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id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/matthew/5-15.htm" title="Matthew 5:15">◄</a> Matthew 5:16 <a href="/matthew/5-17.htm" title="Matthew 5:17">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comment </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/matthew/5.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/matthew/5.htm">New International Version</a> In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. <a href="/nlt/matthew/5.htm">New Living Translation</a> In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. <a href="/esv/matthew/5.htm">English Standard Version</a> In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. <a href="/bsb/matthew/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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="/blb/matthew/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Thus let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and they should glorify your Father in the heavens. <a href="/kjv/matthew/5.htm">King James Bible</a> Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. <a href="/nkjv/matthew/5.htm">New King James Version</a> Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. <a href="/nasb_/matthew/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. <a href="/nasb/matthew/5.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. <a href="/nasb77/matthew/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. <a href="/lsb/matthew/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. <a href="/amp/matthew/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good deeds and moral excellence, and [recognize and honor and] glorify your Father who is in heaven. <a href="/csb/matthew/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. <a href="/hcsb/matthew/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. <a href="/asv/matthew/5.htm">American Standard Version</a> Even so let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. <a href="/cev/matthew/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Make your light shine, so others will see the good you do and will praise your Father in heaven. <a href="/erv/matthew/5.htm">English Revised Version</a> Even so let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. <a href="/gwt/matthew/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> In the same way let your light shine in front of people. Then they will see the good that you do and praise your Father in heaven. <a href="/gnt/matthew/5.htm">Good News Translation</a> In the same way your light must shine before people, so that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven. <a href="/isv/matthew/5.htm">International Standard Version</a> In the same way, let your light shine before people in such a way that they will see your good actions and glorify your Father in heaven." <a href="/msb/matthew/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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="/net/matthew/5.htm">NET Bible</a> In the same way, let your light shine before people, so that they can see your good deeds and give honor to your Father in heaven. <a href="/nheb/matthew/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> In the same way, let your light shine before people, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. <a href="/wbt/matthew/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. <a href="/wey/matthew/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Just so let your light shine before all men, in order that they may see your holy lives and may give glory to your Father who is in Heaven. <a href="/web/matthew/5.htm">World English Bible</a> Even so, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> so let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and may glorify your Father who [is] in the heavens. <a href="/blb/matthew/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Thus let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and they should glorify your Father in the heavens. <a href="/ylt/matthew/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> so let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and may glorify your Father who is in the heavens. <a href="/slt/matthew/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> So let your light shine before men, that they see your good works, and praise your Father, him in the heavens.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> So let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. <a href="/cpdv/matthew/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> So then, let your light shine in the sight of men, so that they may see your good works, and may glorify your Father, who is in heaven. <a href="/nabre/matthew/5.htm">New American Bible</a> Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father. <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Let your light thus shine before men, so that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/5.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Thus your light will shine before the children of men that they may see your good works, and may glorify your Father who is in Heaven.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/5.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> In this way let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.<CM> <a href="/godbey/matthew/5.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>Let your light so shine before the people, in order that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in the heavens.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/matthew/5.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Just so let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in the heavens.<CM> <a href="/mace/matthew/5.htm">Mace New Testament</a> even so let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your father who is in heaven. <a href="/wey/matthew/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Just so let your light shine before all men, in order that they may see your holy lives and may give glory to your Father who is in Heaven. <a href="/worrell/matthew/5.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>So let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father Who is in Heaven.<Fr> <a href="/worsley/matthew/5.