Lamp

Bridgeway Bible Dictionary

Various kinds of lamps are mentioned in the Bible, some for indoor use ( 2 Kings 4:10;  Daniel 5:5;  Matthew 5:15;  Acts 20:8), others for outdoor use ( Psalms 119:105;  Matthew 25:1;  John 18:3). They were made of a variety of materials (clay, metal or wood) and were of different shapes and designs, but they all functioned in much the same way. Basically, a lamp consisted of a bowl to hold the fuel (oil) and a cloth wick that soaked up the oil for the flame ( Exodus 27:20;  Matthew 25:3-4).

A lamp was so important for everyday living in the ancient world that it was almost a symbol of life itself ( 2 Samuel 21:17;  Job 29:2-3;  Proverbs 13:9;  Revelation 18:23). The Word of God and the servants of God are at times likened to lamps, since they provide light from God in a world of darkness ( Psalms 119:105;  Matthew 5:16). The lamp was therefore a fitting symbol of the witness that the people of God bear to him ( Luke 12:35;  John 5:33;  John 5:35; cf.  John 1:7).

Lampstands

In the tabernacle built by Moses, seven lamps were fitted to a single lampstand to provide light for the Holy Place. God gave Moses no dimensions for the lampstand, but it weighed about thirty-five kilograms, was made of one piece of gold and was richly ornamented. The common people provided the oil for the lamps, and the priests checked the lamps each morning and evening to ensure they were kept burning ( Exodus 25:31-40;  Exodus 27:20-21). In Solomon’s temple there were ten lampstands, five against each of the two side walls ( 1 Kings 7:49).

Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible

LAMP . 1. The earliest illuminant everywhere was supplied by pieces of resinous wood. Such probably were the torches of Gideon’s adventure (  Judges 7:16;   Judges 7:20 RV [Note: Revised Version.] for AV [Note: Authorized Version.] ‘lamps’) and other passages. There is no evidence of anything of the nature of our candles , which is a frequent AV [Note: Authorized Version.] rendering of the ordinary Heb. word ( nçr ) for ‘ lamp ,’ now introduced throughout by RV [Note: Revised Version.] except in   Zephaniah 1:12 (but Amer. RV [Note: Revised Version.] here also ‘lamp’). The unearthing of thousands of lamps in the course of recent Palestine exploration, sometimes as many as two or three hundred from a single grave, has made it possible to trace the development of the lamp from early pre-Israelite to Byzantine times. Only the barest outline can be attempted here.

2 . Two main stages in this development have to be recognized, the first that of the open , the second that of the closed , lamp. ( a ) The earliest form found in pre-Israelite strata is that of the plain open clay lamp in the shape of a shell, or shallow bowl, with rounded bottom. It is distinguished from the later form of open lamp by having the rim only slightly pinched along about one-third of its circumference, to keep the wick in position. ( b ) In the later forms just referred to, which are those of the late Canaanite and early Hebrew periods, the lips are drawn much more closely together, so as to form an elongated spout, as may be seen in the illust. in Hastings’ DB [Note: Dictionary of the Bible.] iii. 24, fig. 1; Bliss and Macalister, Excavations in Palestine (in the sequel cited as BM Exc .), plate 66; Bliss, Mound of Many Cities , 87. For types of ( a ) and ( b ) side by side, see PEFSt [Note: Quarterly Statement of the same.] , 1904, 327. ( c ) The next step apparently was to substitute a flat base for the rounded forms of ( a ) and ( b ). This type of open lamp has continued in use to the present day in certain parts of Syria.

3 . The introduction of the closed lamp cannot as yet be dated with certainty, but is probably due to Western influence. According to Bliss ( BMExc . 130), ‘by Seleucidan times the open lamp appears largely to have given way to the closed lamp.’ ( a ) The earlier specimens of this type consist of a circular bowl closed at the top, with the exception of a round opening for pouring in the oil, with a flat or concave base. They are further characterized by their long tapering, and sometimes straight, spout, which ‘forms a distinct angle with the bowl.’ These lamps are entirely without ornament, and, like all the others, without handles. ( b ) The later closed lamps, on the other hand, have their upper surface ornamented with an endless variety of design, ranging from simple lines through chevrons, spirals, etc., to animal forms. Numerous specimens of ( a ) and ( b ) are illustrated in BMExc . pl. 62, 63. For a typical lamp of the Maccabæan period, see PEFSt [Note: Quarterly Statement of the same.] , 1904, 348, pl. iii. No. 5. This may be assumed to have been the prevailing type of lamp in NT times.

4 . Many of the specimens hitherto given as illustrations of the lamps of OT are really of early Christian or even Byzantine date. A typical Byzantine form is given in BM Exc . pl. 66, No. 6. This type is distinguished from the previous closed type by the fact that ‘the curve of the body is continuous with the top of the spout, giving a generally oval shape.’ See the collections illustrated PEFSt [Note: Quarterly Statement of the same.] , 1892, 125; 1904, plate iii; 1905, 150.

