Luke 11:33

Internal Light

11:33 “No one after lighting a lamp puts it in a hidden place ¹  or under a basket, ²  but on a lampstand, so that those who come in can see the light.

Luke 12:18

12:18 Then ³  he said, ‘I ⁴  will do this: I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods.

Luke 14:7-8

On Seeking Seats of Honor

14:7 Then ⁵  when Jesus ⁶  noticed how the guests ⁷  chose the places of honor, ⁸  he told them a parable. He said to them, 14:8 “When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, ⁹  do not take ¹⁰  the place of honor, because a person more distinguished than you may have been invited by your host. ¹¹ 

¹ tn Or perhaps “in a cellar” (L&N 28.78). The point is that the light of Jesus’ teaching has been put in public view.

² tc The phrase “or under a basket” is lacking in some important and early mss (Ì^45,75 L Γ Ξ 070 ˹ 700* 1241 2542 pc sy^s sa). It is hard to decide in this case, since the inclusion of “or under a basket” is widely attested by some early and decent witnesses, as well as the overwhelming majority of mss (א A B C D W Θ Ψ Ë¹³ Ï latt). The parallel passage in Luke 8:16 does not include “under a basket.” If the phrase “under a basket” were added as a harmonization with Mark 4:21 and Matt 5:15, it is perhaps surprising that scribes did not add the phrase at Luke 8:16 as well. It seems somewhat more likely that a scribe copying Luke would be inclined to harmonize 11:33 with 8:16 by omitting the phrase here. Thus, the words “or under a basket” seem to have the marks of authenticity.

³ tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.

⁴ sn Note how often the first person pronoun is present in these verses. The farmer is totally self absorbed.

⁵ tn Here δέ (de) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.

⁶ tn Grk “he”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.

⁷ tn Grk “those who were invited.”

⁸ tn Or “the best places.” The “places of honor” at the meal would be those closest to the host.

⁷ tn Or “banquet.” This may not refer only to a wedding feast, because this term can have broader sense (note the usage in Esth 2:18; 9:22 LXX). However, this difference does not affect the point of the parable.

⁸ tn Grk “do not recline in the place of honor.” 1st century middle eastern meals were not eaten while sitting at a table, but while reclining on one’s side on the floor with the head closest to the low table and the feet farthest away.

⁹ tn Grk “by him”; the referent (the host) has been specified in the translation for clarity.