Matthew 5:15: This little light of mine

Here are links to additional content on Matthew 5:13-16 which begins with the "salt of the earth".

Matthew 5:13-16 Animal crackers
Matthew 5:13: Salt of the earth
Matthew 5:14: Light of the world
Matthew 5:15: This little light of mine (this page)
Matthew 5:16 Let the light of Jesus shine

pigs	Matthew 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. [kjv]
fish	5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. [kjv]
birds	5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. [kjv]
sheep	5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. [kjv]

Words in these verses may be code words, have double meanings, be play on words, etc. The Greek words may have been changed, omitted, etc. [top-down view]

More: Matthew 5:13-16 Animal crackers

Matthew 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. [kjv]

υμεις εστε το αλας της γης εαν δε το αλας μωρανθη εν τινι αλισθησεται εις ουδεν ισχυει ετι ει μη βληθεν εξω καταπατεισθαι υπο των ανθρωπων [gnt]

pigs	sheep
bad salt black pearls	good salt white pearls

Paraphrase: You are the salt/fruit/harvest of the earth. But if the salt/fruit/harvest is a bad bloom, how will it be salted? It is not effective. But if it is not thrown out (cut off), it is trodden down by men (pigs).
The "pigs" are recruited to be "leaders" and "influence" others to achieve the goals of the "birds".

Here is as ARMS (Attractive Refrigerator Magnet Sermons) (tongue-in-cheek) paraphrase. Think Monty Python.

You are the refrigerator magnet sermons of the earth. But if the refrigerator magnet sermon is not attractive, how will it stay on the refrigerator? It is not worth it's salt. But if it is not thrown out, it will fall off the refrigerator and be trodden down by others, perhaps causing men to slip and have a great fall (like the house built on attractive but not solid sand).

Advice: Before you pick up those refrigerator magnet sermons off the floor, make sure they are not bird droppings.

More: Attractive refrigerator magnet sermons

More: Matthew 5:13: Salt of the earth

Matthew 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. [kjv]

υμεις εστε το φως του κοσμου ου δυναται πολις κρυβηναι επανω ορους κειμενη [gnt]

Whatever "definition" or "mountain" on which the "city" or "many" tries to be "hidden", they cannot "hide" - for better or worse. Here is a paraphrase of the last part of the verse using the play on words.
Paraphrase: It is not possible for the many to hide themselves (negative sense) on top of (worldly) mountain/empire/definition and remain/abide there (past their worldly existence).

How hard is it to get someone down off a "mountain"?
How hard is it to get someone down off a "definition"? (same Greek word)

Aristotle covers how that the starting point in refuting invalid logic is to precisely define the meanings of the words used.

It appears that the "you are the light of the world" can be in a good sense or in a not so good sense. What type of "light" does the "world" desire?

More: Matthew 5:14: Light of the world

Matthew 5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. [kjv]

What does a "candle" or "lamp" represent? Is it "lit"?
What type of "light" is used? (ambiguous double-meaning play on words)
What is a "bushel"?
What type of "light" is given?
What type of "house" is this?
Is the "light" limited to the "house"?

Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. [kjv]

ουτως λαμψατω το φως υμων εμπροσθεν των ανθρωπων οπως ιδωσιν υμων τα καλα εργα και δοξασωσιν τον πατερα υμων τον εν τοις ουρανοις [gnt]

The children's and gospel song "This little light of mine", with African-American roots, was written down by Harry Dixon Loes in the early 1920's. Many verses have been added over the years.
The Greek for "shine" is that of a man-made "lamp" and not just the appearance of "light". Whose "light" do you emit? Do you pass through the (true) "light" of Jesus? Do you create your own (false) "light"?

More: Philippians 2:15 deceptive appearance of a shining light

More: Matthew 5:16 Let the light of Jesus shine

More: Song: This little light of mine

This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine!
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine!
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine!
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!

Build your house on the granite rock of Jesus and not on the human sand (or stones) of man, Matthew 7:24-27. Sand is a chip off the old block of granite and made in the image of granite.

Church of believers built on the rock of Christ .
Church of believers built on the sand of man .

The higher one goes up the human sand hierarchy or sand tree, the more the temptation to ignore the foundation of the rock and to start to "influence" or "manipulate" others as "leaders" for one's own purposes.

To the extent that the Church of believers built on the sand of man helps one do what Jesus wants them to do, it is good. To the extent it does not, it is not good.

Some birds will make "stones" (sand on which to build their birdhouse) appear as "bread". That is, give "bad" "gifts" or "houses" to their "children".

More: Some shallow and yet deep ideas about organizational structure

More: Matthew 16: Calling a masterful gathering of outgoing church believers

More: 2 Peter 2:1-22 Déjà vu all over again

Matthew 6:3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: [kjv]

σου δε ποιουντος ελεημοσυνην μη γνωτω η αριστερα σου τι ποιει η δεξια σου [gnt]

6:4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly. [kjv]

οπως η σου η ελεημοσυνη εν τω κρυπτω και ο πατηρ σου ο βλεπων εν τω κρυπτω αποδωσει σοι [gnt]

The Greek translated as "reward" is that of "give to". There is another common Greek word for "reward" that is not used here.
Jesus uses the "hand" to represent "people" in roles (e.g., "bird", "pig", "fish", "sheep", etc.). What do most men do?

Do good in secret (expecting reward only from God in secret)
Do good in public to get the world's praise (and often use it to influence and/or oppress others).

Although gift giving had been part of the pagan Roman holiday of Saturnalia, whose traditions were merged with Christmas traditions, gift giving at Christmas was then associated with the gift giving of Nicholas - who did it in secret and for no public acclaim.

Matthew 6:3

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KJV: But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:

Greek: σου δε ποιουντος ελεημοσυνην μη γνωτω η αριστερα σου τι ποιει η δεξια σου

Matthew 6:4

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KJV: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.

Greek: οπως η σου η ελεημοσυνη εν τω κρυπτω και ο πατηρ σου ο βλεπων εν τω κρυπτω αυτος αποδωσει σοι εν τω φανερω

Matthew 5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. [kjv]

ουδε καιουσιν λυχνον και τιθεασιν αυτον υπο τον μοδιον αλλ επι την λυχνιαν και λαμπει πασιν τοις εν τη οικια [gnt]

Let us compare Matthew with Mark and Luke.

Matthew is written from notes taken at the time.
Mark is Peter's Gospel as to what Peter remembered and told Mark. Mark adds some of what he knows.
Luke is what people remembered and told Luke same 20 years later.

John is written in a top-down style in the manner of how computer scientists think. Chronological order is not important. Anything not necessary for the overall goal is not included.

Mark 4:21 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? [kjv]

και ελεγεν αυτοις οτι μητι ερχεται ο λυχνος ινα υπο τον μοδιον τεθη η υπο την κλινην ουχ ινα επι την λυχνιαν τεθη [gnt]

4:22 For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad. [kjv]

ου γαρ εστιν κρυπτον εαν μη ινα φανερωθη ουδε εγενετο αποκρυφον αλλ ινα ελθη εις φανερον [gnt]

4:23 If any man have ears to hear, let him hear. [kjv]

ει τις εχει ωτα ακουειν ακουετω [gnt]

Mark, Peter's Gospel, says nothing about the "candle" being "lit". Does a "candle" need to be "lit" to put it on a "candlestick"?

Mark 4:21

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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?

Greek: και ελεγεν αυτοις οτι μητι ερχεται ο λυχνος ερχεται ινα υπο τον μοδιον τεθη η υπο την κλινην ουχ ινα επι την λυχνιαν επιτεθη τεθη

Mark 4:22

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KJV: For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.

Greek: ου γαρ εστιν τι κρυπτον ο εαν μη ινα φανερωθη ουδε εγενετο αποκρυφον αλλ ινα ελθη εις φανερον ελθη

Mark 4:23

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KJV: If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.

Greek: ει τις εχει ωτα ακουειν ακουετω

Luke 8:16 No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light. [kjv]

ουδεις δε λυχνον αψας καλυπτει αυτον σκευει η υποκατω κλινης τιθησιν αλλ επι λυχνιας τιθησιν ινα οι εισπορευομενοι βλεπωσιν το φως [gnt]

Luke uses a word translated as "lighted" as in "set fire to" (definition 14) whose primary definitions (1 to 13) are that of "grasp" or "touch".

no one , having lit a candle ...
no one, having grabbed a candle (that may be lit at some time) ...