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>So let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your father, who is in heaven.<Fr> <a href="/parallel/matthew/5-16.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/hriiyJYqzvc?start=920" 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/matthew/5.htm">Salt and Light</a> …15Neither 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. 16<a href="/greek/3779.htm" title="3779: houtōs (Adv) -- Thus, so, in this manner. Or (referring to what precedes or follows).">In the same way,</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-NNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">let</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymōn (PPro-G2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">your</a> <a href="/greek/5457.htm" title="5457: phōs (N-NNS) -- Light, a source of light, radiance. From an obsolete phao; luminousness.">light</a> <a href="/greek/2989.htm" title="2989: lampsatō (V-AMA-3S) -- To shine, give light. A primary verb; to beam, i.e. Radiate brilliancy.">shine</a> <a href="/greek/1715.htm" title="1715: emprosthen (Prep) -- From en and pros; in front of (literally or figuratively) or time).">before</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/444.htm" title="444: anthrōpōn (N-GMP) -- A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.">men,</a> <a href="/greek/3704.htm" title="3704: hopōs (Conj) -- From hos and pos; what(-ever) how, i.e. In the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual).">that</a> <a href="/greek/3708.htm" title="3708: idōsin (V-ASA-3P) -- Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.">they may see</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymōn (PPro-G2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">your</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ta (Art-ANP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2570.htm" title="2570: kala (Adj-ANP) -- Properly, beautiful, but chiefly good, i.e. Valuable or virtuous.">good</a> <a href="/greek/2041.htm" title="2041: erga (N-ANP) -- From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act.">deeds</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/1392.htm" title="1392: doxasōsin (V-ASA-3P) -- To glorify, honor, bestow glory on. From doxa; to render glorious.">glorify</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/4771.htm" title="4771: hymōn (PPro-G2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">your</a> <a href="/greek/3962.htm" title="3962: patera (N-AMS) -- Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a father.">Father</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/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/3588.htm" title="3588: tois (Art-DMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3772.htm" title="3772: ouranois (N-DMP) -- Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel.">heaven.</a> 17Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them.…<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="/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="/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 5:8-9</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. <a href="/1_peter/2-12.htm">1 Peter 2:12</a> Conduct yourselves with such honor among the Gentiles that, though they slander you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us. <a href="/john/15-8.htm">John 15:8</a> This is to My Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, proving yourselves to be My disciples. <a href="/1_john/1-7.htm">1 John 1:7</a> But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. <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="/isaiah/60-1.htm">Isaiah 60:1</a> Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. <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="/daniel/12-3.htm">Daniel 12:3</a> Then the wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever and ever. <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="/colossians/1-10.htm">Colossians 1:10</a> so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, <a href="/galatians/5-22.htm">Galatians 5:22-23</a> But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, / gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. <a href="/romans/13-12.htm">Romans 13:12</a> The night is nearly over; the day has drawn near. So let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. <a href="/psalms/37-6.htm">Psalm 37:6</a> He will bring forth your righteousness like the dawn, your justice like the noonday sun.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.your light.<a href="/proverbs/4-18.htm">Proverbs 4:18</a> But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.<a href="/isaiah/58-8.htm">Isaiah 58:8</a> Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward.<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… that.<a href="/matthew/6-1.htm">Matthew 6:1-5,16</a> Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven… <a href="/matthew/23-5.htm">Matthew 23:5</a> But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,<a href="/acts/9-36.htm">Acts 9:36</a> Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.and.<a href="/isaiah/61-3.htm">Isaiah 61:3</a> To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.<a href="/john/15-8.htm">John 15:8</a> Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.<a href="/1_corinthians/14-25.htm">1 Corinthians 14:25</a> And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.your Father.<a href="/matthew/5-45.htm">Matthew 5:45</a> That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.<a href="/matthew/6-9.htm">Matthew 6:9</a> After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.<a href="/matthew/23-9.htm">Matthew 23:9</a> And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/zechariah/1-4.htm">Deeds</a> <a href="/daniel/4-37.htm">Glorify</a> <a href="/matthew/4-8.htm">Glory</a> <a href="/matthew/5-13.htm">Good</a> <a href="/matthew/5-12.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/matthew/5-12.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/matthew/4-5.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/matthew/5-15.htm">Light</a> <a href="/matthew/4-14.htm">Order</a> <a href="/zechariah/9-16.htm">Shine</a> <a href="/zechariah/14-6.htm">Shining</a> <a href="/matthew/5-13.htm">Way</a> <a href="/matthew/3-8.htm">Works</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/6-2.htm">Deeds</a> <a href="/luke/23-47.htm">Glorify</a> <a href="/matthew/6-2.htm">Glory</a> <a href="/matthew/5-44.htm">Good</a> <a href="/matthew/5-18.