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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>John 5:35 John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you were willing for a season to bask in his light.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/john/5-35.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/43_Jhn_05_35.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="John 5:35 - Testimonies about Jesus" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you were willing for a season to bask in his light." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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and ye were willing to rejoice for a season in his light. <a href="/cev/john/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> John was a lamp that gave a lot of light, and you were glad to enjoy his light for a while. <a href="/erv/john/5.htm">English Revised Version</a> He was the lamp that burneth and shineth: and ye were willing to rejoice for a season in his light. <a href="/gwt/john/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> John was a lamp that gave off brilliant light. For a time you enjoyed the pleasure of his light. <a href="/gnt/john/5.htm">Good News Translation</a> John was like a lamp, burning and shining, and you were willing for a while to enjoy his light. <a href="/isv/john/5.htm">International Standard Version</a> That man John was a lamp that burns and brightly shines, and for a while you were willing to rejoice in his light. <a href="/msb/john/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you were willing for a season to bask in his light. <a href="/net/john/5.htm">NET Bible</a> He was a lamp that was burning and shining, and you wanted to rejoice greatly for a short time in his light. <a href="/nheb/john/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> He was the burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light. <a href="/wbt/john/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light. <a href="/wey/john/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> He was the lamp that burned and shone, and for a time you were willing to be gladdened by his light. <a href="/web/john/5.htm">World English Bible</a> He was the burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/john/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> he was the burning and shining lamp, and you willed to be glad, for an hour, in his light. <a href="/blb/john/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> He was the lamp burning and shining, and you were willing to rejoice for a season in his light. <a href="/ylt/john/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> he was the burning and shining lamp, and ye did will to be glad, for an hour, in his light. <a href="/slt/john/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> He was a burning and manifest light: and ye wished to rejoice for a time in his light.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/john/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> He was a burning and a shining light: and you were willing for a time to rejoice in his light. <a href="/cpdv/john/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> He was a burning and shining light. So you were willing, at the time, to exult in his light. <a href="/nabre/john/5.htm">New American Bible</a> He was a burning and shining lamp, and for a while you were content to rejoice in his light. <a href="/nrsvce/john/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> He was a burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/john/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> He was a lamp which burns and gives light; and you were willing to delight in his light for a while. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/john/5.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> He was a blazing and shining lamp, and you were willing to boast about the time in his light.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/john/5.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> He was the burning and shining lamp; and you were willing, for a time, to rejoice in his light. <a href="/godbey/john/5.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>He was a bright and shining light: and you were willing to rejoice for an hour in that light.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/john/5.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> He was a lamp glowing and luminous: and ye were pleased for a time to exult in his light. <a href="/mace/john/5.htm">Mace New Testament</a> he was a burning and a shining light: and you were willing to be entertain'd for a while with his light. <a href="/wey/john/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> He was the lamp that burned and shone, and for a time you were willing to be gladdened by his light. <a href="/worrell/john/5.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>He was a lamp that was burning and shining; and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.<Fr> <a href="/worsley/john/5.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>He was <Fr>indeed<FR> a burning and shining light, and for a while ye willingly rejoiced in his light.<Fr> <a href="/parallel/john/5-35.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ixy2bchmXZ0?start=1619" 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/john/5.htm">Testimonies about Jesus</a> …34Even though I do not accept human testimony, I say these things so that you may be saved. 