Matthew 5:16 Let the light of Jesus shine

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
Matthew 5:16 Let the light of Jesus shine (this page)

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]

			Why not "thus" as similarity or contrast?
5:13: pigs, salt, trample	5:13: fish, many, city, mountain	5:14: birds, opinions, false light, house	Why the neutral "let"? Which is it?	5:15: sheep, light of Jesus, good works, opinion to Father

The ancient Greek word "οὕτως" ≈ "thus" which can be a similarity or contrast.

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]

These ideas will be in the summary of the houses built on rock and sand at the end of the Sermon on the Mount.
Words in these verses may be code words, have double meanings, be play on words, etc. The Greek words may have been changed (mistranslated), omitted, etc. [top-down view]

More: Matthew 5:13-16 Animal crackers

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]

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".

More: Matthew 5:15: This little light of mine

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 5:13 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 5:16 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 "let" is that of "therefore" as a similarity or contrast.
The "light" is the true "light" (of Jesus).
The "shine" is not just of "appearing".
The "before" will show up in a few verses having to do with the "altar".
The "glorify" is that of "deferring opinion" to God, unlike the "birds" with the "candles" or "opinion".

entity	false evidence	place	false domain	bad result	group animal	false trinity
salt	[fruit] [works]	earth	road [way]	trampled destroyed	men [pigs]	[spirit] [way]
light	light	world	mountain [truth] [reality]	not hid (cannot abide)	city (many) [fish]	[son] [truth] [reality]
[candle‑ stick]	[kingdom]	[air] [heaven]	house [on sand] [life]	(cannot exist) [falls]	men [birds]	[father] [life]

Legend: [inferred] (play on words)
Contrast: All of the following have a true shine before men (pigs, fish, birds, etc.).

Spirit: Sheep have good fruit/works (salt) of the Holy Spirit, not false works.
Son: Sheep use the light of Christ, not false light using false works.
Father: Sheep are in the kingdom/house of the Father, not their own house with false light and false works.

A good model uses all the evidence and makes no unnecessary assumptions and can then explain other parts of the data.

More: Models and reality


1. preying on others	1. candle of the candlestick	2. swimming in sin	2. light of the world	3. blocking the way	3. salt of the earth

1. False life: 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).
2. False truth: 14: You are the light of the world. If the light is false light, how shall the light be lighted. with "negative consequences" (fish).
3. False way: 13: You are the salt of the earth. If the salt is false salt, how shall the salt be salted, with "negative consequences" (pigs).

Let us elaborate the "negative consequences" of each verse for use as a model.

John 14:6

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KJV: Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Greek: λεγει αυτω ο ιησους εγω ειμι η οδος και η αληθεια και η ζωη ουδεις ερχεται προς τον πατερα ει μη δι εμου

A good model uses all the evidence and makes no unnecessary assumptions and can then explain other parts of the data. Here is a simplified model of the "negative consequences" of verses 13, 14 and 15.

13: A foolish bloom or false salt leads to the "pigs" stomping on the way of the false salt as if pearls or blossomed but bad fruit had been thrown to them. Can you hear the tap tap tap, squish (of a darkened pearl) of their stomping? They are attracted by the false fruit.
14: The many as "fish", as in a sea or body of water, make a way (come, swim) to the mountains (or definitions, same word in Greek). Perhaps they are attracted by the false light and the false fruit. They cannot hide nor remain nor exist there.
15: The "birds" hold up their candle of false light demanding false works for a false way and expound at length on definitions (same Greek word as mountains) that fit their purpose while creating a sand infrastructure of humans (leaders in the tree) to suit their needs for their house built on those mountains (definitions). That house cannot remain and cannot exist there. There is only one way from there and that way is to fall!

Does Jesus ever say something similar in other contexts?

Chapter	Verses
5	48
6	34
7	29
*	111

The Sermon on the Mount spans three chapters and 111 verses.

The introduction and Beatitudes span the first 12 verses.