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/matthew/5-19.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/matthew/6-9.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/matthew/5-45.htm">Light</a> <a href="/matthew/6-1.htm">Order</a> <a href="/matthew/13-43.htm">Shine</a> <a href="/matthew/13-43.htm">Shining</a> <a href="/matthew/5-18.htm">Way</a> <a href="/matthew/7-22.htm">Works</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 5</div>1. <a href="/matthew/5-1.htm">Jesus' sermon on the mount:</a> 3. <a href="/matthew/5-3.htm">The Beattitudes;</a> 13. <a href="/matthew/5-13.htm">the salt of the earth;</a> 14. <a href="/matthew/5-14.htm">the light of the world.</a> 17. <a href="/matthew/5-17.htm">He came to fulfill the law.</a> 21. <a href="/matthew/5-21.htm">What it is to kill;</a> 27. <a href="/matthew/5-27.htm">to commit adultery;</a> 33. <a href="/matthew/5-33.htm">to swear.</a> 38. <a href="/matthew/5-38.htm">He exhorts to forgive wrong,</a> 43. <a href="/matthew/5-43.htm">to love our enemies;</a> 48. <a href="/matthew/5-48.htm">and to labor after perfection.</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'; 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The Greek phrase "houtōs" implies a manner or method, suggesting that the way believers live should be consistent with the illuminating nature of light. Historically, light has been a symbol of purity, truth, and divine presence, as seen in the Old Testament, where God's word is described as a lamp to the feet (<a href="/psalms/119-105.htm">Psalm 119:105</a>).let your light shine The Greek word for "light" is "phōs," which is used metaphorically to represent the presence and truth of God within believers. The imperative "shine" (Greek: "lampo") suggests an active, intentional display of one's faith and good works. In the historical context of Jesus' time, light was a precious commodity, often associated with guidance and revelation. This command encourages believers to be visible and impactful in their communities, reflecting God's glory.before others The phrase "before others" emphasizes the public nature of the believer's witness. The Greek word "emprosthen" means "in front of" or "in the presence of," indicating that the Christian life is not meant to be hidden or private. In the cultural context of the early church, public testimony was crucial for spreading the Gospel and demonstrating the transformative power of Christ.that they may see The verb "see" (Greek: "eidō") implies not just physical sight but also perception and understanding. This suggests that the actions of believers should be evident and understandable to those around them, leading to a deeper comprehension of God's work in the world. Historically, the visibility of Christian love and service has been a powerful testimony to the truth of the Gospel.your good deeds The term "good deeds" (Greek: "kalos ergon") refers to actions that are not only morally good but also beautiful and attractive. This phrase underscores the importance of living a life that is both ethically sound and appealing to others. In the scriptural context, good deeds are the fruit of a life transformed by Christ, serving as evidence of genuine faith (<a href="/james/2-18.htm">James 2:18</a>).and glorify The Greek word "doxazō" means to honor, praise, or magnify. This indicates that the ultimate purpose of letting one's light shine is to bring glory to God. In the biblical narrative, God's glory is a central theme, representing His majesty, holiness, and worthiness of worship. The historical church has always emphasized that all actions should ultimately point back to God and His greatness.your Father in heaven This phrase identifies the source of the believer's light and good deeds. The term "Father" (Greek: "patēr") denotes a personal, intimate relationship with God, who is both the origin and the recipient of the glory. The mention of "heaven" (Greek: "ouranos") reminds believers of the divine realm and the eternal perspective that should guide their earthly actions. In the scriptural context, acknowledging God as Father emphasizes His authority, care, and the familial relationship believers have with Him through Christ.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/5.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(16) Let your light so shine.--The English form of the sentence is somewhat misleading, or at least ambiguous. It is not simply, Let your light so shine that men may glorify; but, "Thus, like the lamp on its stand, let your light shine. . . ." The motive to publicity is, however, the direct opposite of the temper which led the Pharisee to his ostentatious prayers and almsgiving; not "to be seen of men," and win their praise, but to win men, through our use of the light which we know to be not our own, to glorify the Giver of the light. We have at least a partial fulfilment of the command in the impression made on the heathen world by the new life of the Church when they confessed, in spite of all prejudices, "See how these Christians love one another."Your Father which is in heaven.--The name was in common use among devout Jews, but its first occurrence in our Lord's teaching deserves to be noted. The thought of God as a Father was that which was to inspire men not only when engaged in prayer (<a href="/matthew/6-9.htm" title="After this manner therefore pray you: Our Father which are in heaven, Hallowed be your name.">Matthew 6:9</a>), but in the activity of obedience. (See Note on <a href="/matthew/6-9.htm" title="After this manner therefore pray you: Our Father which are in heaven, Hallowed be your name.">Matthew 6:9</a>.)