This word is the source of the English word "haptic" having to do with touching. The following appear to be valid meanings.

In Matthew, Jesus uses a less common word that has a double meaning as a play on words in the way it is used there.

*G681 *7 ἅπτω (hap'-to) : a primary verb; properly, to fasten to, i.e. (specially) to set on fire:--kindle, light.

Usage

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αψας *2

Luke 8:16 No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, ...
Luke 11:33 No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in ...

αψαμενος

Matthew 17:7 And Jesus came and touched them, and ...

ηψαντο

Mark 6:56 And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or ...

απτει

Luke 15:8 ... one piece, doth not light a candle, and ...

περιαψαντων

Luke 22:55 And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, ...

αψαντες

Acts 28:2 And the barbarous people shewed us no little ...

*G681 *7 ἅπτω (hap'-to) : a primary verb; properly, to fasten to, i.e. (specially) to set on fire:--kindle, light.

Words: απτει αψαμενος αψαντες αψας=2 ηψαντο περιαψαντων

The ancient Greek word "ἅπτω" ≈ "touch, fasten to, kindle, set on fire" and can mean "grasp" with the senses as in "apprehend" or "perceive".

More: A touchy situation in the garden

Luke 8:16

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KJV: No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light.

Greek: ουδεις δε λυχνον αψας καλυπτει αυτον σκευει η υποκατω κλινης τιθησιν αλλ επι λυχνιας επιτιθησιν τιθησιν ινα οι εισπορευομενοι βλεπωσιν το φως

Luke 8:17 For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad. [kjv]

ου γαρ εστιν κρυπτον ο ου φανερον γενησεται ουδε αποκρυφον ο ου μη γνωσθη και εις φανερον ελθη [gnt]

Again, the verses with "candle" or "lamp" are followed by a verse with "secret", "hidden", etc.

Luke 8:17

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KJV: For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.

Greek: ου γαρ εστιν κρυπτον ο ου φανερον γενησεται ουδε αποκρυφον ο ου γνωσθησεται μη γνωσθη και εις φανερον ελθη

Luke 11:33 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. [kjv]

ουδεις λυχνον αψας εις κρυπτην τιθησιν ουδε υπο τον μοδιον αλλ επι την λυχνιαν ινα οι εισπορευομενοι το φως βλεπωσιν [gnt]

11:34 The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness. [kjv]

ο λυχνος του σωματος εστιν ο οφθαλμος σου οταν ο οφθαλμος σου απλους η και ολον το σωμα σου φωτεινον εστιν επαν δε πονηρος η και το σωμα σου σκοτεινον [gnt]

Is your "eye" on "fire"? Luke uses a word translated as "lighted" as in "set fire to" (definition 14) whose primary definitions (1 to 13) are that of "grasp" or "touch".

no one , having lit a candle ...
no one, having grabbed a candle (that may be lit at some time) ...

Luke 11:35 Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness. [kjv]

σκοπει ουν μη το φως το εν σοι σκοτος εστιν [gnt]

To the physical human eye, the following look exactly the same.

True light from Jesus.
False light from men (e.g., a "bird", "pig", etc.).
Darkness (a light that is not true).

Luke 11:32

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KJV: The men of Nineve shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.

Greek: ανδρες νινευι νινευιται αναστησονται εν τη κρισει μετα της γενεας ταυτης και κατακρινουσιν αυτην οτι μετενοησαν εις το κηρυγμα ιωνα και ιδου πλειον ιωνα ωδε

Luke 11:33

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KJV: 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.

Greek: ουδεις δε λυχνον αψας εις κρυπτον κρυπτην τιθησιν ουδε υπο τον μοδιον αλλ επι την λυχνιαν ινα οι εισπορευομενοι το φεγγος φως βλεπωσιν

Luke 11:34

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KJV: The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness.

Greek: ο λυχνος του σωματος εστιν ο οφθαλμος σου οταν ουν ο οφθαλμος σου απλους η και ολον το σωμα σου φωτεινον εστιν επαν δε πονηρος η και το σωμα σου σκοτεινον

Luke 11:35

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KJV: Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness.

Greek: σκοπει ουν μη το φως το εν σοι σκοτος εστιν

John 1:4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. [kjv]

εν αυτω ζωη ην και η ζωη ην το φως των ανθρωπων [gnt]

1:5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. [kjv]

και το φως εν τη σκοτια φαινει και η σκοτια αυτο ου κατελαβεν [gnt]

How can "darkness" not "comprehend"?

Perhaps "darkness" is an intelligent entity.

John 1:4

All

KJV: In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

Greek: εν αυτω ζωη ην και η ζωη ην το φως των ανθρωπων

John 1:5

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KJV: And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

Greek: και το φως εν τη σκοτια φαινει και η σκοτια αυτο ου κατελαβεν

Matthew 5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. [kjv]

Which men? Is it a "sheep" "dog" or a "wolf" "dog" ("bird")?
Which "light"? Is it true light or false light?
Which house? Is it built on the rock or on sand?
The "light" on a "candlestick" is for everyone in the "house". The Greek verb for "to light" is that of "to set fire to" but can be a play on words.

If Jesus is your light, do you need to "light" a "candle"?
A "house" built on the rock uses the "light" of Jesus.
A "house" built on sand (human infrastructure) needs "light" from "men" - which could be a false "light". Perhaps many such "lights".

In Philippians, Paul is taking the "bishops" to task for taking the church followers in directions not in line with the truth of Christ.

Philippians 2:15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; [kjv]

ινα γενησθε αμεμπτοι και ακεραιοι τεκνα θεου αμωμα μεσον γενεας σκολιας και διεστραμμενης εν οις φαινεσθε ως φωστηρες εν κοσμω [gnt]

… querella … simplices … lucetis … luminaria … mundo [v]

Do those (bishops) in Philippi "shine" or do they only "appear"?

Greek: "appear" as "light".
KJV (King James Version): "shine" as "light".

The Latin word "luceo" ≈ "shine" and is the basis for the English word "Lucifer", from the Greek, as "bearer of light" (albeit a false light). The Latin Vulgate appears to start the word slide. Whose "bright" idea was this?

More: Philippians 2:15 deceptive appearance of a shining light

*G2545 *12 καίω (kah'-yo) : apparently a primary verb; to set on fire, i.e. kindle or (by implication) consume:--burn, light.

Usage

All

καιομενη *2

Luke 24:32 ... not our heart burn within us, while ...
Revelation 21:8 ... in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: ...

καιομενος *2

John 5:35 He was a burning and a shining light: ...
Revelation 8:10 ... star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and ...

καιουσιν

Matthew 5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it ...

καιομενοι

Luke 12:35 ... girded about, and your lights burning;

καιεται

John 15:6 ... them into the fire, and they are burned.

καυθησομαι

1 Corinthians 13:3 ... my body to be burned, and have not ...

κεκαυμενω

Hebrews 12:18 ... the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, ...

καιομεναι

Revelation 4:5 ... there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which ...

καιομενον

Revelation 8:8 ... as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into ...

καιομενης

Revelation 19:20 ... into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.

*G2545 *12 καίω (kah'-yo) : apparently a primary verb; to set on fire, i.e. kindle or (by implication) consume:--burn, light.

Words: καιεται καιομεναι καιομενη=2 καιομενης καιομενοι καιομενον καιομενος=2 καιουσιν=1 καυθησομαι κεκαυμενω

The ancient Greek word "καίω" ≈ "light, kindle, burn". There appears to a play on words here at the start of this verse just as at the end of the previous verse.

End of previous verse:

"κειμενη" ≈ "lie, be situated, be in store". (1 time in GNT (Greek New Testament))
«κει» is close to "και" ≈ "and".
"μενη" ≈ "abide, remain".
Play on words: and remain/abide

Begin of this verse: (the first word is "nor" with "and" as in "and yet")

"καιουσιν" ≈ "light, burn, kindle". (1 time in GNT)
"και" ≈ "and".
"ουσιν" ≈ "being" related (or play on words) to "ουσία" ≈ "substance".
Play on words: and yet be/exist

This play on words appears to connect to the previous verse. Chapter and verse divisions were decided in the Middle Ages. The "many" (fish) going (out of water) "on" the "mountain" cannot remain/abide nor be/exist there.

