A candle under the footstool

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]

What is "under" a "bushel"? How might it relate to a "footstool"?

[magician putting the rabbit into the hat]
A play on words in Greek appears to be with "under a bushel" and "under the foot" as in "footstool". This topic appears 20 verses later in the Sermon on the Mount.

5:35 Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. [kjv]

μητε εν τη γη οτι υποποδιον εστιν των ποδων αυτου μητε εις ιεροσολυμα οτι πολις εστιν του μεγαλου βασιλεως [gnt]

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

Usage

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μοδιον *3

Matthew 5:15 ... put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; ...
Mark 4:21 ... to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? ...
Luke 11:33 ... a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, ...

*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 (Greek New Testament) 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: Matthew 5:15: This little light of mine

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]

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]

Here is what Mark wrote. Mark adds a "bed" and leaves out the "light" and the "house".

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

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]

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]

Here is what Luke wrote. Luke adds a "secret place" and omits the "house".

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

Matthew 5:35 Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. [kjv]

μητε εν τη γη οτι υποποδιον εστιν των ποδων αυτου μητε εις ιεροσολυμα οτι πολις εστιν του μεγαλου βασιλεως [gnt]

Matthew 22:43 He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying, [kjv]

22:44 The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool? [kjv]

ειπεν κυριος τω κυριω μου καθου εκ δεξιων μου εως αν θω τους εχθρους σου υποκατω των ποδων σου [gnt]

22:45 If David then call him Lord, how is he his son? [kjv]

22:46 And no man was able to answer him a word, neither durst any man from that day forth ask him any more questions. [kjv]

The word "footstool" is not in some Greek manuscripts. Instead, the words "under the feet" are used.

Matthew 22:43

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KJV: He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying,

Greek: λεγει αυτοις πως ουν δαβιδ δαυιδ εν πνευματι κυριον αυτον καλει αυτον κυριον λεγων

Matthew 22:44

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KJV: The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool?

Greek: ειπεν ο κυριος τω κυριω μου καθου εκ δεξιων μου εως αν θω τους εχθρους σου υποποδιον υποκατω των ποδων σου

Matthew 22:45

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KJV: If David then call him Lord, how is he his son?

Greek: ει ουν δαβιδ δαυιδ καλει αυτον κυριον πως υιος αυτου εστιν

Matthew 22:46

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KJV: And no man was able to answer him a word, neither durst any man from that day forth ask him any more questions.

Greek: και ουδεις εδυνατο αυτω αποκριθηναι αυτω λογον ουδε ετολμησεν τις απ εκεινης της ημερας επερωτησαι αυτον ουκετι

Mark 12:35 And Jesus answered and said, while he taught in the temple, How say the scribes that Christ is the Son of David? [kjv]

12:36 For David himself said by the Holy Ghost, The LORD said to my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool. [kjv]

αυτος δαυιδ ειπεν εν τω πνευματι τω αγιω ειπεν κυριος τω κυριω μου καθου εκ δεξιων μου εως αν θω τους εχθρους σου υποκατω των ποδων σου [gnt]

12:37 David therefore himself calleth him Lord; and whence is he then his son? And the common people heard him gladly. [kjv]

The word "footstool" is not in some Greek manuscripts. Instead, the words "under the feet" are used.

Mark 12:35

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KJV: And Jesus answered and said, while he taught in the temple, How say the scribes that Christ is the Son of David?

Greek: και αποκριθεις ο ιησους ελεγεν διδασκων εν τω ιερω πως λεγουσιν οι γραμματεις οτι ο χριστος υιος δαυιδ εστιν δαβιδ

Mark 12:36

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KJV: For David himself said by the Holy Ghost, The LORD said to my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool.

Greek: αυτος γαρ δαβιδ δαυιδ ειπεν εν τω πνευματι τω αγιω ειπεν ο κυριος τω κυριω μου καθου εκ δεξιων μου εως αν θω τους εχθρους σου υποποδιον υποκατω των ποδων σου

Mark 12:37

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KJV: David therefore himself calleth him Lord; and whence is he then his son? And the common people heard him gladly.