Matthew 5:13-16 (sand verses) are the first four verses of the body of the Sermon on the Mount (after the introductory Beatitudes).
The last four verses of Jesus speaking the Sermon on the Mount are the house built on the rock and the house built on sand.

Is there a connection?

Matthew 7:24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: [kjv]

πας ουν οστις ακουει μου τους λογους τουτους και ποιει αυτους ομοιωθησεται ανδρι φρονιμω οστις ωκοδομησεν αυτου την οικιαν επι την πετραν [gnt]

7:26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: [kjv]

και πας ο ακουων μου τους λογους τουτους και μη ποιων αυτους ομοιωθησεται ανδρι μωρω οστις ωκοδομησεν αυτου την οικιαν επι την αμμον [gnt]

Do you see any connection to the following?

Pigs and salt and earth and foolish blooms.
Fish and city/many and light and mountains/definitions
Birds and candles/candlesticks and light and a house

More: Matthew 5:13-16 Animal crackers

House on rock of Christ:

Matthew 7:25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. [kjv]

και κατεβη η βροχη και ηλθαν οι ποταμοι και επνευσαν οι ανεμοι και προσεπεσαν τη οικια εκεινη και ουκ επεσεν τεθεμελιωτο γαρ επι την πετραν [gnt]

House on sand of man:

7:27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. [kjv]

και κατεβη η βροχη και ηλθαν οι ποταμοι και επνευσαν οι ανεμοι και προσεκοψαν τη οικια εκεινη και επεσεν και ην η πτωσις αυτης μεγαλη [gnt]

The "rain", "rivers" and "wind" "falls" on the "house" built on the "rock". However, the "rain", "rivers" and "wind" "cut off" (different word) the "house" built on "sand". The ancient Greek word "προσκόπτω" ≈ "cut towards/off". The "house" is "cut off". Perhaps they "cut off" themselves as in separating themselves from the love of Christ - as the lost sheep that goes on the mountain.

Matthew 7:27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. [kjv]

και κατεβη η βροχη και ηλθαν οι ποταμοι και επνευσαν οι ανεμοι και προσεκοψαν τη οικια εκεινη και επεσεν και ην η πτωσις αυτης μεγαλη [gnt]

The "house" built on "rock" does not "fall". However, the "house" built on "sand" is "cut off" and has a "great" (size or number) "fall". The ancient Greek word "πτῶσις" ≈ "falling" and, in grammar, is a case or inflection. The ancient Greek word "πίπτω" ≈ "fall". A related word is "πτωχός" ≈ "beggar" and means, literally, one who has fallen. Jesus often refers to the "poor" as those who are "fallen" and need the "Gospel" or "Good News" which is the source of the English word "evangelical".

Might there be a play on words of the "great" "fall" with the "many" or "city" in the (false) "house" on the "mountain" following the (false) "light" who need the "Good News" but, due to "birds" and "pigs" (who work for the "birds") get "cut off" and never got to hear (or were misled about) that "Good News"?

Matthew 7:24

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KJV: Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:

Greek: πας ουν οστις ακουει μου τους λογους τουτους και ποιει αυτους ομοιωσω αυτον ομοιωθησεται ανδρι φρονιμω οστις ωκοδομησεν αυτου την οικιαν αυτου επι την πετραν

Matthew 7:25

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KJV: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

Greek: και κατεβη η βροχη και ηλθον ηλθαν οι ποταμοι και επνευσαν οι ανεμοι και προσεπεσον προσεπεσαν τη οικια εκεινη και ουκ επεσεν τεθεμελιωτο γαρ επι την πετραν

We have a "foolish" man, perhaps with a "foolish bloom". The "house" is to be built on the "sand", perhaps on "mountains" (or "definitions") of "sand".
The "rain" "descended". Can you hear the pitter-patter of the feet of the "pigs" "trampling" along the false "way" following the false "fruit"?
The "rivers" (not "floods") of "many" "fish" "came" along the false "way" to the false "mountains" (or "definitions"), perhaps attracted by the false "light".
The "winds" of the "birds" "blew". Might these "winds" be from the outside (flapping wings) or from the inside (flapping lips) of the "house"? The word "winds" can be a play on words with "iniquity" or, literally, "against the law" (of God).