More: Chapter and verse divisions

*G3776 *2 οὐσία (oo-see'-ah) : from the feminine of G5607; substance, i.e. property (possessions):--goods, substance.

Usage

All

ουσιας

Luke 15:12 ... give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided ...

ουσιαν

Luke 15:13 ... there wasted his substance with riotous living.

*G3776 *2 οὐσία (oo-see'-ah) : from the feminine of G5607; substance, i.e. property (possessions):--goods, substance.

Words: ουσιαν ουσιας

The ancient Greek word "ουσιν" ≈ "being" related (or play on words) to "ουσία" ≈ "substance".

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. [kjv]

οιδαμεν δε οτι τοις αγαπωσιν τον θεον παντα συνεργει ο θεος εις αγαθον τοις κατα προθεσιν κλητοις ουσιν [gnt]

Paul uses the word as a verb "being" that, in English, is translated as "are" which is combined with "called".

Romans 8:28

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KJV: And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Greek: οιδαμεν δε οτι τοις αγαπωσιν τον θεον παντα συνεργει ο θεος εις αγαθον τοις κατα προθεσιν κλητοις ουσιν

Matthew 5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. [kjv]

Matthew 5:15
Strong	Used	Unique	Word	Part of speech

Romans 8:28
Strong	Used	Unique	Word	Part of speech
G1492	316	45	οιδαμεν	verb perfect active indicative 1st person plural
G1161	2777	2755	δε	conjunction
G3754	1282	1282	οτι	conjunction
G3588	19706	620	τοις	article dative plural masculine
G25	142	5	αγαπωσιν	verb present active participle dative plural masculine
G3588	19706	1561	τον	article accusative singular masculine
G2316	1305	148	θεον	noun accusative singular masculine
G3956	1225	260	παντα	adjective accusative plural neuter
G4903	5	1	συνεργει	verb present active indicative 3rd person singular
G1519	1763	1763	εις	preposition
G18	102	34	αγαθον	adjective accusative singular neuter
G3588	19706	620	τοις	article dative plural masculine
G2596	471	326	κατα	preposition
G4286	12	4	προθεσιν	noun accusative singular feminine
G2822	10	5	κλητοις	adjective dative plural masculine
G1510	2435	9	ουσιν	verb present active participle dative plural masculine

To change singular (candle) to plural, the "men" needs to be added and the "candle" needs to be "lit" which is not in Mark or Luke (mistranslation to get the "candle" "lit"). There were no spaces in the original Greek.

*G3426 *0 μόδιος (mod'-ee-os) : of Latin origin; a modius, i.e. certain measure for things dry (the quantity or the utensil):--bushel.

Words: μοδιον=3

The ancient Greek word "μόδιυς" ≈ "dry measure, vessel of this capacity" which was borrowed from the Latin word "modius" ≈ "unit of dry measure". It is unclear when and how this "measure" became associated with a "basket" of the same measure.

Consider the play on words of "με" ≈ "me" where the ending «ε» would disappear if combined with "ὁδός" ≈ "threshold, path, way".

The ending of the word used in the GNT might indicate a diminutive (in addition to dative) as a play on words as in a "little path". The play on words allusion might be "my little path" since a "false light" from the "candlestick" might be used to attract others to follow a "false way" to allow those with the "false light" to get the glory of men in their own "house" (of sand).

More: Diminutives

More: A candle under the footstool

The ancient Greek word "μέτρον" ≈ "measure, distance".
The ancient Greek word "δόξα" ≈ "opinion, expectation" had a philosophical meaning of "opinion" as in Plato's character "Πρωταγόρας" ≈ "Protagoras" (c. 490 - 420 BC) who says that "πάντων χρημάτων ἄνθρωπον μέτρον εἶναι " ≈ "man is the measure of all things".

That is, man is the ultimate source of (relative) morality rather than a god with unchanging moral rules. This is often taken as a statement about relativism and humanism and is counter to knowledge and philosophical wisdom.

An associated meaning was that of "appearance" where "opinion" and "appearance" often go together.

More: Equivocation deception between names and meanings

Matthew 5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. [kjv]

Greek: ... under the "measure" ...
English : ... under a "measure" ...

What do most men do?

