King James Version

What Does Matthew 5:15 Mean?

Matthew 5:15 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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. a bushel: the word in the original signifieth a measure containing about a pint less than a peck”

Matthew 5:15 · KJV

Context

13

Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

14

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

15

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. a bushel: the word in the original signifieth a measure containing about a pint less than a peck

16

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

17

Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.

Read Matthew 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
After declaring disciples to be light, Jesus commands them to shine publicly. A city on a hill cannot be hidden—it's visible from all directions. Christians are not called to private faith but public witness. Hiding one's light denies the very purpose of being illuminated by Christ.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Hilltop cities were common in ancient Palestine for defense purposes and were visible landmarks. Jesus likely pointed to such a city while teaching. This metaphor would resonate powerfully with His audience who saw such cities daily.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what ways are you tempted to hide your Christian faith rather than letting it shine publicly?
  2. How can you be a visible witness without being self-righteous or hypocritical?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
οὐδὲ1 of 20

“Neither”

G3761

not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even

καίουσιν2 of 20

“do men light”

G2545

to set on fire, i.e., kindle or (by implication) consume

λύχνον3 of 20

“a candle”

G3088

a portable lamp or other illuminator (literally or figuratively)

καὶ4 of 20

“and”

G2532

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

τιθέασιν5 of 20

“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

αὐτὸν6 of 20

“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

ὑπὸ7 of 20

“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 (

τὸν8 of 20
G3588

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

μόδιον9 of 20

“a bushel”

G3426

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

ἀλλ'10 of 20

“but”

G235

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

ἐπὶ11 of 20

“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

τὴν12 of 20
G3588

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

λυχνίαν13 of 20

“a candlestick”

G3087

a lamp-stand (literally or figuratively)

καὶ14 of 20

“and”

G2532

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

λάμπει15 of 20

“it giveth light”

G2989

to beam, i.e., radiate brilliancy (literally or figuratively)

πᾶσιν16 of 20

“unto all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τοῖς17 of 20
G3588

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

ἐν18 of 20

“that are in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῇ19 of 20
G3588

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

οἰκίᾳ20 of 20

“the house”

G3614

properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics)

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Matthew 5:15 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 Matthew 5:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 11:33Mark 4:21Luke 8:16Numbers 8:2Exodus 25:37

Test Your Knowledge

Matthew 5 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterMatthew Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Matthew 5 with CommentaryAll Matthew ChaptersComplete Matthew QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes