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What does the Bible say about hide your light under a bushel?

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The Bible teaches that those renewed by Christ should not conceal the light of faith, but live openly so that others may see God’s truth and glorify him. In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus calls his disciples the light of the world, whose good works are meant to direct praise to the Father rather than to themselves. Mark 4:21 and Luke 8:16 stress that a lamp is placed on a stand, not hidden. This witness includes holy conduct, gracious speech, and proclaiming the gospel, as Mark 16:15 shows. Yet believers shine only by God’s grace: Christ is the true light, and his people reflect him in humble obedience.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Matthew 5:14-16

    [14] You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can't be hidden. [15] Neither do you light a lamp, and put it under a measuring basket, but on a stand; and it shines to all who are in the house. [16] Even so, let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

  • Mark 4:21

    He said to them, "Is the lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Isn't it put on a lampstand?

  • Matthew 5:16

    Even so, let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

  • Matthew 5:14

    You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can't be hidden.

  • Matthew 5:15

    Neither do you light a lamp, and put it under a measuring basket, but on a stand; and it shines to all who are in the house.

  • Luke 11:33

    "No man, when he has lit a lamp, puts it in a cellar, nor under a basket, but on a stand, that those who enter in may see the light.

  • Mark 16:15

    He said to them, "Go into all the world, and preach the Gospel to the whole creation.

  • Luke 8:16

    "No one, when he has lit a lamp, covers it with a container, or puts it under a bed; but puts it on a stand, that those who enter in may see the light.

  • Isaiah 49:6

    yes, he says, It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give you for a light to the Gentiles, that you may be my salvation to the end of the earth.

  • Luke 11:36

    If therefore your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, it will be wholly full of light, as when the lamp with its bright shining gives you light."

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