Most do good in secret, putting it under a "basket" or "foot" to hide it.
Most do good in public, putting it on a candlestick, candling their candle (reflexive), as in "tooting one's own horn", using a false light as a lure, to get the world's praise and attract the "many" (fish) as prey (not pray). These are "birds".

Fishermen know that, in the dark, (false) light (not the sun) can be used to attract fish.

*G3088 *14 λύχνος (lookh'-nos) : from the base of G3022; a portable lamp or other illuminator (literally or figuratively):--candle, light.

Words: λυχνοι λυχνον=4 λυχνος=6 λυχνου=2 λυχνω

Note how Strongs starts with the definition of "lamp" and then arrives at a "light". The ancient Greek word "λυχνος" ≈ "lamp" (not light). "φως" ≈ "light" and is the source of the "photo" part of the English word "photograph".

The ancient Egyptians used a form of the modern "candle". In Bible times, the word meant a "lamp" as in an "oil lamp". Some lamps were covered. Some were open.

More: Matthew 6:22 Lamp of the body

Interestingly, the ancient Greeks used empty open "lamps" on a "lamp stand" or "table" to hold pebbles for voting purposes.

"λυχνος" ≈ "lamp".
"λυχνεῖον" ≈ "ballot stand" sometimes used by jurors.

More: Matthew 6:22 Lamp of the body

Matthew 5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. [kjv]

The Greek for "under a bushel" means "under a measure" but can be figurative as in evaluating as a "measure". The "candle" appears to represent "opinion" or "glory". The "candlestick" might be a "voting stand".

How many put their "candle" as in "opinion" or "glory" under a "basket" to hide it?
How many put their "candle" as in "opinion" or "glory" under the "measure" as in rationally determining whether that "opinion" is valid?
How many put their "candle" as in "opinion" or "glory" on a "voting stand" with multiple choices to see which opinion to use?
How many put their "candle" as in "opinion" or "glory" on a "voting stand" with only one choice?

More: Whether this or that: What is your opinion on glory?

Matthew 7:2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. [kjv]

εν ω γαρ κριματι κρινετε κριθησεσθε και εν ω μετρω μετρειτε μετρηθησεται υμιν [gnt]

When you can measure what you are speaking about, and express it into numbers, you know something about it; but when you cannot measure it, when you cannot express it in numbers, your knowledge is of a meager and unsatisfactory kind. Lord Kelvin (Scientist)
Bureaucrat's thinking: If it can be measured, it can be taxed. (Beer production vs. yard sales)

Many "birds" (false leaders) do not want to put their "opinion" or "glory" under the "measure" but, instead, hold their "opinion" up for all in the "house" to be attracted to that (false) "light" (darkness).

[local government in Savannah was working on a plan for taxing yard sales about 2005]

More: Matthew 17:24-27 Tacky attacks on a senseless tax

The pattern here, parts of which are left out by Jesus and need to be inferred, is the following.

13: You are the salt of the earth with the "pigs".
14: You are the light of the world or sea with the "fish".
15: You are the candle of the candlestick with the "birds".

The ending sequence of earth and world might be sky or air which, in Greek, is the same word as heaven. with the "birds of the air" or "birds of heaven". The candlestick is a collection of candles as in a tree structure.

15: You are the candle of the air/heaven.

That candle might be a code word for kingdom or realm.

15: You are the kingdom of heaven/air. [good salt and not good salt]

This idea fits, in a more general sense, what Jesus says about the Kingdom of heaven in relation to John the Baptist and Elijah.

More: Matthew 6: The missing part worked out for the birds

More: Matthew 10: 28-31 Taking care of the sparrows

More: Matthew 11: Exploring the Kingdom of Heaven

Revelation 1:12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; [kjv]

και επεστρεψα βλεπειν την φωνην ητις ελαλει μετ εμου και επιστρεψας ειδον επτα λυχνιας χρυσας [gnt]

1:13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. [kjv]

και εν μεσω των λυχνιων ομοιον υιον ανθρωπου ενδεδυμενον ποδηρη και περιεζωσμενον προς τοις μαστοις ζωνην χρυσαν [gnt]

Seven golden "candlesticks" appear in Revelation.

A few verses later, John is told the meaning of the "candlesticks".

Revelation 1:12

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KJV: And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;

Greek: και επεστρεψα βλεπειν την φωνην ητις ελαλησεν ελαλει μετ εμου και επιστρεψας ειδον επτα λυχνιας χρυσας

Revelation 1:13

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KJV: And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.

