What does the Bible say about lamps?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible presents lamps as signs of God’s light, the need for watchful faith, and the sure guidance of his revealed word. Psalm-like imagery is echoed in 2 Peter 1:19, where the prophetic word shines as a lamp in a dark place until Christ’s day dawns. In Matthew 25:3-8, the wise virgins prepare oil for their lamps, warning believers to remain spiritually ready for the Bridegroom’s return rather than relying on outward profession. The tabernacle lampstand, with its carefully arranged lamps in Exodus 25:37 and Zechariah 4:2, testified to God’s holy presence and sustaining Spirit. John 5:35 calls John a burning and shining lamp, pointing beyond himself to Christ, the true Light.
Study outline
Curated topical outlines from classic public-domain study works.
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- Design of 2 Peter 1:19
- Described as
- Burning Genesis 15:17
- Shining John 5:35
- Lighted with oil Matthew 25:3; Matthew 25:8
- Oil for, carried in vessels Matthew 25:4
- Sometimes supplied with oil form a bowl through pipes Zechariah 4:2
- Required to be constantly trimmed Matthew 25:7
- Used for lighting
- The tabernacle Exodus 25:37
- Private apartments Acts 20:8
- Chariots of war by night Nahum 2:3; Nahum 2:4
- Marriage processions Matthew 25:1
- Persons going out at night John 18:3
- Often kept lighting all night Proverbs 31:18
- Placed on a stand to give light to all in the house Matthew 5:15
- Illumination of the tents of Arab chiefs by, alluded to Job 29:3; Job 29:4
- Probable origin of dark lantern Judges 7:16
- Illustrative
- Of the word of God Psalms 119:105; Proverbs 6:23
- Of omniscience of Christ Daniel 10:6; Revelation 1:14
- Of graces of the Holy Spirit Revelation 4:5
- Of salvation of God Genesis 15:17; Isaiah 62:1
- Of God’s guidance 2 Samuel 22:29; Psalms 18:28
- Of glory of the cherubim Ezekiel 1:13
- Of spirit of man Proverbs 20:27
- Of ministers John 5:35
- Of wise rulers 2 Samuel 21:17
- Of severe judgments Revelation 8:10
- Of a succession of heirs 1 Kings 11:36; 1 Kings 15:4
- (Put out,) of destruction of the wicked Job 18:5; Job 18:6; Job 21:17; Job 13:9
- (Totally quenched,) of complete destruction of those who curse parents Proverbs 20:20
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