Devine Scripture

Matthew 5:15

What does Matthew 5:15 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 5:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 5:15 means

Jesus reinforces the public nature of His disciples' calling by using the common imagery of a lamp. No one lights a lamp only to hide its illumination; rather, it is placed where it can provide the most light within the house. This illustrates that their spiritual impact and good works are not meant to be concealed out of fear or false humility. Their purpose is to shine brightly and openly, fulfilling their function as the "light of the world."

Matthew 5:15 in context

Matthew 5 — The Beatitudes

Jesus opens his Sermon on the Mount with eight pronouncements that turn the world's value system upside down. Blessing belongs not to the proud and self-sufficient but to the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, the hungry for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, and the persecuted. In a few sentences he sketches the character of the citizens of the kingdom of heaven, and then calls them salt of the earth and light of the world.

  • Kingdom ethics
  • Inner righteousness
  • True blessedness
  • Light and salt

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And a burning light is not put under a vessel, but on its table; so that its rays may be shining on all who are in the house.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

nor do they light a lamp, and put it under the measure, but on the lamp-stand, and it shineth to all those in the house;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but upon a candlestick, that it may shine to all that are in the house.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Nor do [men] light a lamp and put it under the bushel, but upon the lamp-stand, and it shines for all who are in the house.

Context

This verse continues the "light of the world" metaphor introduced in verse 14. It uses a practical, everyday example to highlight the intentional and visible purpose of light, leading directly into the command in the next verse to let their light shine through good works, ultimately for God's glory.

v.14Ye are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid.

v.15This passage

v.16Even so let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Numbers 8:2

    Speak unto Aaron, and say unto him, When thou lightest the lamps, the seven lamps shall give light in front of the candlestick.

  • Luke 8:16

    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.

  • 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.

  • Exodus 25:37

    And thou shalt make the lamps thereof, seven: and they shall light the lamps thereof, to give light over against it.

  • 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?

Sermon ideas from Matthew 5:15

Angles a pastor or small-group leader might preach or teach from this passage, drawn from the chapter's main themes.

  • What Matthew 5:15 teaches us about kingdom ethics

  • What Matthew 5:15 teaches us about inner righteousness

  • What Matthew 5:15 teaches us about true blessedness

  • What Matthew 5:15 teaches us about light and salt

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