5 . In addition to the normal lamp with a single wick, the excavations in northern and southern Palestine have brought to light numerous specimens of ‘multiple lamps,’ a favourite form of which consisted of a bowl, having its rim pinched into three, four, or seven spouts (see BM Exc . pl. 66). As in other lands, the Palestinian potter sometimes gave his lamp the shape of an animal, such as the remarkable clay duck from Gezer described and illustrated in PEFSt [Note: Quarterly Statement of the same.] , 1903, 40.

The favourite material in all ages was clay. A good specimen of a bronze lamp with a handle, from the Greek period, is shown in BMExc . 60. Silver lamps are mentioned in Jdt 10:22 . Those of the Tabernacle and Temple were of gold. The usual illuminant was the oil of the olive; other oils, including naphtha, are named in the Mishna ( Shabbath , ii. 1ff.), where may be found, also, a list of the substances for wicks in addition to the ordinary wick of twisted flax (  Isaiah 42:3 RVm [Note: Revised Version margin.] ), and other details regarding the household lamp.

6 . In the poorer houses the lamp was placed, as it still is, in a niche in the wall. It is in the case of a ‘great woman’ that we first hear of a lampstand in a private house. Lampstands of stone, about 30 inches in height, have been found in the recent excavations in Crete; one of limestone is figured in Bliss, Mound , etc. 104, from Lachish. The candlestick of AV [Note: Authorized Version.] , which, strangely enough, is retained in RV [Note: Revised Version.] (except in   Matthew 5:15 , where ‘stand’ is substituted), is of course a lampstand. For the elaborate lampstands or ‘candlesticks’ of the Tabernacle and the Temple see those articles. An interesting specimen of a lamp with seven spouts and stand in one piece was found by Sellin at Taanach (illust. in his Eine Nachlese , etc. 22; Benzinger, Heb. Arch . 2 [1907] 99).

In ancient times, as at the present day, it was customary to keep the household lamp continually alight, hence the figure in  1 Kings 11:36 ,   2 Kings 8:19; conversely, the putting out of the lamp of the wicked (  Job 18:8 [AV [Note: Authorized Version.] ‘candle’],   Proverbs 13:9 ) denotes their utter extinction.

For a recently discovered, and still obscure, early rite in which lamps and bowls played an essential part, see House, § 3; and for a later rite, see Dedication [Feast of].

A. R. S. Kennedy.

Wilson's Dictionary of Bible Types

 Genesis 15:17 (c) Here we find a picture of the experience of Israel in Egypt. They were to have terrible oppression and suffering which was described as a smoking furnace, but in the midst of this they were to have the Word of GOD and the teaching of GOD's truth which is represented by the burning lamp. GOD never failed even in the darkest hour to send the light of His truth to the people.

 Exodus 25:37 (c) The lampstand had seven branches, and these are generally taken to represent the seven-fold Spirit of GOD who is the Spirit of light. It is also taken by some to represent the perfect testimony of the Word of GOD. Others think that they represent the ministry of the church which gives out the light of the Gospel. All three may be true, for certainly these golden lamps do represent all these three sources of light.

 Judges 7:16 (c) In this account the pitcher probably represents the believer. The lamp probably represents the light that is in the believer, the indwelling Spirit of GOD, and the wonderful light- giving Word of GOD. the pitcher must be broken that the light may shine out. The believer must be broken in spirit, humble and contrite, that the light may shine from him. Nothing earthly must interfere.

 1 Kings 15:4 (b) Here is a figure of the testimony and life of King David. These were left to his children. They were to exhibit the faith which David had and to carry on the testimony which David maintained. (See also  Psalm 132:17).

 Job 12:5 (b) This lamp represents the Word of GOD and the counsel of the Lord. That person who is ready to leave the path of righteousness and walk with the world does not want counselor advice either from the Word of GOD, or from the child of GOD. He despises both.

 Job 41:19 (c) Probably this is just a poetic way of telling of the terror produced by the hideous noises that come from the mouths of enraged animals. It may have a counterpart somehow in describing the vile and wicked expressions that come from the mouths of the ungodly who seek to destroy much good.

 Psalm 119:105 (a) The Word of GOD is the lamp which lights the way through life and illuminates the path to glory. Those who walk in the light of the Word of GOD live godly, consecrated lives which are fruitful, helpful and pleasant. (See also  Proverbs 6:23).

 Proverbs 13:9 (b) The Lord tells us in this passage, as well as in other portions, that the influence of the wicked, and the memory of them, as well as their public testimony, will be blotted out, for they have no value to GOD. (See also  Proverbs 20:20).