35<a href="/greek/1565.htm" title="1565: Ekeinos (DPro-NMS) -- That, that one there, yonder. From ekei; that one (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed.">John</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: ēn (V-IIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">was</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/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.">that</a> <a href="/greek/2545.htm" title="2545: kaiomenos (V-PPM/P-NMS) -- To ignite, light, burn, lit. and met; I consume with fire. Apparently a primary verb; to set on fire, i.e. Kindle or consume.">burned</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/5316.htm" title="5316: phainōn (V-PPA-NMS) -- Prolongation for the base of phos; to lighten, i.e. Show.">gave light,</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">and</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymeis (PPro-N2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you</a> <a href="/greek/2309.htm" title="2309: ēthelēsate (V-AIA-2P) -- To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. ">were willing</a> <a href="/greek/4314.htm" title="4314: pros (Prep) -- To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.">for</a> <a href="/greek/5610.htm" title="5610: hōran (N-AFS) -- Apparently a primary word; an hour.">a season</a> <a href="/greek/21.htm" title="21: agalliathēnai (V-ANP) -- To exult, be full of joy. From agan and hallomai; properly, to jump for joy, i.e. Exult.">to bask</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">his</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/5457.htm" title="5457: phōti (N-DNS) -- Light, a source of light, radiance. From an obsolete phao; luminousness.">light.</a> 36But I have testimony more substantial than that of John. For the works that the Father has given Me to accomplish—the very works I am doing—testify about Me that the Father has sent Me.…<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/11-11.htm">Matthew 11:11</a> Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has risen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet even the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. <a href="/luke/1-15.htm">Luke 1:15-17</a> for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He shall never take wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb. / Many of the sons of Israel he will turn back to the Lord their God. / And he will go on before the Lord in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” <a href="/matthew/3-1.htm">Matthew 3:1-3</a> In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea / and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” / This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.’” <a href="/mark/1-4.htm">Mark 1:4-5</a> John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. / People went out to him from all of Jerusalem and the countryside of Judea. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. <a href="/luke/3-15.htm">Luke 3:15-16</a> The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John could be the Christ. / John answered all of them: “I baptize you with water, but One more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. <a href="/john/1-6.htm">John 1:6-8</a> There came a man who was sent from God. His name was John. / He came as a witness to testify about the Light, so that through him everyone might believe. / He himself was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light. <a href="/john/1-19.htm">John 1:19-23</a> And this was John’s testimony when the Jews of Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him, “Who are you?” / He did not refuse to confess, but openly declared, “I am not the Christ.” / “Then who are you?” they inquired. “Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” ... <a href="/john/1-29.htm">John 1:29-34</a> The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! / This is He of whom I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because He was before me.’ / I myself did not know Him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that He might be revealed to Israel.” ... <a href="/john/3-27.htm">John 3:27-30</a> John replied, “A man can receive only what is given him from heaven. / You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but am sent ahead of Him.’ / The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom stands and listens for him, and is overjoyed to hear the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. ... <a href="/matthew/17-12.htm">Matthew 17:12-13</a> But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but have done to him whatever they wished. In the same way, the Son of Man will suffer at their hands.” / Then the disciples understood that He was speaking to them about John the Baptist. <a href="/malachi/3-1.htm">Malachi 3:1</a> “Behold, I will send My messenger, who will prepare the way before Me. Then the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to His temple—the Messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight—see, He is coming,” says the LORD of Hosts. <a href="/malachi/4-5.htm">Malachi 4:5-6</a> Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and awesome Day of the LORD. / And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers. Otherwise, I will come and strike the land with a curse.” <a href="/isaiah/40-3.htm">Isaiah 40:3</a> A voice of one calling: “Prepare the way for the LORD in the wilderness; make a straight highway for our God in the desert. <a href="/2_kings/1-8.htm">2 Kings 1:8</a> “He was a hairy man,” they answered, “with a leather belt around his waist.” “It was Elijah the Tishbite,” said the king. <a href="/2_kings/2-11.htm">2 Kings 2:11-12</a> As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire with horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up into heaven in a whirlwind. / As Elisha watched, he cried out, “My father, my father, the chariots and horsemen of Israel!” And he saw Elijah no more. So taking hold of his own clothes, he tore them in two.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>He was a burning and a shining light: and you were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.was.<a href="/john/1-7.htm">John 1:7,8</a> The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe… <a href="/matthew/11-11.htm">Matthew 11:11</a> Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.