Greek: αυτος ουν δαβιδ δαυιδ λεγει αυτον κυριον και ποθεν υιος αυτου εστιν υιος και ο πολυς οχλος ηκουεν αυτου ηδεως

Luke 20:42 And David himself saith in the book of Psalms, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, [kjv]

20:43 Till I make thine enemies thy footstool. [kjv]

εως αν θω τους εχθρους σου υποποδιον των ποδων σου [gnt]

20:44 David therefore calleth him Lord, how is he then his son? [kjv]

The KJV (King James Version) has only "footstool". The Greek has "footstool" but adds "of the foot".

Luke 20:42

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KJV: And David himself saith in the book of Psalms, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,

Greek: και αυτος δαβιδ γαρ δαυιδ λεγει εν βιβλω ψαλμων ειπεν ο κυριος τω κυριω μου καθου εκ δεξιων μου

Luke 20:43

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KJV: Till I make thine enemies thy footstool.

Greek: εως αν θω τους εχθρους σου υποποδιον των ποδων σου

Luke 20:44

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KJV: David therefore calleth him Lord, how is he then his son?

Greek: δαβιδ δαυιδ ουν κυριον αυτον κυριον καλει και πως υιος αυτου υιος εστιν

Acts 2:34 For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, [kjv]

2:35 Until I make thy foes thy footstool. [kjv]

εως αν θω τους εχθρους σου υποποδιον των ποδων σου [gnt]

2:36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. [kjv]

7:49 Heaven is my throne, and earth is my foot stool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest? [kjv]

ο ουρανος μοι θρονος και η γη υποποδιον των ποδων μου ποιον οικον οικοδομησετε μοι λεγει κυριος η τις τοπος της καταπαυσεως μου [gnt]

The KJV has only "footstool". The Greek has "footstool" but adds "of the foot".

Acts 2:34

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KJV: For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,

Greek: ου γαρ δαβιδ δαυιδ ανεβη εις τους ουρανους λεγει δε αυτος ειπεν ο κυριος τω κυριω μου καθου εκ δεξιων μου

Acts 2:35

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KJV: Until I make thy foes thy footstool.

Greek: εως αν θω τους εχθρους σου υποποδιον των ποδων σου

Acts 2:36

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KJV: Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

Greek: ασφαλως ουν γινωσκετω πας οικος ισραηλ οτι και κυριον αυτον και χριστον αυτον εποιησεν ο θεος εποιησεν τουτον τον ιησουν ον υμεις εσταυρωσατε

Acts 7:49

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KJV: Heaven is my throne, and earth is my foot stool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest?

Greek: ο ουρανος μοι θρονος και η δε γη υποποδιον των ποδων μου ποιον οικον οικοδομησετε μοι λεγει κυριος η τις τοπος της καταπαυσεως μου

Hebrews 1:13 But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? [kjv]

προς τινα δε των αγγελων ειρηκεν ποτε καθου εκ δεξιων μου εως αν θω τους εχθρους σου υποποδιον των ποδων σου [gnt]

10:13 From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. [kjv]

το λοιπον εκδεχομενος εως τεθωσιν οι εχθροι αυτου υποποδιον των ποδων αυτου [gnt]

The KJV has only "footstool". The Greek has "footstool" but adds "of the foot".

Hebrews 1:13

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KJV: But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?

Greek: προς τινα δε των αγγελων ειρηκεν ποτε καθου εκ δεξιων μου εως αν θω τους εχθρους σου υποποδιον των ποδων σου

Hebrews 10:13

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KJV: From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.

Greek: το λοιπον εκδεχομενος εως τεθωσιν οι εχθροι αυτου υποποδιον των ποδων αυτου

James 2:3 And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: [kjv]

επιβλεψητε δε επι τον φορουντα την εσθητα την λαμπραν και ειπητε συ καθου ωδε καλως και τω πτωχω ειπητε συ στηθι η καθου εκει υπο το υποποδιον μου [gnt]

James 2:3

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KJV: And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:

Greek: και επιβλεψητε δε επι τον φορουντα την εσθητα την λαμπραν και ειπητε αυτω συ καθου ωδε καλως και τω πτωχω ειπητε συ στηθι εκει η καθου ωδε εκει υπο το υποποδιον μου

Psalms 99:5 Exalt ye the LORD our God, and worship at his footstool; for he is holy. [kjv]

υψουτε κυριον τον θεον ημων και προσκυνειτε τω υποποδιω των ποδων αυτου οτι αγιος εστιν [lxx]

The KJV has only "footstool". The Greek has "footstool" but adds "of the foot".

Psalms 99:5

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KJV: Exalt ye the LORD our God, and worship at his footstool; for he is holy.

Hebrew: רוממו יהוה אלהינו והשתחוו להדם רגליו קדוש הוא׃

Greek: υψουτε κυριον τον θεον ημων και προσκυνειτε τω υποποδιω των ποδων αυτου οτι αγιος εστιν

Psalms 110:1 The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. [kjv]

τω δαυιδ ψαλμος ειπεν ο κυριος τω κυριω μου καθου εκ δεξιων μου εως αν θω τους εχθρους σου υποποδιον των ποδων σου [lxx]

The KJV has only "footstool". The Greek has "footstool" but adds "of the foot".

Psalms 110:1

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KJV: The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.

Hebrew: לדוד מזמור נאם יהוה לאדני שב לימיני עד אשית איביך הדם לרגליך׃

Greek: τω δαυιδ ψαλμος ειπεν ο κυριος τω κυριω μου καθου εκ δεξιων μου εως αν θω τους εχθρους σου υποποδιον των ποδων σου

Isaiah 66:1 Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest? [kjv]

ουτως λεγει κυριος ο ουρανος μοι θρονος η δε γη υποποδιον των ποδων μου ποιον οικον οικοδομησετε μοι η ποιος τοπος της καταπαυσεως μου [lxx]

The KJV has only "footstool". The Greek has "footstool" but adds "of the foot".

Isaiah 66:1

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KJV: Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest?

Hebrew: כה אמר יהוה השמים כסאי והארץ הדם רגלי אי זה בית אשר תבנו לי ואי זה מקום מנוחתי׃

Greek: ουτως λεγει κυριος ο ουρανος μοι θρονος η δε γη υποποδιον των ποδων μου ποιον οικον οικοδομησετε μοι η ποιος τοπος της καταπαυσεως μου

Lamentations 2:1 How hath the Lord covered the daughter of Zion with a cloud in his anger, and cast down from heaven unto the earth the beauty of Israel, and remembered not his footstool in the day of his anger ! [kjv]

πως εγνοφωσεν εν οργη αυτου κυριος την θυγατερα σιων κατερριψεν εξ ουρανου εις γην δοξασμα ισραηλ και ουκ εμνησθη υποποδιου ποδων αυτου εν ημερα οργης αυτου [lxx]

The KJV has only "footstool". The Greek has "footstool" but adds "of the foot".

Lamentations 2:1

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KJV: How hath the Lord covered the daughter of Zion with a cloud in his anger, and cast down from heaven unto the earth the beauty of Israel, and remembered not his footstool in the day of his anger !

Hebrew: איכה יעיב באפו אדני את בת ציון השליך משמים ארץ תפארת ישראל ולא זכר הדם רגליו ביום אפו׃

Greek: πως εγνοφωσεν εν οργη αυτου κυριος την θυγατερα σιων κατερριψεν εξ ουρανου εις γην δοξασμα ισραηλ και ουκ εμνησθη υποποδιου ποδων αυτου εν ημερα οργης αυτου