Greek: και εν μεσω των επτα λυχνιων ομοιον υιω υιον ανθρωπου ενδεδυμενον ποδηρη και περιεζωσμενον προς τοις μαστοις ζωνην χρυσην χρυσαν

Revelation 1:20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches. [kjv]

το μυστηριον των επτα αστερων ους ειδες επι της δεξιας μου και τας επτα λυχνιας τας χρυσας οι επτα αστερες αγγελοι των επτα εκκλησιων εισιν και αι λυχνιαι αι επτα επτα εκκλησιαι εισιν [gnt]

These "churches" have good parts and not so good parts.

To the extent that the "church" helps you do what you should be doing, it is good.
To the extent that the "church" does not help you do what you should be doing (or hinders you), it is not good.

The "kingdom of heaven" may consist of groups of believers over time. Those "kingdoms" consist of good "salt" and not good "salt".

More: Matthew 11: Exploring the Kingdom of Heaven

Revelation 1:20

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KJV: The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.

Greek: το μυστηριον των επτα αστερωνων ους ειδες επι της δεξιας μου και τας επτα λυχνιας τας χρυσας οι επτα αστερες αγγελοι των επτα εκκλησιων εισιν και αι επτα λυχνιαι ας ειδεςαι επτα επτα εκκλησιαι εισιν

Jesus speaks of John the Baptist who appears to represent Elijah.

Matthew 11:10 For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. [kjv]

ουτος εστιν περι ου γεγραπται ιδου εγω αποστελλω τον αγγελον μου προ προσωπου σου ος κατασκευασει την οδον σου εμπροσθεν σου [gnt]

11:12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. [kjv]

απο δε των ημερων ιωαννου του βαπτιστου εως αρτι η βασιλεια των ουρανων βιαζεται και βιασται αρπαζουσιν αυτην [gnt]

The word for "prepare", not the same as in Malachi, has in it the Greek word used for "goods" or "vessels" or "people" to be "raptured" in the parable of the strong man. The word for "take" is the Greek word for "plunder" or "snatch" or "extort" or "rapture" while the word for "force" is that of "compulsion". In context, these verses provide a possible meaning of "kingdom of heaven".

More: Matthew 12:26-29 Snatching the raptured goods from the strong man

More: Parables and secret codes used and explained by Jesus

More: Matthew 11: Exploring the Kingdom of Heaven

Revelation 2:1 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; [kjv]

τω αγγελω τω εν εφεσω εκκλησιας γραψον ταδε λεγει ο κρατων τους επτα αστερας εν τη δεξια αυτου ο περιπατων εν μεσω των επτα λυχνιων των χρυσων [gnt]

2:5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. [kjv]

μνημονευε ουν ποθεν πεπτωκες και μετανοησον και τα πρωτα εργα ποιησον ει δε μη ερχομαι σοι και κινησω την λυχνιαν σου εκ του τοπου αυτης εαν μη μετανοησης [gnt]

[silted harbor at Ephesus]

Revelation 2:1

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KJV: Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;

Greek: τω αγγελω της εφεσινης τω εν εφεσω εκκλησιας γραψον ταδε λεγει ο κρατων τους επτα αστερας εν τη δεξια αυτου ο περιπατων εν μεσω των επτα λυχνιων των χρυσων

Revelation 2:5

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KJV: Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

Greek: μνημονευε ουν ποθεν εκπεπτωκας πεπτωκες και μετανοησον και τα πρωτα εργα ποιησον ει δε μη ερχομαι σοι ταχει και κινησω την λυχνιαν σου εκ του τοπου αυτης εαν μη μετανοησης

Revelation 11:3 And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth. [kjv]

11:4 These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth. [kjv]

ουτοι εισιν αι δυο ελαιαι και αι δυο λυχνιαι αι ενωπιον του κυριου της γης εστωτες [gnt]

"βασίλεια" ≈ "kingdom".
"βασίλεια των ουρανών" ≈ "kingdom of heaven/air".
"βασίλεια των Θεού" ≈ "kingdom of God".

Revelation 11:3

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KJV: And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.