<a href="/luke/1-15.htm">Luke 1:15-17,76,77</a> For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb… and ye.<a href="/john/6-66.htm">John 6:66</a> From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.<a href="/ezekiel/33-31.htm">Ezekiel 33:31</a> And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness.<a href="/matthew/3-5.htm">Matthew 3:5-7</a> Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, … <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/luke/12-28.htm">Burned</a> <a href="/malachi/4-1.htm">Burneth</a> <a href="/luke/24-32.htm">Burning</a> <a href="/luke/14-7.htm">Chose</a> <a href="/luke/15-29.htm">Enjoy</a> <a href="/luke/23-8.htm">Glad</a> <a href="/jeremiah/31-13.htm">Gladdened</a> <a href="/luke/23-29.htm">Happy</a> <a href="/john/5-28.htm">Hour</a> <a href="/john/5-33.htm">John</a> <a href="/luke/11-34.htm">Lamp</a> <a href="/luke/24-1.htm">Ready</a> <a href="/john/4-36.htm">Rejoice</a> <a href="/john/5-4.htm">Season</a> <a href="/john/1-5.htm">Shineth</a> <a href="/john/1-5.htm">Shining</a> <a href="/luke/2-9.htm">Shone</a> <a href="/john/5-28.htm">Time</a> <a href="/luke/23-20.htm">Willing</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/john/15-6.htm">Burned</a> <a href="/revelation/21-8.htm">Burneth</a> <a href="/john/21-9.htm">Burning</a> <a href="/john/13-18.htm">Chose</a> <a href="/acts/24-2.htm">Enjoy</a> <a href="/john/6-21.htm">Glad</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-3.htm">Gladdened</a> <a href="/john/13-17.htm">Happy</a> <a href="/john/7-30.htm">Hour</a> <a href="/john/5-36.htm">John</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-19.htm">Lamp</a> <a href="/john/7-6.htm">Ready</a> <a href="/john/8-56.htm">Rejoice</a> <a href="/acts/7-20.htm">Season</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-19.htm">Shineth</a> <a href="/acts/9-3.htm">Shining</a> <a href="/acts/9-3.htm">Shone</a> <a href="/john/5-37.htm">Time</a> <a href="/john/6-21.htm">Willing</a><div class="vheading2">John 5</div>1. <a href="/john/5-1.htm">Jesus on the Sabbath day cures him who was diseased thirty-eight years.</a> 10. <a href="/john/5-10.htm">The Jews therefore object, and persecute him for it.</a> 17. <a href="/john/5-17.htm">He answers for himself, and reproves them, showing by the testimony of his Father,</a> 31. <a href="/john/5-31.htm">of John,</a> 36. <a href="/john/5-36.htm">of his works,</a> 39. <a href="/john/5-39.htm">and of the Scriptures, who he is.</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> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/john/5.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/john/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/john/5.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>John was a lamp that burned and gave light John the Baptist is described as a "lamp," indicating his role as a forerunner to Christ, illuminating the path for others to see the coming Messiah. In biblical times, lamps were essential for providing light in darkness, symbolizing guidance and revelation. John's ministry was marked by his call to repentance and preparation for the coming of Jesus, as seen in <a href="/isaiah/40-3.htm">Isaiah 40:3</a>, which prophesies a voice crying in the wilderness. His burning zeal and commitment to his mission reflect the fervor with which he proclaimed the truth, much like the prophets of the Old Testament. The imagery of light is significant throughout Scripture, often representing truth, holiness, and the presence of God, as seen in <a href="/psalms/119-105.htm">Psalm 119:105</a> and <a href="/john/1-4.htm">John 1:4-9</a>.and you were willing for a season to bask in his light The phrase "for a season" suggests a temporary acceptance and enthusiasm for John's message among the people. This reflects the initial widespread interest and excitement about his ministry, as crowds came to hear him preach and be baptized (<a href="/matthew/3-5.htm">Matthew 3:5-6</a>). However, this enthusiasm was short-lived, as many did not fully embrace the deeper implications of his message or the coming of Christ, leading to a decline in his following once Jesus began His public ministry. This temporary acceptance can be seen as a reflection of human nature's tendency to be drawn to charismatic figures and new teachings without a lasting commitment, as illustrated in the parable of the sower (<a href="/matthew/13-20.htm">Matthew 13:20-21</a>). The phrase also highlights the transient nature of human approval and the need for a deeper, enduring faith in Christ, who is the true Light of the world (<a href="/john/8-12.htm">John 8:12</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/john_the_baptist.htm">John the Baptist</a> A prophet and forerunner of Jesus Christ, known for his role in preparing the way for the Lord. He is described as a "lamp" in this verse, symbolizing his role in illuminating the truth and pointing others to Christ. 2. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The speaker in this passage, who acknowledges John the Baptist's role and contrasts it with His own eternal light. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_jewish_leaders.htm">The Jewish Leaders</a> The audience to whom Jesus is speaking. They initially showed interest in John's message but failed to fully embrace the truth he pointed to—Jesus Himself. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_ministry_of_john_the_baptist.htm">The Ministry of John the Baptist</a> A significant event in the New Testament, where John called people to repentance and baptized them, preparing them for the coming of Jesus. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_light_metaphor.htm">The Light Metaphor</a> A recurring theme in the Bible, representing truth, guidance, and revelation from God.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_a_witness.htm">The Role of a Witness</a> John the Baptist's life exemplifies the role of a witness, pointing others to Christ. As believers, we are called to be lights in the world, reflecting Jesus' light to those around us. <a href="/topical/t/temporary_vs._eternal_light.htm">Temporary vs. Eternal Light</a> While John was a temporary light, Jesus is the eternal Light of the world. We should seek to follow and abide in the eternal light of Christ rather than temporary sources of inspiration. <a href="/topical/r/responding_to_god's_revelation.htm">Responding to God's Revelation</a> The Jewish leaders' temporary interest in John's light serves as a cautionary tale. We must not only be intrigued by God's revelation but also fully embrace and live by it. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_preparation.htm">The Importance of Preparation</a> Just as John prepared the way for Jesus, we are called to prepare our hearts and lives for His return, living in a manner that reflects His kingdom values.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_john_5.htm">Top 10 Lessons from John 5</a> <a href="/q/119_ministries'_view_on_testaments.htm">How does 119 Ministries view Old and New Testament relations?</a> <a href="/q/meaning_of_'angel_of_light'.htm">What is the meaning of 'Angel of Light'?</a> <a href="/q/how_to_live_in_truth_and_love_with_god.htm">How can we live in truth and love through God?</a> <a href="/q/can_an_omnipotent_being_limit_itself.htm">What are the unfruitful works of darkness?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/john/5.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(35) He was a burning and a shining light.--Better, He was the lamp that is lighted and (then) giveth light. The statement of the Prologue, "He was not the Light, but came to bear witness of the Light" (<a href="/john/1-8.htm" title="He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.">John 1:8</a>), shows how important this change is. The word rendered "light" occurs again in <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>; <a href="/matthew/6-22.htm" title="The light of the body is the eye: if therefore your eye be single, your whole body shall be full of light.">Matthew 6:22</a>; <a href="/mark/4-21.htm" title="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?">Mark 4:21</a>; <a href="/luke/8-16.htm" title="No man, when he has lighted a candle, covers it with a vessel, or puts it under a bed; but sets it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light.">Luke 8:16</a>; <a href="/context/luke/11-33.htm" title="No man, when he has lighted a candle, puts it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light.">Luke 11:33-34</a>; <a href="/luke/11-36.htm" title="If your whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle does give you light.">Luke 11:36</a>; <a href="/luke/12-35.htm" title="Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning;">Luke 12:35</a>; <a href="/luke/15-8.htm" title="Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, does not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?">Luke 15:8</a>; <a href="/2_peter/1-19.htm" title="We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto you do well that you take heed, as to a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:">2Peter 1:19</a>; <a href="/revelation/18-23.htm" title="And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in you; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in you: for your merchants were the great men of the earth; for by your sorceries were all nations deceived.">Revelation 18:23</a>; <a href="/revelation/21-23.htm" title="And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.">Revelation 21:23</a>; <a href="/revelation/22-5.htm" title="And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God gives them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.">Revelation 22:5</a>. The reader who will take the trouble to com pare these passages, will see clearly the difference in the Greek words. It should be lamp in all these instances. The article in "the lamp" is to be explained from a reference to the one lamp of every home. (Comp. Notes 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> and <a href="/mark/4-21.htm" title="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?">Mark 4:21</a>.) The term was in common use to denote a distinguished hero or teacher. The Rabbis were often called "Lamps of the Law," and David was "The Lamp of Israel" (<a href="/2_samuel/21-17.htm" title="But Abishai the son of Zeruiah succored him, and smote the Philistine, and killed him. Then the men of David swore to him, saying, You shall go no more out with us to battle, that you quench not the light of Israel.">2Samuel 21:17</a>). Comp. the remarkable parallel spoken of the Baptist's great prototype, "Then stood up Elias the prophet, as fire, and his word was kindled like a lamp" (<a href="//apocrypha.org/ecclesiasticus/48-1.htm" title="Then stood up Elias the prophet as fire, and his word burned like a lamp.">Ecclesiasticus 48:1</a>). Others explain the words here of the promised lamp which was to appear, or of the torchbearer who lights the bridegroom's path. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/john/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 35. - He was the lamp (λύχνος, not φῶς) that burneth and shineth. He was not the Light, but came to bear witness to the Light (<a href="/john/1-8.htm">John 1:8</a>). The glory of his appearance was a derived or kindled illumination (cf. <a href="/matthew/6-22.htm">Matthew 6:22</a>; <a href="/2_peter/1-19.htm">2 Peter 1:19</a>). (It is not against this inference that in <a href="/revelation/21-23.htm">Revelation 21:23</a> the Lamb is the Lamp of the New Jerusalem.) The household lamp or torch, when kindled, burns with more or less brilliance, but burns itself out, exhausts itself. One may walk in the light of it, see the way one should take, discharge duties that would otherwise be impossible, avoid perils that might without the lamp prove disastrous or destructive; but the capacity of the torch is soon reduced to a minimum. Bengel, Stier, Alford, think that the celebrated passage in Ecclus. 