Luke 8:16
What does Luke 8:16 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 8:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 8:16 means
Luke 8:16 uses the image of a lamp to teach that God’s truth is not meant to be hidden. A lamp is placed on a stand, not covered, so its light can be seen. The teaching implies that those who have received truth should live visibly in a way that reflects it. Concealing the light contradicts its purpose. The verse challenges disciples to let faith show in life and ministry, not to hide gifts or truth. It points to a gospel that publicly exposes and illumines, not a private, secretive piety.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611No 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949No man, when the light is lighted, puts a cover over it, or puts it under a bed, but he puts it on its table, so that those who come in may see the light.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`And no one having lighted a lamp doth cover it with a vessel, or under a couch doth put <FI>it<Fi> ; but upon a lamp-stand he doth put <FI>it<Fi> , that those coming in may see the light,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Now 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.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And no one having lighted a lamp covers it with a vessel or puts it under a couch, but sets it on a lamp-stand, that they who enter in may see the light.
Context
Following the parable, Jesus broadens into principles about revelation and response. The lamp-image flows naturally from the seed metaphor: truth is to be sown and displayed. This section prepares the practical admonitions that follow—about openness, judgment, and hearing—and underscores public witness as part of faithful reception.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Mark 4:21
And he said unto them, Is the lamp brought to be put under the bushel, or under the bed, and not to be put on the stand?
- Philippians 2:15
that ye may become blameless and harmless, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom ye are seen as lights in the world,
- Matthew 5:15
Neither do men light a lamp, and put it under the bushel, but on the stand; and it shineth unto all that are in the house.
- Luke 11:33
No man, when he hath lighted a lamp, putteth it in a cellar, neither under the bushel, but on the stand, that they which enter in may see the light.
- Acts 26:18
to open their eyes, that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive remission of sins and an inheritance among them that are sanctified by faith in me.
- Revelation 11:4
These are the two olive trees and the two candlesticks, standing before the Lord of the earth.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Luke 8
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Luke 8.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Children
God’s Word provides profound insights into the rearing, value, and blessing of children, as well as the responsibilities of both parents and children.
Topic
Bible Verses About Communion
Communion, often called the Lord's Supper, is a sacred practice remembering Jesus' sacrifice and looking forward to His return.
Topic
Bible Verses About Compassion
The Bible reveals God’s deep compassion for humanity and calls believers to extend similar mercy and understanding to others, reflecting His love.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for Anxiety Before a Job Interview
Quiet your nerves and walk in with steady steps — six verses to pray on the way.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When Prayer Feels Empty
When the words won't come — scripture for the dry prayer life.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Feel Forgotten by God
When the prayers feel one-sided — verses for the quiet seasons.