Luke 8:16

Showing the Light

8:16 “No one lights ¹  a lamp ²  and then covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a lampstand so that those who come in can see the light. ³ 

Luke 11:33

Internal Light

11:33 “No one after lighting a lamp puts it in a hidden place ⁴  or under a basket, ⁵  but on a lampstand, so that those who come in can see the light.

Luke 21:9

21:9 And when you hear of wars and rebellions, ⁶  do not be afraid. ⁷  For these things must happen first, but the end will not come at once.” ⁸ 

Luke 22:26

22:26 Not so with you; ⁹  instead the one who is greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader ¹⁰  like the one who serves. ¹¹ 

¹ tn The participle ἅψας ({aya") has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style.

² sn This is probably an ancient oil burning lamp or perhaps a candlestick. Jesus is comparing revelation to light, particularly the revelation of his ministry; see 1:78-79.

³ tn Or “its light,” if the Greek article is translated as a possessive pronoun (for such usage, cf. ExSyn 215).

⁴ 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.

⁵ 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.

⁷ tn Social and political chaos also precedes the end. This term refers to revolutions (L&N 39.34).

⁸ tn This is not the usual term for fear, but refers to a deep sense of terror and emotional distress (Luke 24:37; BDAG 895 s.v. πτοέω).

⁹ sn The end will not come at once. This remark about timing not only indicates that there will be events before the end, but that some time will also pass before it comes.

¹⁰ tn Grk “But you are not thus.”

¹¹ tn Or “the ruler.”

¹² sn And the leader like the one who serves. Leadership was not to be a matter of privilege and special status, but of service. All social status is leveled out by these remarks. Jesus himself is the prime example of the servant-leader.