The "rain", "rivers" and "wind" did not "beat" on the "house". Rather, the "house" is "cut off". Can those in the "house" separate themselves from the "love of Christ"?

That house "cannot remain" and "cannot exist". It must be a "great" "fall". Jesus uses the word for "fall" to refer to those who need the "Good News" and not to (just) the usual definition of the "poor".

Here are some possible phrases that could be used in sermons, talks, etc.

Pigs:

Raining cats and dogs (and pigs).
Pig in the mud.
When pigs fly.
Hog wild.

Fish:

Rivers of fish.
A fish sees the bait, not the hook.
Baited/bated breath.

Birds:

Sing like a bird.
Sing so strong it brings down the house.

Matthew 7:26

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KJV: And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:

Greek: και πας ο ακουων μου τους λογους τουτους και μη ποιων αυτους ομοιωθησεται ανδρι μωρω οστις ωκοδομησεν αυτου την οικιαν αυτου επι την αμμον

Matthew 7:27

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KJV: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

Greek: και κατεβη η βροχη και ηλθον ηλθαν οι ποταμοι και επνευσαν οι ανεμοι και προσεκοψαν τη οικια εκεινη και επεσεν και ην η πτωσις αυτης μεγαλη

Matthew 18:12 How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? [kjv]

τι υμιν δοκει εαν γενηται τινι ανθρωπω εκατον προβατα και πλανηθη εν εξ αυτων ουχι αφησει τα ενενηκοντα εννεα επι τα ορη και πορευθεις ζητει το πλανωμενον [gnt]

100=99+1

The Greek says "man" and not "shepherd". In the parables, Jesus uses (and then explains) the code word "man" to refer to "Jesus as God".

The Greek says "on/onto" the "mountains".

Why is the "hundred" important? Might it somehow relate to the Roman "centurions"?
Are the 99 in danger when the "man" "leaves"? The Greek for "leave" is that of "let go" or "forgive".

How does Jesus reinforces the "ninety and nine" to avoid the "one cookie rule"?

More: Parables and secret codes used and explained by Jesus

More: Matthew 13:24-30,36-43 Second kingdom parable: fault-tolerant approach to the toleration paradox

More: Matthew 18:12-14 Sheep astray on a mountain of definitions

Matthew 18:12 How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? [kjv]

τι υμιν δοκει εαν γενηται τινι ανθρωπω εκατον προβατα και πλανηθη εν εξ αυτων ουχι αφησει τα ενενηκοντα εννεα επι τα ορη και πορευθεις ζητει το πλανωμενον [gnt]

One of the 99 sheep go "astray".

KJV (King James Version): That sheep goes "astray" "into" the "mountains" or "into" the "definitions".
GNT (Greek New Testament): That sheep goes "astray" "on" the "mountains" or "on" the "definitions".

Which fits better with Matthew 5:13-16?

Discuss: How does "on the mountains" fit better with the "fish" and a "city" or "many" on the "mountains"?

The 99 sheep are "forgiven". Has the one sheep that went "astray" separated itself from the "love of Christ"? Why would there be "rejoicing" if it did not matter?

More: Delimiting the boundary of the region of a mountain

More: Romans 8: Battle cry separation for the love of Christ (part 2)

Matthew 4:19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. [kjv]

και λεγει αυτοις δευτε οπισω μου και ποιησω υμας αλιεις ανθρωπων [gnt]

The KJV uses "follow" where the Greek has "come behind". One is to be a "fisher" of "men" from those who are "fish" (swimming in sin). It appears that there may not be much success in trying to be a "fisher" of "pigs" (blocking the way) or "birds" (preying on others).

