Devine Scripture

Mark 4:21

What does Mark 4:21 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 4:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 4:21 means

Jesus used the analogy of a lamp to ask a rhetorical question, implying that a light is meant to be displayed, not hidden. Lamps are brought out to illuminate a space, not to be concealed under a basket (bushel) or a bed. This illustrates that the truth of the Kingdom of God, which He is revealing, is intended to be made visible and shared, not kept secret indefinitely. It implies a responsibility for those who have received light.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he said to them, When the light comes in, do people put it under a vessel, or under the bed, and not on its table?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And he said to them, `Doth the lamp come that under the measure it may be put, or under the couch--not that it may be put on the lamp-stand?

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he said to them: Doth a candle come in to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he said to them, Does the lamp come that it should be put under the bushel or under the couch? [Is it] not that it should be set upon the lamp-stand?

Context

This verse introduces a new parable after Jesus has finished interpreting the Parable of the Sower. It broadens the discussion from the reception of the Word to its purpose and intended manifestation. This parable, and the verses that follow, shift the focus from *hearing* the Word to *shining* its truth, laying the groundwork for understanding the public nature of the Kingdom of God and the disciples' role.

v.20And those are they that were sown upon the good ground; such as hear the word, and accept it, and bear fruit, thirtyfold, and sixtyfold, and a hundredfold.

v.21This passage

v.22For there is nothing hid, save that it should be manifested; neither was anything made secret, but that it should come to light.

Cross references

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

  • 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.

  • 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,

  • 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.

  • Isaiah 60:1

    Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of Jehovah is risen upon thee.

  • 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.

  • Ephesians 5:3

    But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as becometh saints;

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