King James Version

What Does Luke 8:16 Mean?

Luke 8:16 in the King James Version says “No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candles...” — study this verse from Luke chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“No 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.”

Luke 8:16 · KJV

Context

14

And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.

15

But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.

16

No 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.

17

For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad .

18

Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have. seemeth: or, thinketh that he hath

Read Luke 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
No 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. Jesus transitions from soil parables to lamp imagery. The Greek luchnos (λύχνος) refers to a small oil lamp, the primary light source in first-century homes. The absurdity is obvious: no one lights a lamp to hide it under a vessel (skeuos, σκεῦος, container) or bed (klinē, κλίνη, couch)—that defeats the lamp's purpose and creates fire hazard.

Instead, setteth it on a candlestick (epitithēsin epi luchnia, ἐπιτίθησιν ἐπὶ λυχνία)—a lampstand elevating the light for maximum visibility, that they which enter in may see the light (hina hoi eisporeuomenoi blepōsin to phōs, ἵνα οἱ εἰσπορευόμενοι βλέπωσιν τὸ φῶς). Light exists to illuminate. The application to disciples is clear: those who receive God's word (the good soil, v. 15) become light-bearers responsible for illuminating others. Faith is not private spirituality but public witness. Christ's light in believers must shine visibly, benefiting all who encounter them.

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Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Palestinian homes were typically small, single-room structures with few windows, making artificial light essential after sunset. Oil lamps—small clay vessels with wick and olive oil—provided modest illumination. A lampstand (often a simple niche in the wall or small stand) maximized the lamp's effectiveness. The cultural context makes Jesus's point unmistakable: light exists to dispel darkness, not be hidden. In biblical symbolism, light represents truth, revelation, righteousness, and God's presence (Psalm 119:105; Isaiah 60:1-3; John 1:4-9, 8:12). Jesus called Himself 'the light of the world' (John 8:12) and commanded disciples: 'Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven' (Matthew 5:14-16). This verse challenges disciples to live openly obedient lives that testify to Christ's transforming power.

Reflection Questions

  1. What might 'covering the light' look like practically—ways we hide our faith rather than letting it shine?
  2. How does the purpose clause 'that they which enter in may see the light' define the Christian's responsibility to others?
  3. In what ways can believers ensure their lives illuminate Christ rather than drawing attention to themselves?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
Οὐδεὶς1 of 21

“No man”

G3762

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

δὲ2 of 21
G1161

but, and, etc

λύχνον3 of 21

“a candle”

G3088

a portable lamp or other illuminator (literally or figuratively)

ἅψας4 of 21

“when he hath lighted”

G681

properly, to fasten to, i.e., (specially) to set on fire

καλύπτει5 of 21

“covereth”

G2572

to cover up (literally or figuratively)

αὐτὸν6 of 21

“it”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

σκεύει7 of 21

“with a vessel”

G4632

a vessel, implement, equipment or apparatus (literally or figuratively (specially, a wife as contributing to the usefulness of the husband))

ἢ8 of 21

“or”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

ὑποκάτω9 of 21

“it under”

G5270

down under, i.e., beneath

κλίνης10 of 21

“a bed”

G2825

a couch (for sleep, sickness, sitting or eating)

τίθησιν11 of 21

“putteth”

G5087

to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr

ἀλλ'12 of 21

“but”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ἐπὶ13 of 21

“it on”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

λυχνίας14 of 21

“a candlestick”

G3087

a lamp-stand (literally or figuratively)

ἐπιτίθησιν,15 of 21

“setteth”

G2007

to impose (in a friendly or hostile sense)

ἵνα16 of 21

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

οἱ17 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

εἰσπορευόμενοι18 of 21

“they which enter in”

G1531

to enter (literally or figuratively)

βλέπωσιν19 of 21

“may see”

G991

to look at (literally or figuratively)

τὸ20 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

φῶς21 of 21

“the light”

G5457

luminousness (in the widest application, natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 8:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 8:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 11:33Matthew 5:15-16Mark 4:21-22Acts 26:18Revelation 1:20-2:1Philippians 2:15-16

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