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Mark 4:21

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Mark 4:21 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “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?” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

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?
Mark 4:21 — American Standard Version

Context — Mark 4

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
18And others are they that are sown among the thorns; these are they that have heard the word,
19and the cares of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.
20And those are they that were sown upon the good ground; such as hear the word, and accept it, and bear fruit, thirtyfold, and sixtyfold, and a hundredfold.
21And 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?
22For there is nothing hid, save that it should be manifested; neither was [anything] made secret, but that it should come to light.
23If any man hath ears to hear, let him hear.
24And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete it shall be measured unto you; and more shall be given unto you.
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And he said unto them, etc..] At the same time, after he had explained the parable of the sower; for though the following parabolical and proverbial expressions were delivered by Christ at other, and different times, and some of them twice, as related by other evangelists; yet they might be all of them expressed or repeated at this time, by our Lord, showing why he explained the above parable to his disciples; and that though he delivered the mysteries of the Gospel in parables to them that were without, yet it was not his design that these things should be always kept a secret, and that from all men: for as the Gospel might be compared to seed, so likewise to a candle, the design and use of…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Is a candle brought ... - A candle is not lit up to be put immediately under a measure or a bed, where it can give no light. Its design is to give light. So my preaching by parables is not designed to obscure the truth, but to throw light on it. You should understand those parables, and, understanding them, should impart the truth to others also, as a candle throws its beams upon a dark world. Bushel - The word here used in the original means a measure for grain containing about 12 quarts. Bed - A couch, either to sleep on at night or to recline on at their meals. Probably the latter is here meant, and is equivalent to our saying a candle is not brought to be put “under” the table, but “on”…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“And he said, Is a candle - As if he had said, I explain these things to you, I give you this light, not to conceal, but to impart it to others. And if I conceal any thing from you now, it is only that it may be more effectually manifested hereafter. Mat 5:15; Luk 8:16; Luk 11:33. Mark 4:22”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“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).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Is a: Isa 60:1-3; Mat 5:15; Luk 8:16, Luk 11:33; Co1 12:7; Eph 5:3-15; Phi 2:15, Phi 2:16 bushel: "The word in the original signifieth a less measure, as Mat 5:15, marg. Mark 4:22”
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Related study paths

Read Mark 4 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification