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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Mark 4:21 Jesus also said to them, "Does anyone bring in a lamp to put it under a basket or under a bed? Doesn't he set it on a stand?</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/mark/4-21.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/41_Mrk_04_21.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Mark 4:21 - The Lesson of the Lamp" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Jesus also said to them, Does anyone bring in a lamp to put it under a basket or under a bed? 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Instead, don&#8217t you put it on its stand? <a href="/nlt/mark/4.htm">New Living Translation</a> Then Jesus asked them, “Would anyone light a lamp and then put it under a basket or under a bed? Of course not! A lamp is placed on a stand, where its light will shine. <a href="/esv/mark/4.htm">English Standard Version</a> And he said to them, “Is a lamp brought in to be put under a basket, or under a bed, and not on a stand? <a href="/bsb/mark/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Jesus also said to them, “Does anyone bring in a lamp to put it under a basket or under a bed? Doesn’t he set it on a stand? <a href="/blb/mark/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And He was saying to them, "The lamp is not brought in so that it might be put under the basket, or under the bed. Is it not that it might be put upon the lampstand? <a href="/kjv/mark/4.htm">King James Bible</a> 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? <a href="/nkjv/mark/4.htm">New King James Version</a> Also He said to them, “Is a lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Is it not to be set on a lampstand? <a href="/nasb_/mark/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And He was saying to them, “A lamp is not brought to be put under a basket, or under a bed, is it? Is it not brought to be put on the lampstand? <a href="/nasb/mark/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> And He was saying to them, &#8220A lamp is not brought to be put under a basket, is it, or under a bed? Is it not brought to be put on the lampstand? <a href="/nasb77/mark/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And He was saying to them, “A lamp is not brought to be put under a peck-measure, is it, or under a bed? Is it not brought to be put on the lampstand? <a href="/lsb/mark/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And He was saying to them, “Is a lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Is it not to be put on the lampstand? <a href="/amp/mark/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> He said to them, “A lamp is not brought in to be put under a basket or under a bed, is it? Is it not [brought in] to be put on the lampstand? <a href="/csb/mark/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> He also said to them, “Is a lamp brought in to be put under a basket or under a bed? Isn’t it to be put on a lampstand? <a href="/hcsb/mark/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> He also said to them, &#8220Is a lamp brought in to be put under a basket or under a bed? Isn&#8217t it to be put on a lampstand? <a href="/asv/mark/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> 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? <a href="/cev/mark/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Jesus also said: You don't light a lamp and put it under a clay pot or under a bed. Don't you put a lamp on a lampstand? <a href="/erv/mark/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> 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? <a href="/gwt/mark/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Jesus said to them, "Does anyone bring a lamp into a room to put it under a basket or under a bed? Isn't it put on a lamp stand? <a href="/gnt/mark/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> Jesus continued, "Does anyone ever bring in a lamp and put it under a bowl or under the bed? Isn't it put on the lampstand? <a href="/isv/mark/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> Then Jesus told them, "A lamp isn't brought indoors to be put under a basket or under a bed, is it? It's to be put on a lamp stand, isn't it? <a href="/msb/mark/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Jesus also said to them, “Does anyone bring in a lamp to put it under a basket or under a bed? Doesn’t he set it on a stand? <a href="/net/mark/4.htm">NET Bible</a> He also said to them, "A lamp isn't brought to be put under a basket or under a bed, is it? Isn't it to be placed on a lampstand? <a href="/nheb/mark/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> And he said to them, "Is the lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Is it not put on a stand? <a href="/wbt/mark/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And he said to them, Is a candle brought to be put under a close vessel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick? <a href="/wey/mark/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> He went on to say, "Is the lamp brought in in order to be put under the bushel or under the bed? Is it not rather in order that it may be placed on the lampstand? <a href="/web/mark/4.htm">World English Bible</a> He said to them, “Is a lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Isn’t it put on a stand? <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/mark/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And He said to them, “Does the lamp come that it may be put under the measure, or under the bed—not that it may be put on the lampstand? <a href="/blb/mark/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And He was saying to them, "The lamp is not brought in so that it might be put under the basket, or under the bed. Is it not that it might be put upon the lampstand? <a href="/ylt/mark/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 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? <a href="/slt/mark/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And he said to them, Much less the light comes that it be set under a bushel, or under a bed; that it be not set upon a candlestick.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/mark/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> 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? <a href="/cpdv/mark/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And he said to them: “Would someone enter with a lamp in order to place it under a basket or under a bed? Would it not be placed upon a lampstand? <a href="/nabre/mark/4.htm">New American Bible</a> He said to them, “Is a lamp brought in to be placed under a bushel basket or under a bed, and not to be placed on a lampstand? <a href="/nrsvce/mark/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> He said to them, “Is a lamp brought in to be put under the bushel basket, or under the bed, and not on the lampstand?<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/mark/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And he said to them, Is a lamp brought and put under a basket or under a bed? Is it not put on a lampholder? <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/mark/4.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And he said to them, “Does one bring a lamp to be put under a basket or under a bed? Should it not be put on a lampstand?”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/mark/4.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And he said to them: Is a lamp brought in that it may be put under the measure, or under the divan? Is it not brought that it may be put on the lamp-stand? <a href="/godbey/mark/4.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And He said to them; <FR>Whether does the light come, that it may be placed under a bushel, or under a bed? is it not that it may be placed on a candlestick?<Fr> <a href="/haweis/mark/4.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> And he said unto them, Is a lamp brought out to be put under a bushel, or under a bed, and not to be placed on a stand? <a href="/mace/mark/4.htm">Mace New Testament</a> Again he said, is a lamp ever brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? or to be set on a stand? <a href="/wey/mark/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> He went on to say, "Is the lamp brought in in order to be put under the bushel or under the bed? Is it not rather in order that it may be placed on the lampstand? <a href="/worrell/mark/4.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And He said to them, <FR>"Is the lamp brought to be put under the measure, or under the bed! Is it not, that it may be put on the lampstand?<Fr> <a href="/worsley/mark/4.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> And He said unto them, <FR>Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or a bed, <Fr>and<FR> not to be set on a candlestick?<Fr> <a href="/parallel/mark/4-21.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DmwDTC71zvQ?start=1042" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/mark/4.htm">The Lesson of the Lamp</a> 20Still others are like the seeds sown on good soil. They hear the word, receive it, and produce a crop—thirtyfold, sixtyfold, or a hundredfold.” 21<a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: Kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/2036.htm" title="2036: elegen (V-IIA-3S) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.">Jesus also said</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autois (PPro-DM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">to them,</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because."></a> <a href="/greek/2064.htm" title="2064: erchetai (V-PIM/P-3S) -- To come, go. ">“Does anyone bring in</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">a</a> <a href="/greek/3088.htm" title="3088: lychnos (N-NMS) -- A lamp. From the base of leukos; a portable lamp or other illuminator.">lamp</a> <a href="/greek/3385.htm" title="3385: Mēti (IntPrtcl) -- If not, unless, whether at all. From me and the neuter of tis; whether at all."></a> <a href="/greek/2443.htm" title="2443: hina (Conj) -- In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.">to</a> <a href="/greek/5087.htm" title="5087: tethē (V-ASP-3S) -- To put, place, lay, set, fix, establish. A prolonged form of a primary theo to place.">put it</a> <a href="/greek/5259.htm" title="5259: hypo (Prep) -- A primary preposition; under, i.e. of place, or with verbs; of place (underneath) or where (below) or time (when).">under</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3426.htm" title="3426: modion (N-AMS) -- A dry measure, nearly two English gallons. Of Latin origin; a modius, i.e. Certain measure for things dry.">a basket</a> <a href="/greek/2228.htm" title="2228: ē (Conj) -- Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.">or</a> <a href="/greek/5259.htm" title="5259: hypo (Prep) -- A primary preposition; under, i.e. of place, or with verbs; of place (underneath) or where (below) or time (when).">under</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2825.htm" title="2825: klinēn (N-AFS) -- A couch, bed, portable bed or mat, a couch for reclining at meals, possibly also a bier. From klino; a couch.">a bed?</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouch (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">Doesn’t</a> <a href="/greek/2443.htm" title="2443: hina (Conj) -- In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that."></a> <a href="/greek/5087.htm" title="5087: tethē (V-ASP-3S) -- To put, place, lay, set, fix, establish. A prolonged form of a primary theo to place.">he set it</a> <a href="/greek/1909.htm" title="1909: epi (Prep) -- On, to, against, on the basis of, at. ">on</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3087.htm" title="3087: lychnian (N-AFS) -- A lamp-stand. From luchnos; a lamp-stand.">a stand?</a> 22For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be brought to light.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/matthew/5-14.htm">Matthew 5:14-16</a> You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. / Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. / In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. <a href="/luke/8-16.htm">Luke 8:16</a> No one lights a lamp and covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, he sets it on a stand, so those who enter can see the light. <a href="/luke/11-33.htm">Luke 11:33</a> No one lights a lamp and puts it in a cellar or under a basket. Instead, he sets it on a stand, so those who enter can see the light. <a href="/john/8-12.htm">John 8:12</a> Once again, Jesus spoke to the people and said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.” <a href="/john/12-46.htm">John 12:46</a> I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in Me should remain in darkness. <a href="/philippians/2-15.htm">Philippians 2:15</a> so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine as lights in the world <a href="/ephesians/5-8.htm">Ephesians 5:8-14</a> For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light, / for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth. / Test and prove what pleases the Lord. ... <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-5.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:5</a> For you are all sons of the light and sons of the day; we do not belong to the night or to the darkness. <a href="/2_corinthians/4-6.htm">2 Corinthians 4:6</a> For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. <a href="/revelation/1-20.htm">Revelation 1:20</a> This is the mystery of the seven stars you saw in My right hand and of the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches. <a href="/isaiah/42-6.htm">Isaiah 42:6-7</a> “I, the LORD, have called you for a righteous purpose, and I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and appoint you to be a covenant for the people and a light to the nations, / to open the eyes of the blind, to bring prisoners out of the dungeon and those sitting in darkness out from the prison house. <a href="/isaiah/49-6.htm">Isaiah 49:6</a> He says: “It is not enough for You to be My Servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the protected ones of Israel. I will also make You a light for the nations, to bring My salvation to the ends of the earth.” <a href="/isaiah/60-1.htm">Isaiah 60:1-3</a> Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. / For behold, darkness covers the earth, and thick darkness is over the peoples; but the LORD will rise upon you, and His glory will appear over you. / Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. <a href="/proverbs/4-18.htm">Proverbs 4:18</a> The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining brighter and brighter until midday. <a href="/psalms/119-105.htm">Psalm 119:105</a> Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And he said to them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?Is a.<a href="/isaiah/60-1.htm">Isaiah 60:1-3</a> Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee… <a href="/matthew/5-15.htm">Matthew 5:15</a> 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 href="/luke/8-16.htm">Luke 8:16</a> 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.bushel.<a href="/mark/5-15.htm">Mark 5:15</a> And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/5-15.htm">Basket</a> <a href="/mark/2-12.htm">Bed</a> <a href="/matthew/26-23.htm">Bowl</a> <a href="/matthew/13-33.htm">Bushel</a> <a href="/matthew/5-15.htm">Candle</a> <a href="/matthew/5-15.htm">Candlestick</a> <a href="/mark/4-1.htm">Close</a> <a href="/mark/1-45.htm">Instead</a> <a href="/matthew/6-22.htm">Lamp</a> <a href="/luke/11-33.htm">Lamp-Stand</a> <a href="/matthew/23-32.htm">Measure</a> <a href="/mark/3-10.htm">Order</a> <a href="/matthew/27-60.htm">Placed</a> <a href="/matthew/27-24.htm">Rather</a> <a href="/mark/3-26.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/mark/2-15.htm">Table</a> <a href="/matthew/5-15.htm">Vessel</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/luke/11-33.htm">Basket</a> <a href="/mark/4-27.htm">Bed</a> <a href="/mark/14-20.htm">Bowl</a> <a href="/luke/11-33.htm">Bushel</a> <a href="/luke/8-16.htm">Candle</a> <a href="/luke/8-16.htm">Candlestick</a> <a href="/mark/14-42.htm">Close</a> <a href="/mark/5-26.htm">Instead</a> <a href="/luke/11-34.htm">Lamp</a> <a href="/luke/11-33.htm">Lamp-Stand</a> <a href="/mark/4-24.htm">Measure</a> <a href="/mark/6-12.htm">Order</a> <a href="/mark/6-40.htm">Placed</a> <a href="/mark/5-26.htm">Rather</a> <a href="/mark/9-1.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/mark/6-22.htm">Table</a> <a href="/mark/11-16.htm">Vessel</a><div class="vheading2">Mark 4</div>1. <a href="/mark/4-1.htm">The parable of the sower,</a> 14. <a href="/mark/4-14.htm">and the meaning thereof.</a> 21. <a href="/mark/4-21.htm">We must communicate the light of our knowledge to others.</a> 26. <a href="/mark/4-26.htm">The parable of the seed growing secretly;</a> 30. <a href="/mark/4-30.htm">and of the mustard seed.</a> 35. <a href="/mark/4-35.htm">Jesus stills the storm on the sea.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/mark/4.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div>He also said to them This phrase indicates that Jesus is continuing His teaching, likely addressing His disciples and those gathered around Him. The Greek word for "said" is "λέγει" (legei), which is in the present tense, suggesting an ongoing action. This implies that Jesus is actively engaging His audience, emphasizing the importance of His message. The context here is crucial as it follows the Parable of the Sower, indicating a continuation of teaching about the Kingdom of God.Do you bring in a lamp The "lamp" in this context is symbolic of the light of truth and revelation. In the ancient world, lamps were essential for illumination, often made of clay with a wick and oil. The Greek word for lamp, "λύχνος" (lychnos), signifies something that provides light. Spiritually, this represents the light of Christ and the Gospel, which is meant to illuminate the darkness of the world. The rhetorical question posed by Jesus suggests that the purpose of a lamp is to be seen and to provide light, not to be hidden.to put it under a basket The "basket" refers to a "μόδιος" (modios), a measure for dry goods, roughly equivalent to a bushel. This imagery would have been familiar to Jesus' audience, as baskets were common household items. The act of placing a lamp under a basket is counterintuitive, as it would obscure the light. This symbolizes the futility of hiding the truth of the Gospel or the light of one's faith. The message is clear: the truth is meant to be shared, not concealed.or under a bed? The "bed" here, "κλίνη" (klinē), refers to a couch or a place of rest. Placing a lamp under a bed would not only hide the light but also pose a fire hazard, emphasizing the absurdity of such an action. This further illustrates the point that the light of the Gospel is not meant to be hidden away in comfort or complacency. Instead, it should be actively shared and displayed.Instead, don’t you put it on a stand? The "stand" or "λαμπάς" (lampas) is a place of prominence where the lamp can effectively illuminate the room. This is the intended purpose of a lamp, to provide light to all who are in the house. In a spiritual sense, this represents the believer's responsibility to live out and proclaim the truth of the Gospel openly. The rhetorical question underscores the natural and expected action of placing the lamp where it can fulfill its purpose, just as believers are called to let their light shine before others.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/mark/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(21) Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel?--See Note on <a href="/matthew/5-15.htm" title="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.">Matthew 5:15</a>. St. Mark, it will be noted, omits all the other parables that follow in St. Matthew, and connects with that of the Sower sayings more or less proverbial, which in St. Matthew appear in a different context. Looking at our Lord's method of teaching by the repetition of proverbs under different aspects and on different occasions, it is not unlikely that this of the "candle" was actually spoken in the connection in which we find it here. Their knowledge of the meaning of the parable was not given them for themselves alone, but was to shine forth to others. We probably owe to the saying so uttered the record of this parable given in three out of the four Gospels.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/mark/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 21. - Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, etc.? The Greek is ὁ λύχνος, and is better rendered the lamp. The figure is recorded by St. Matthew (<a href="/matthew/5-15.htm">Matthew 5:15</a>) as used by our Lord in his sermon on the mount. It is evident that he repeated his sayings, and used them sometimes in a different connection. The lamp is here the light of Divine truth, shining in the person of Christ. Is the lamp brought to be put under the bushel? It comes to us. The light in our souls is not of our own kindling; it comes to us from God, that we may manifest it for his glory. "The bushel" (μόδιος), from the Latin medias, a measure containing flour, was the flour-bin, a part of the furniture of every house, as was the tall lampstand with its single light. St, Luke (<a href="/luke/8-16.htm">Luke 8:16</a>) calls it "a vessel" (καλύπτει αὐτὸν σκεύει). The light is to be set on "a lamp-stand," and in like manner the light which we have received is to shine before men. As Christians, we are Christ's light-bearers. By this illustration our Lord teaches that he was unwilling that the mysteries of this great parable of the sower and of other parables should be concealed, but that his disciples should unfold these things to others as he had to them, although at present they might not be able to receive them. <a href="/commentaries/mark/4-21.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>[Jesus] also said ἔλεγεν (elegen) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2036.htm">Strong's 2036: </a> Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say. to them, αὐτοῖς (autois) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. “Does [anyone] bring in ἔρχεται (erchetai) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2064.htm">Strong's 2064: </a> To come, go. a ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. lamp λύχνος (lychnos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3088.htm">Strong's 3088: </a> A lamp. From the base of leukos; a portable lamp or other illuminator. so ἵνα (hina) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2443.htm">Strong's 2443: </a> In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that. he can place [it] τεθῇ (tethē) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5087.htm">Strong's 5087: </a> To put, place, lay, set, fix, establish. A prolonged form of a primary theo to place. under ὑπὸ (hypo) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_5259.htm">Strong's 5259: </a> A primary preposition; under, i.e. of place, or with verbs; of place (underneath) or where (below) or time (when). a basket μόδιον (modion) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3426.htm">Strong's 3426: </a> A dry measure, nearly two English gallons. Of Latin origin; a modius, i.e. Certain measure for things dry. or ἢ (ē) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2228.htm">Strong's 2228: </a> Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than. under ὑπὸ (hypo) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_5259.htm">Strong's 5259: </a> A primary preposition; under, i.e. of place, or with verbs; of place (underneath) or where (below) or time (when). a bed? κλίνην (klinēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2825.htm">Strong's 2825: </a> A couch, bed, portable bed or mat, a couch for reclining at meals, possibly also a bier. From klino; a couch. Doesn’t he οὐχ (ouch) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not. set it τεθῇ (tethē) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5087.htm">Strong's 5087: </a> To put, place, lay, set, fix, establish. A prolonged form of a primary theo to place. on ἐπὶ (epi) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1909.htm">Strong's 1909: </a> On, to, against, on the basis of, at. a lampstand? λυχνίαν (lychnian) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3087.htm">Strong's 3087: </a> A lamp-stand. From luchnos; a lamp-stand. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/mark/4-21.htm">Mark 4:21 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/mark/4-21.htm">Mark 4:21 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/mark/4-21.htm">Mark 4:21 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/mark/4-21.htm">Mark 4:21 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/mark/4-21.htm">Mark 4:21 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/mark/4-21.htm">Mark 4:21 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/mark/4-21.htm">Mark 4:21 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/mark/4-21.htm">Mark 4:21 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/mark/4-21.htm">Mark 4:21 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/mark/4-21.htm">Mark 4:21 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/mark/4-21.htm">NT Gospels: Mark 4:21 He said to them Is the lamp (Mar Mk Mr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/mark/4-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Mark 4:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Mark 4:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/mark/4-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Mark 4:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Mark 4:22" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>