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?

Study Bible

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.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jesus
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is teaching His disciples and the crowd through parables. He uses everyday objects to convey spiritual truths.

2. Lamp
A common household item in ancient times, used to provide light. In this parable, it symbolizes the revelation of truth and the purpose of sharing the Gospel.

3. Bushel (or Basket)
A container used for measuring grain. In the parable, it represents anything that might obscure or hide the light.

4. Bed
A piece of furniture for rest, symbolizing complacency or neglect in sharing the light of the Gospel.

5. Disciples and Crowd
The immediate audience of Jesus' teaching, representing both those who are close to Jesus and the broader public who hear His message.

Teaching Points

The Purpose of Light
Just as a lamp is meant to illuminate, the truth of the Gospel is meant to be shared and not hidden. Believers are called to actively share their faith.

Avoiding Complacency
The imagery of a lamp under a bed warns against spiritual complacency. Believers must be vigilant in living out and sharing their faith.

Visibility of Faith
Our faith should be evident in our actions and words, serving as a testimony to others. We are called to be visible representatives of Christ in the world.

Responsibility to Share
The light of the Gospel is not just for personal benefit but is meant to be shared with others. We have a responsibility to spread the message of Christ.

Overcoming Obstacles
Identify and remove anything in our lives that might obscure the light of Christ, such as sin, fear, or distractions.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the metaphor of a lamp in Mark 4:21 challenge you in your personal walk with Christ?

2. What are some "bushels" or "beds" in your life that might be hiding the light of the Gospel, and how can you address them?

3. How can you practically live out the call to be a light in your community, workplace, or family?

4. In what ways does understanding Jesus as the Light of the World (John 8:12) deepen your understanding of this parable?

5. How do the teachings in Ephesians 5:8-14 and Philippians 2:15 complement the message of Mark 4:21, and how can they be applied in your daily life?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Matthew 5:14-16
This passage also uses the metaphor of light, emphasizing the role of believers as the light of the world, meant to be seen and to glorify God.

John 8:12
Jesus declares Himself as the Light of the World, connecting His identity to the light that should not be hidden.

Ephesians 5:8-14
Paul encourages believers to live as children of light, highlighting the transformation from darkness to light through Christ.

Philippians 2:15
Believers are called to shine like stars in the world, living blamelessly and holding fast to the word of life.

Psalm 119:105
The Word of God is described as a lamp to the feet and a light to the path, underscoring the guiding and revealing nature of God's truth.