Note that everyone may have parts of each animal: "sheep", "fish", "pigs" and "birds". It is not for use to try to do the "separation" or "judging" (meaning "separation")

Jesus: Follow behind me, I will lead the way.
Bird: You need to be a leader (bird in the pecking order), I will let you know how to be that leader. Find more leaders to do to them what I am doing to you. This is (as a reflexive fixed point) a pyramid scheme. Eventually there will be no more fish or pigs or possibly sheep to recruit as birds.

Matthew 4:19

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KJV: And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

Greek: και λεγει αυτοις δευτε οπισω μου και ποιησω υμας αλιεις ανθρωπων

Matthew 24:28 For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together. [kjv]

οπου εαν η το πτωμα εκει συναχθησονται οι αετοι [gnt]

In the "Olivet Discourse" in Matthew 24, Jesus is asked by his disciples and talks about the "End Times" or "All of It".

The "carcase" is that of "corpse" is related to the Greek word for "fallen ones" or "poor" which Jesus uses as a figurative reference for those who need the "Good News".

It appears that in the "End Times", the "birds" who prey on others have run out of dead bodies (dead in Christ) on which to prey (or pray).

It is a (today somewhat politically incorrect) instance of a statement of "too many Chiefs (birds) and not enough Indians (corpses or fish)" (where the word "chief" is a French word related to "chef").

Matthew 24:28

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KJV: For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together.

Greek: οπου γαρ εαν η το πτωμα εκει συναχθησονται οι αετοι

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]

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

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]

That "light" of Jesus should "light" the way or path before men, not yourself.

Discuss: How can one keep the "works" secret while letting men see the "light" of the path?

Don't shine so others can see you. Shine so that through you, others can see Him. J. R. Tolkien (English author and philologist)

More: J. R. Tolkien

Matthew 5:36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. [kjv]

5:37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil. [kjv]

10:30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. [kjv]

Insight: Jesus is your "head". Believers are the "hairs".

Matthew 5:36: Do not swear by your head as Jesus because you cannot make/judge/separate one believer/person as 'white' or 'black'. (or "narrow gate" or "wide area" or "heaven" or "hell", etc.).

The Greek translated as "white" and "black" mean "distinct" or "indistinct".

Matthew 5:37: But let your rational explanation (to the points provided and implied) be yes, yes no, no. Whatever is more is out of the evil/oppression.

Matthew 10:30: But the very hairs or believers/persons of your head as Jesus are all numbered.

More: Matthew 5:33-37: Hairs of the head - yes no

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 parents of Saint Nicholas of Myra, Santa Claus, were dedicated Christians who died from a plague (not uncommon in those days) when he was young. They left him a sizable inheritance which he used to glorify the opinion of God through his works.

Nicholas was very generous with giving gifts, mostly without letting the receiver know from where the gift came. His light was Jesus, not himself.

More: The doctrine of Santa Claus

Before: Beatitudes
After: Destroy, dissolve or reside in the law.

Jesus and Zaccheaus: (verb). A few verses later is the Palm Sunday entrance of Jesus.

Luke 19:5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house. [kjv]

και ως ηλθεν επι τον τοπον αναβλεψας ο ιησους ειπεν προς αυτον ζακχαιε σπευσας καταβηθι σημερον γαρ εν τω οικω σου δει με μειναι [gnt]

19:7 And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner. [kjv]

και ιδοντες παντες διεγογγυζον λεγοντες οτι παρα αμαρτωλω ανδρι εισηλθεν καταλυσαι [gnt]

Jesus and the law and the prophets: (verb). This is near the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount.

Matthew 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. [kjv]

μη νομισητε οτι ηλθον καταλυσαι τον νομον η τους προφητας ουκ ηλθον καταλυσαι αλλα πληρωσαι [gnt]

The English is "fulfill" or "fill full". The Greek for "complete" can involve adding or taking away - as in a sculpture where parts of the material are chipped away.

More: Luke 19: A short discussion on stature

More: Matthew 5: 17 Leave the light on but do not use the law as a residence inn