These verses are found in Matthew, but in a different connection. See the notes at Matthew 5:15; Matthew 6:22-23.

No man, when he hath lighted, etc. - See on Matthew 5:15 (note). Our Lord intimates, that if he worked a miracle among such an obstinate people, who were determined to disbelieve every evidence of his Messiahship, he should act as a man who lighted a candle and then covered it with a bushel, which must prevent the accomplishment of the end for which it was lighted. See also on Mark 4:21 (note), etc.

No man when he hath lighted a candle,.... These words are often repeated by Christ on different occasions; see Gill on Matthew 5:15 and See Gill on Luke 8:16 and here seem to design the free, open, and clear ministry of Christ, who excelled Solomon in wisdom, and Jonas in powerful preaching. It being as a candle, which, when lighted, no man

putteth in a secret place; as under a bed, Mark 4:21 where it cannot be seen, and its light be of any use:

neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come may see the light; intimating, that Christ and his disciples did not preach in corners, or in private houses, and secret places, but in the streets of the city, and in the temples and synagogues, the public places of worship: and therefore the Jews were the more inexcusable, that they did not attend to the ministry of the word; and this would be their condemnation, that light was come among them, and they preferred darkness to it, John 3:19.

Candle

Properly, lamp.

Secret place (κρυπτὴν)

Rather, a cellar or crypt, which latter is the Greek word transcribed.

The bushel

See on Matthew 5:15.

Candlestick

Properly stand. See on Matthew 5:15.

Which enter in (εἰσπορευόμενοι)

Better with the continuous force of the present participle, axe entering m from time to time.

Light (φέγγος)

The word occurs in only two other places: Matthew 24:29; Mark 13:24, on which see notes.

{9} No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light.

(9) Our minds are therefore lightened with the knowledge of God, that we should give light unto others, and therefore our main labour ought to be to pray for that light.

11:33-36 When he hath lighted a lamp. See notes on Mt 5:15 6:22,23.

11:33 The meaning is, God gives you this Gospel light, that you may repent. Let your eye be singly fixed on him, aim only at pleasing God; and while you do this, your whole soul will be full of wisdom, holiness, and happiness. Mt 5:15; Mr 4:21; Lu 8:16.

33-36. (See on [1640]Mt 5:14-16; [1641]Mt 6:22, 23.) But Lu 11:36 here is peculiarly vivid, expressing what pure, beautiful, broad perceptions the clarity of the inward eye imparts.

11:29-36 Christ promised that there should be one sign more given, even the sign of Jonah the prophet; which in Matthew is explained, as meaning the resurrection of Christ; and he warned them to improve this sign. But though Christ himself were the constant preacher in any congregation, and worked miracles daily among them, yet unless his grace humbled their hearts, they would not profit by his word. Let us not desire more evidence and fuller teaching than the Lord is pleased to afford us. We should pray without ceasing that our hearts and understandings may be opened, that we may profit by the light we enjoy. And especially take heed that the light which is in us be not darkness; for if our leading principles be wrong, our judgment and practice must become more so.