<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 16. - Matthew only. Let your light so shine; even so let your light shine (Revised Version); οὕτως λαμψὰτω τὸ φῶς ὑμῶν. The Revised Version (cf. Rheims) does away with the misinterpretation suggested by the Authorized Version, "so that," for οὕτως refers solely to the method of shining spoken of in ver. 15, "like a burning lamp upon its stand" (Meyer). Our Lord has here no thought of effort in shining, such as may improve the brightness of the light given, or of illuminating others, but of not concealing what light the disciples have. (For a similar οὕτως, cf. <a href="/1_corinthians/9-24.htm">1 Corinthians 9:24</a>.) Yet remember, "A lamp for one is a lamp for a hundred" (Talm. Bab., 'Sabb.,' 122a) and "Adam was the lamp of the world" (Talm. Jeremiah, 'Sabb.,' 2:4 - a play on <a href="/proverbs/20-27.htm">Proverbs 20:27</a>). Your light. Either genitive of apposition, the light which you are (Achelis), cf. ver. 14; or genitive of possession, the light of which you are the trusted possessors (Meyer, Weiss). The latter is preferable, as the disciples have, in ver. 15, been compared to the lamp, i.e. the light-bearer. Before men (ἔμπροσθεν τῶν ἀνθρώπων). More than ἐνώπιον, "in presence of," for the position of the lamp "in front of" the people is what our Lord is here emphasizing (cf. <a href="/john/12-37.htm">John 12:37</a>). That they may see your good works (u(mw = n τὰ καλὰ ἔργα). Your. Three times in this verse. Our Lord lays stress on personal possession of light, personal action, personal relationship and origin. Good works; i.e. of your lives generally (Weiss-Meyer), not ministerially (Mever). "Noble works, works which by their generous and attractive character win the natural admiration of men" (Bishop Westcott, on <a href="/hebrews/10-24.htm">Hebrews 10:24</a>). And glorify. This is actually done in ch. 9:8; 15:31. St. Peter's language (<a href="/1_peter/2-12.htm">1 Peter 2:12</a>) is probably due to a reminiscence of our Lord's words. Your Father which is in heaven. The Fatherhood of God is here predicated in a special sense of the disciples, in the same way as the Fatherhood of God is, in the Old Testament, always connected with his covenant relation to his people as a nation (cf. <a href="/isaiah/63-16.htm">Isaiah 63:16</a>; <a href="/isaiah/64-8.htm">Isaiah 64:8</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/3-4.htm">Jeremiah 3:4</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/32-6.htm">Deuteronomy 32:6</a>). Our Lord here is not thinking of the original relation of God to being and especially to humanity, in virtue of man's creation in the Divine image (ὁ πατήρ), but of the relation into which the disciples have entered through the revelation of God in Christ; cf. further Bishop Westcott, on <a href="/john/4-21.htm">John 4:21</a> (Add. Note) and on <a href="/1_john/1-2.htm">1 John 1:2</a> (Add. Note); also Weiss, 'Life,' 2:348. The phrase, which occurs here for the first time in St. Matthew (but cf. ver. 9, note), henceforth occurs frequently, becoming of great importance for this Gospel (cf. vers. 45, 48; <a href="/matthew/6-1.htm">Matthew 6:1, 9</a>, etc.). <a href="/commentaries/matthew/5-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>In the same way, οὕτως (houtōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3779.htm">Strong's 3779: </a> Thus, so, in this manner. Or (referring to what precedes or follows). {let} τὸ (to) Article - Nominative Neuter 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. your ὑμῶν (hymōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. light φῶς (phōs) Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5457.htm">Strong's 5457: </a> Light, a source of light, radiance. From an obsolete phao; luminousness. shine λαμψάτω (lampsatō) Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2989.htm">Strong's 2989: </a> To shine, give light. A primary verb; to beam, i.e. Radiate brilliancy. before ἔμπροσθεν (emprosthen) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1715.htm">Strong's 1715: </a> From en and pros; in front of (literally or figuratively) or time). men, ἀνθρώπων (anthrōpōn) Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_444.htm">Strong's 444: </a> A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being. that ὅπως (hopōs) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3704.htm">Strong's 3704: </a> From hos and pos; what(-ever) how, i.e. In the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual). they may see ἴδωσιν (idōsin) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3708.htm">Strong's 3708: </a> Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear. your ὑμῶν (hymōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. good καλὰ (kala) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2570.htm">Strong's 2570: </a> Properly, beautiful, but chiefly good, i.e. Valuable or virtuous. deeds ἔργα (erga) Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2041.htm">Strong's 2041: </a> From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. glorify δοξάσωσιν (doxasōsin) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1392.htm">Strong's 1392: </a> To glorify, honor, bestow glory on. From doxa; to render glorious. your ὑμῶν (hymōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. Father πατέρα (patera) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3962.htm">Strong's 3962: </a> Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'. 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. heaven. οὐρανοῖς (ouranois) Noun - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3772.htm">Strong's 3772: </a> Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/5-16.htm">Matthew 5:16 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/5-16.htm">Matthew 5:16 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/5-16.htm">Matthew 5:16 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/5-16.htm">Matthew 5:16 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/5-16.htm">Matthew 5:16 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/5-16.htm">Matthew 5:16 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/5-16.htm">Matthew 5:16 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/5-16.htm">Matthew 5:16 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/5-16.htm">Matthew 5:16 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/5-16.htm">Matthew 5:16 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/5-16.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 5:16 Even so let your light shine before (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/5-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 5:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 5:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/5-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 5:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 5:17" /></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>