Mat 5:15, Mar 4:21, Luk 11:23 | Barnes | STEP | Verse 15. Neither do men light a candle , etc. Jesus proceeded here to show them that the very reason why they were enlightened was, that others might also see the light, and be benefited by it. When men light a candle, they do not conceal the light, but place it where it may be of use. So it is with religion. It is given that we may benefit others. It is not to be concealed, but suffered to show itself, and to shed light on a surrounding wicked world. A bushel . Greek , a measure containing nearly a peck. It denotes anything, here, that might conceal the light. (1) "bushel" or, "The word, in the original, signifieth a measuring containing about a pint less than a peck."

Matthew 5:15

Verse 15. Neither do men light a candle, etc. Jesus proceeded here to show them that the very reason why they were enlightened was, that others might also see the light, and be benefited by it. When men light a candle, they do not conceal the light, but place it where it may be of use. So it is with religion. It is given that we may benefit others. It is not to be concealed, but suffered to show itself, and to shed light on a surrounding wicked world.

A bushel. Greek, a measure containing nearly a peck. It denotes anything, here, that might conceal the light.

(1) "bushel" or, "The word, in the original, signifieth a measuring containing about a pint less than a peck."

Mark 4:21

Verse 21. Is a candle brought, etc. A candle is not lit up to be put immediately under a measure, or a bed, where it can give no light. Its design is to give light. So my preaching by parables is not designed to obscure the truth, but to throw light on it. You should understand those parables; and, understanding them, should impart the truth to others also, as a candle throws its beams upon a dark world.

Bushel. In the original, a measure for grain, containing about twelve quarts.

Bed. A couch, either to sleep on at night, or to recline on at their meals. Probably the latter is here meant, and is equivalent to our saying, a candle is not brought to be put under the table, but on it. Mt 23:6.

(1) "bushel" Mt 5:15

Luke 11:23

Verses 14-23. Mt 12:22 and Mt 12:23-30

Verse 23.