Greek: και δωσω τοις δυσιν μαρτυσιν μου και προφητευσουσιν ημερας χιλιας διακοσιας εξηκοντα περιβεβλημενοι περιβεβλημενους σακκους

Revelation 11:4

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KJV: These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth.

Greek: ουτοι εισιν αι δυο ελαιαι και αι δυο λυχνιαι αι ενωπιον του θεου κυριου της γης εστωσαι εστωτες

Matthew 6:10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. [kjv]

ελθατω η βασιλεια σου γενηθητω το θελημα σου ως εν ουρανω και επι γης [gnt]

How might a "bird" bring a false "kingdom" into a "house" (birdhouse) using false "light" (to attract "fish") and false "fruit" (to attract "pigs")? Consider the start of the Lord's Prayer in Matthew 6:10.

Matthew 6:10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. [kjv]

ελθατω η βασιλεια σου γενηθητω το θελημα σου ως εν ουρανω και επι γης [gnt]

A "bird" might divide the verse into parts and claim that the middle part can be removed.

1. Thy kingdom come.
2. Thy will be done.
3. On earth as it is in heaven.

The result:

Thy kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.

Of course, that "bird" would be in a position to make "leaders" or "birds" (in the pecking order) of those who will help influence others (e.g., using force, deception, etc.) to bring that "kingdom" from "heaven" to "earth" now. Why wait?

Matthew 6:10

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KJV: Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

Greek: ελθετω ελθατω η βασιλεια σου γενηθητω το θελημα σου ως εν ουρανω και επι της γης

Matthew 5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. [kjv]

Paraphrase: ... neither is a candle (kingdom, opinion, glory, etc.) put under a measure (for objective evaluation) but on a [voting] platform to provide (false) light (darkness) to all (the many, the city) who are in that house (built on sand).

Bird

That "house" built on "sand" (end of the Sermon on the Mount) will be "cut off" and the "many" (who need the real Good News) will "fall" (same base word in Greek).

Note: In Greek the space between "and" and "being" or "is" appears to have been removed/ignored to make a questionable translation to "light" as in "ignite" to justify the desired translation.

The abstract "measure" as in an "objective measure" was changed to the more concrete "basket" or "bushel".

Matthew 5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. [kjv]


candle kingdom	preying on others

"Candling" a "candle" with "candle" as in a "candlestick" or "kingdom" is a reflexive process.

15: You are the kingdom of heaven/air. If the kingdom is a false kingdom, how shall the kingdom be kingdomed (birds). If you use a false kingdoms by taking false light with false salt (fruit or works), holding up for everyone in the house built on sand to see and glorify, that house cannot stand and the many cannot exist there.

Instead, the "Kingdom" of the "Father" or "God" is the true "house" or "kingdom" built on the "rock".

More: Reflexive fixed points in the Bible

These ideas might be better understood in a table.


	blocking the way		swimming in sin		preying on others

The missing parts of verse 14 and 15 can now be inferred more completely.

13: You are the salt of the earth. If the salt is false salt, how shall the salt be salted, with "negative consequences" (pigs).
14: You are the light of the world. If the light is false light, how shall the light be lighted. with "negative consequences" (fish).
15: You are the kingdom of heaven/air. If the kingdom is a false kingdom, how shall the kingdom be kingdomed, with "negative consequences" (birds).

The next verse provides a positive outlook on three "negative consequences". Let us first continue the inference of the "negative consequences".

Matthew 5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. [kjv]


candle kingdom	preying on others

Instead, the "Kingdom" of the "Father" or "God" is the true "house" or "kingdom" built on the "rock".

More: Reflexive fixed points in the Bible

These ideas might be better understood in a table.

Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. [kjv]

Who is your light?

If Jesus is your "light", do you need to "light" a "candle" or "opinion"?

The ancient Greek word "ἔμπροσθεν" ≈ "before, in front" and, in the case of time, "earlier"

Put your good works "before" or "in front of" others without letting them know who did it. (Like the original Santa Claus).
The "house" of Jesus, built on the "rock" uses the true "light" of Jesus. No man-made "light" is needed.
The "house" of men, built on the "sand" as a "mountain" or "tree" uses the false "light" of man.

Jesus is also your "head".

More: The doctrine of Santa Claus

More: Matthew 5:16 Let the light of Jesus shine