Matthew 5:15
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it gives light to all that are in the house.
American King James Version (AKJV)
Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it gives light to all that are in the house.
American Standard Version (ASV)
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.
Basic English Translation (BBE)
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.
Webster's Revision
Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a close vessel, but on a candlestick: and it giveth light to all that are in the house.
World English Bible
Neither do you light a lamp, and put it under a measuring basket, but on a stand; and it shines to all who are in the house.
English Revised Version (ERV)
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.
Definitions for Matthew 5:15
Clarke's Matthew 5:15 Bible Commentary
Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel - A bushel μοδιος: - a measure both among the Greeks and Romans, containing a little more than a peck English. From some ancient writers we learn, that only those who had bad designs hid a candle under a bushel; that, in the dead of the night, when all were asleep, they might rise up, and have light at hand to help them to effect their horrid purposes of murder, etc. See Wetstein, Kypke, Wolf, etc.
Barnes's Matthew 5:15 Bible Commentary
Neither do men light a candle ... - The word rendered "candle" means any portable light, as a lamp, candle, lantern. Compare Mark 4:21; Luke 8:16; Luke 12:35. Jesus proceeded here to show them that the very reason why they were enlightened was that others might also see the light, and be benefited by it. When people light a candle, they do not conceal the light, but place it where it may be of use. So it is with religion. It is given that we may benefit others. It is not to be concealed, but suffered to show itself, and to shed light on a surrounding wicked world.
A bushel - Greek, a measure containing nearly a peck. It denotes anything, here, that might conceal the light.
Wesley's Matthew 5:15 Bible Commentary
5:15 Nay, the very design of God in giving you this light was, that it might shine. Mark 4:21; Luke 8:16; 11:33.