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 18:34

18:34 But ³  the twelve ⁴  understood none of these things. This ⁵  saying was hidden from them, and they did not grasp ⁶  what Jesus meant. ⁷ 

[11:33]  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.

[11:33]  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.

[18:34]  ³ tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “but” to indicate the contrast.

[18:34]  ⁴ tn Grk “they”; the referent (the twelve, v. 31) has been specified in the context for clarity.

[18:34]  ⁵ tn Grk “And this.” Here καί (kai) has not been translated.

[18:34]  ⁶ sn This failure of the Twelve to grasp what Jesus meant probably does not mean that they did not understand linguistically what Jesus said, but that they could not comprehend how this could happen to him, if he was really God’s agent. The saying being hidden probably refers to God’s sovereign timing.

[18:34]  ⁷ tn Grk “the things having been said.” The active agent, Jesus, has been specified for clarity, and “said” has been translated as “meant” to indicate that comprehension of the significance is really in view here.