King James Version

What Does Mark 4:21 Mean?

Mark 4:21 in the King James Version says “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?...” — study this verse from Mark chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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? bushel: the word in the original signifieth a less measure”

Mark 4:21 · KJV

Context

19

And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful. lusts: or, inordinate desires

20

And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.

21

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? bushel: the word in the original signifieth a less measure

22

For there is nothing hid , which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad .

23

If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.

Read Mark 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus asks rhetorical question: 'Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?' The 'candle' (λύχνος, lychnosλαμπάς) represents revealed truth, particularly gospel light. The absurdity of lighting lamp only to hide it under bushel (grain measure) or bed illustrates that revelation demands proclamation. Truth isn't given to be concealed but displayed. This applies to disciples: having received kingdom mysteries, they must illuminate others. The rhetorical question expects negative answer—of course lamps aren't hidden! Similarly, disciples must shine gospel light, not hide it. Reformed theology emphasizes believer's witness as salt and light in dark world.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient oil lamps provided modest illumination in small, windowless Palestinian homes. Placing lit lamp under bushel or bed would be dangerous (fire hazard) and foolish (defeating purpose). Lamps sat on stands illuminating whole room. Jesus' audience immediately grasped the metaphor. Early Christians understood themselves as light-bearers in pagan darkness. Church history records faithful witness despite persecution—gospel light couldn't be extinguished. Reformers emphasized priesthood of all believers—every Christian called to shine gospel truth.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you hide your spiritual light rather than letting it shine boldly for Christ?
  2. What does this passage teach about the purpose of receiving biblical revelation?
  3. How can you practically 'set your lamp on a candlestick' in your spheres of influence?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
Καὶ1 of 22

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἔλεγεν2 of 22

“he said”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

αὐτοῖς3 of 22

“unto them”

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

Μήτι4 of 22

“Is”

G3385

whether at all

ὁ5 of 22
G3588

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

λύχνος6 of 22

“a candle”

G3088

a portable lamp or other illuminator (literally or figuratively)

ἔρχεται7 of 22

“brought”

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

ἵνα8 of 22

“to”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ὑπὸ9 of 22

“under”

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

τὸν10 of 22
G3588

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

μόδιον11 of 22

“a bushel”

G3426

a modius, i.e., certain measure for things dry (the quantity or the utensil)

τεθῇ12 of 22

“be put”

G5087

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

ἢ13 of 22

“or”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

ὑπὸ14 of 22

“under”

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

τὴν15 of 22
G3588

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

κλίνην16 of 22

“a bed”

G2825

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

οὐχ17 of 22

“and not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἵνα18 of 22

“to”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ἐπὶ19 of 22

“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

τὴν20 of 22
G3588

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

λυχνίαν21 of 22

“a candlestick”

G3087

a lamp-stand (literally or figuratively)

ἐπιτεθῇ22 of 22

“be set”

G2007

to impose (in a friendly or hostile sense)

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Mark 4:21 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 Mark 4:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 5:15Luke 11:33Luke 8:16Isaiah 60:1-3Ephesians 5:3-151 Corinthians 12:7

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