Commentary— Tyndale Open Study Notes (plain English)
4:21-25 These sayings are connected with the exhortation to hear (4:9, 23-24) and with the distinction between insiders and outsiders (4:11-12, 24-25). They illustrate what citizens of the Kingdom will do. 4:21 A lamp is lighted to shine and give people light, not to remain hidden. Citizens of the Kingdom are responsible for putting the light of the Good News on a stand (4:17).
Literal English (YLT)ⓘYoung's Literal Translation (1862) — mirrors the original word order and idiom as closely as English grammar allows. It reads awkwardly on purpose: the goal is to show you the structure of the original language, not smooth English prose. Covers the New Testament only.Young's Literal Translation (1862) — mirrors the original word order and idiom as closely as English grammar allows. It reads awkwardly on purpose: the goal is to show you the structure of the original language, not smooth English prose. Covers the New Testament only.
And he said to them, 'Doth the lamp come that under the measure it may be put, or under the couch — not that it may be put on the lamp-stand?
Greek (New Testament)ⓘA Greek New Testament text — koine (common) Greek, the everyday language the New Testament was originally written in.A Greek New Testament text — koine (common) Greek, the everyday language the New Testament was originally written in.
και ελεγεν αυτοις μητι ο λυχνος ερχεται ινα υπο τον μοδιον τεθη η υπο την κλινην ουχ ινα επι την λυχνιαν επιτεθη
King James VersionⓘKing James Version (1611) — the classic formal, word-for-word English translation. Historic and widely memorized, but uses Early Modern English vocabulary.King James Version (1611) — the classic formal, word-for-word English translation. Historic and widely memorized, but uses Early Modern English vocabulary.
¶ 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?
American Standard VersionⓘAmerican Standard Version (1901) — a more literal, precision-focused revision in the King James tradition.American Standard Version (1901) — a more literal, precision-focused revision in the King James tradition.
And he said unto them, Is the lamp brought to be put under the bushel, or under the bed, and not to be put on the stand?
World English BibleⓘWorld English Bible — a modern, public-domain update to the KJV/ASV formal style, without archaic language.World English Bible — a modern, public-domain update to the KJV/ASV formal style, without archaic language.
He said to them, “Is a lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Isn’t it put on a stand?
Bible in Basic EnglishⓘBible in Basic English (1949) — deliberately written with a ~1,000-word vocabulary. Easiest to read, least precise wording.Bible in Basic English (1949) — deliberately written with a ~1,000-word vocabulary. Easiest to read, least precise wording.
And he said to them, When the light comes in, do people put it under a vessel, or under the bed, and not on its table?