21And he said to them: "A lamp is not brought in to be placed under the grain basket or under the bed, is it? Is it not to be placed on the lampstand? [4:22] For there is nothing hidden except that it should be made manifest, nor has anything become secret but that it should come into the open. [4:23] If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear." [4:24] And he said to them: "Pay attention to what you hear. By the measure you measure out, it will be measured to you — and more will be added to you. [4:25] For whoever has, more will be given to him; and whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him."
MRK 4:21-25
The Lesson of the Lamp
In the world it was spoken into
In a 1st-century Galilean household, the (lamp) was a small, oil-burning clay vessel essential for daily life, providing light in the dim interiors of homes. Placing it under a (grain basket) or (bed) would render it useless, as these objects would block its light entirely. The (lampstand) was designed to elevate the lamp, ensuring its light illuminated the room effectively. This imagery would resonate with listeners familiar with the practicalities of domestic life. The metaphor extends to the idea of hidden truths: in a culture where honor and public reputation were paramount, secrecy was often associated with shame or deception. The saying underscores that what is concealed will inevitably be revealed, aligning with Jewish apocalyptic expectations of divine disclosure. The measure-for-measure principle reflects a common reciprocity ethic in Greco-Roman and Jewish thought, where actions determine outcomes. The final statement about having and losing echoes the competitive honor-shame dynamics of the time, where status was precarious and could be gained or lost based on one’s actions or favor.
›See the receipts
How other translations render this
MRK 4:21
- KJV
- And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?
- BSB
- Jesus also said to them, “Does anyone bring in a lamp to put it under a basket or under a bed? Doesnʼt he set it on a stand?
- Koinōnos
- And he said to them: "A lamp is not brought in to be placed under the grain basket or under the bed, is it? Is it not to be placed on the lampstand?
MRK 4:22
- KJV
- For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.
- BSB
- For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be brought to light.
- Koinōnos
- For there is nothing hidden except that it should be made manifest, nor has anything become secret but that it should come into the open.
MRK 4:23
- KJV
- If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.
- BSB
- If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.”
- Koinōnos
- If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.
MRK 4:24
- KJV
- And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.
- BSB
- He went on to say, “Pay attention to what you hear. With the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and even more will be added to you.
- Koinōnos
- And he said to them: "Pay attention to what you hear. By the measure you measure out, it will be measured to you — and more will be added to you.
MRK 4:25
- KJV
- For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.
- BSB
- For whoever has will be given more. But whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.”
- Koinōnos
- For whoever has, more will be given to him; and whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him.
Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.
Translator's notes
MRK 4:21
- the:The word translated 'lamp' here refers to a portable light source, often an oil lamp, used to illuminate a room, not a modern electric lamp.
- the:The term used here for 'bucket' refers to a specific dry measure, roughly equivalent to a bushel, and the container itself, often used for grain.
- the:The word translated 'bed' could also refer to a couch or reclining place, commonly used for dining as well as sleeping in the ancient world.
- the:The word translated 'lampstand' describes a stand designed specifically to hold an oil lamp, elevating it to cast light over a wider area.