, is it to be placed under a container or a bed, or is it to be set on a lampstand?" For no one lights a lamp to hide it under a vessel or a bed; rather, it is placed on a stand so that those who enter may see its light. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, and nothing hidden that will not be made known. He cautioned them to pay attention to what they hear: with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you, and more will be added to you who hear.
To those who have received, more will be given; and from those who do not have, even what they think they possess will be taken away. Knowledge is bestowed and augmented for those who are diligent, while the lack of diligence and understanding will result in losing what was assumed to be held.
At the conclusion of His discussion, desiring clarity, the Lord asked them, "Do you comprehend all these things?" When they affirmed, "Yes, Lord!" He told them in a succinct parable that they are to utilize the understanding of the Kingdom of God they have gained, much like a householder who, when the need arises, brings forth both old and new items. Every scribe instructed in the ways of heaven is likened to a householder, drawing from his treasure things both old and new. Through their understanding of the mysteries of the Kingdom, the Apostles became scribes in a renewed and superior manner compared to the Jewish scribes, able to reveal the teachings of Christ—bringing together the old and the new laws. By affirming the old through the new and articulating the old with clarity, they were to aim toward one purpose: the proclamation and establishment of the gracious Kingdom of Christ on earth.
Passages read together with this verse.
Greek text, 21 words with lemma, transliteration and Strong’s number. Tap to expand.
THEOSIS