48:1 may be referred to: "Then stood up Elijah the prophet like as a fire, and his word burned as a lamp." This is not impossible, though it would stand alone as a distinct reference in the Gospels to any apocryphal book. Lunge has given a long series of the lamp and fire symbols of the Old Testament; the group of events in which the Lord appeared in flames of fire and clouds of glory, from <a href="/exodus/3.htm">Exodus 3</a> to <a href="/malachi/3-2.htm">Malachi 3:2</a>, affirming John to be "the flame signal of Messiah, the last Old Testament form of the pillar of fire and candlestick of the temple, therefore the lamp at once flaming and shining." More than this, and more to the point, we find that, under the figure of lamps of fire, the messengers of God, the activities of the Church, here repeatedly set forth (cf. <a href="/matthew/5-14.htm">Matthew 5:14-16</a>; <a href="/matthew/25-1.htm">Matthew 25:1-8</a>; <a href="/revelation/1-20.htm">Revelation 1:20</a>; <a href="/philippians/2-15.htm">Philippians 2:15</a>). John was the burning lamp, not the archetypal Light. Ye desired for a season to rejoice in his light. Many interpretations have been suggested, such as the exultation of a wedding party in the brief light of the torch bearer, announcing the approach of the bridegroom; or the dancing of ephemerides in the glitter of a lamp. The metaphor is lost in the solemn memory of the high gratification for a season which the populations of Judaea, Galilee, and the wilderness had manifested on the apparition of the great prophet. The universal acclaim soon subsided. The leaders of the people fell back when they heard John's call to repentance. Publicans and harlots pressed into the kingdom before the scribes and Pharisees. "The generation of vipers" did to John "whatsoever they listed." The secular power hushed his voice and crushed the man. "For a season" only did they listen to his word or respond to his challenge. His great testimony, though given to him by God, and by no means proceeding from his mere human consciousness, had been in the main unheeded. Wunsche quotes from 'Sota,' fol. 21, a, "Rabbi Menahem said that Solomon (<a href="/proverbs/6-23.htm">Proverbs 6:23</a>) compares 'prayer' with 'lamp,' and 'teaching' with 'light,' because the one flashes for the twinkling of an eye, comforts in the moment during which it shines; while the other, like the shining of the sun, burns evermore, and leads to eternal rest." <a href="/commentaries/john/5-35.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>[John] Ἐκεῖνος (Ekeinos) Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1565.htm">Strong's 1565: </a> That, that one there, yonder. From ekei; that one (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed. was ἦν (ēn) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. 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. that 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. burned καιόμενος (kaiomenos) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2545.htm">Strong's 2545: </a> To ignite, light, burn, lit. and met; I consume with fire. Apparently a primary verb; to set on fire, i.e. Kindle or consume. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. gave light, φαίνων (phainōn) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5316.htm">Strong's 5316: </a> Prolongation for the base of phos; to lighten, i.e. Show. and δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. you ὑμεῖς (hymeis) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. were willing ἠθελήσατε (ēthelēsate) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2309.htm">Strong's 2309: </a> To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. for πρὸς (pros) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_4314.htm">Strong's 4314: </a> To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward. a season ὥραν (hōran) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5610.htm">Strong's 5610: </a> Apparently a primary word; an 'hour'. to bask ἀγαλλιαθῆναι (agalliathēnai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Passive <a href="/greek/strongs_21.htm">Strong's 21: </a> To exult, be full of joy. From agan and hallomai; properly, to jump for joy, i.e. Exult. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. his αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular <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. light. φωτὶ (phōti) Noun - Dative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5457.htm">Strong's 5457: </a> Light, a source of light, radiance. From an obsolete phao; luminousness. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/john/5-35.htm">John 5:35 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/john/5-35.htm">John 5:35 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/john/5-35.htm">John 5:35 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/john/5-35.htm">John 5:35 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/john/5-35.htm">John 5:35 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/john/5-35.htm">John 5:35 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/john/5-35.htm">John 5:35 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/john/5-35.htm">John 5:35 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/john/5-35.htm">John 5:35 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/john/5-35.htm">John 5:35 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/john/5-35.htm">NT Gospels: John 5:35 He was the burning and shining lamp (Jhn Jo Jn) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/john/5-34.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="John 5:34"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="John 5:34" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/john/5-36.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="John 5:36"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="John 5:36" /></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>