 Isaiah 62:1 (a) The Gospel of GOD's grace began at Jerusalem with our Lord Jesus and has spread throughout the world. Thus this Scripture has been fulfilled.

 Ezekiel 1:13 (a) The living creatures represent four aspects of the Lord Jesus Christ The fire represents the judgment that emanates from Him as the Judge of all the earth. The lamps represent the Holy Spirit of GOD in His seven aspects, and as coming from the Lord JESUS who is the giver of the Holy Spirit.

 Daniel 10:6 (a) This may be another representation of the Lord Jesus Christ whose eyes shine with the glory of GOD, and penetrate the heart and soul of those with whom He deals.

 Matthew 25:1 (a) It is generally believed that these lamps refer to the testimony of these virgins. Some testimonies are beautiful explanations and expressions of human experiences, but which lack the Spirit of Life. Others give testimonies in which it is clear to be seen that the Holy Spirit indicted both the experience and the expression. The oil represents the presence of the Holy Spirit Himself, and when He is present the testimony of the one who speaks savors of Heaven and presents a spiritual tone which is absent in other testimonies.

 Revelation 4:5 (a) The passage tells us that these lamps do represent the Holy Spirit in His wonderful sevenfold aspect. The Spirit gives light and life. He directs the way. He teaches the truth of GOD. He anoints for service. He reveals wicked ways and evil doctrines. He guides the feet in the way of peace. He illuminates the soul with the light of Heaven.

 Revelation 8:10 (a) The lamp which fell from Heaven was either an angel or a superman. The lamp represents the testimony and the message which that unusual person brought to the earth. The message which he gave was bitter as wormwood and deadly in its effect on the souls of men.

Hawker's Poor Man's Concordance And Dictionary

Much is said in the holy Scripture concerning the lamps of the temple. And when the Lord Jesus appeared to John, he was seen in the midst of the golden candlesticks ( Revelation 1:12-13) And John saw before the throne, at another vision, seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, ( Revelation 4:5) (See also  Exodus 25:37; Exo 37:23;  Numbers 8:2;  Zechariah 4:2) No doubt, that besides the general use of lighting the temple, they had a reference to spiritual things, and were meant as emblems of the illuminating and brightening offices of God the Holy Ghost to the churches and people. We know that this almighty Minister in the church of Jesus, acts as "a spirit of judgment, and a spirit of burning." ( Isaiah 4:4) And how blessedly he manifests the sovereignty of is power in both "convincing of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment," the church of God in all ages hath borne witness. Precious are his sevenfold gifts, when by his gracious influence he penetrates the heart of the redeemed, melting by his burning the frozen affections, softening and subduing the stubborn mind, and making it willing in the day of his power. Oh, what unknown influence doth the Holy Ghost manifest in the hearts of those he makes his temple! ( 1 Corinthians 6:19) what light, what grace, what information, what comfort, the Lord the Spirit imparts! Oh, ye ransomed of the Lord, who know the infinite preciousness his grace, see that ye"grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption!" ( Ephesians 4:30) I cannot dismiss the subject of the sacred lamps of the temple, emblems as they were of the light of the Spirit, without one observation more, namely, that it should seem, the perpetual, use of them was designed to keep alive the remembrance of his unceasing, presence, who is the light of his people. It is said in the history of Samuel, "that ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the Lord where the ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep, that the Lord called Samuel." ( 1 Samuel 3:3-4) Was not this emblematical of the Spirit of prophecy, that before one lamp of the Lord went out another should be lighted, before Eli was quite extinguished Samuel should be kindred? Do we not find it so through the church's history in all ages? Did not the spirit of Elijah rest on Elisha? Did not all the prophets succeed one another in their ministry, as might best promote and carry on the Lord's cause in the earth? I do not presume to speak decidely upon the subject, but if the thought be right, is there not great sweetness in that Scripture explained in reference to this view, and with an eye to the Lord Jesus? "I have ordained a lamp for mine anointed." ( Psalms 132:17)

That lamps are constantly used figuratively in Scripture, I need not insist upon. The Lord is said to be the light of his people, ( Psalms 27:1;  Job 29:3) and even his servants, shining by his brightness, are spoken of by the same figure. Thus David was called "the lamp of Israel,"  2 Samuel 21:17 and John the Baptist said to be "a burning and a shining light." ( John 5:35)

Vine's Expository Dictionary of NT Words

1: Λαμπάς (Strong'S #2985 — Noun Feminine — lampas — lam-pas' )

denotes "a torch" (akin to lampo, "to shine"), frequently fed, like, a "lamp," with oil from a little vessel used for the purpose (the angeion of  Matthew 25:4 ); they held little oil and would frequently need replenishing. Rutherford (The New Phrynichus) points out that it became used as the equivalent of luchnos (No. 2), as in the parable of the ten virgins,  Matthew 25:1,3,4,7,8;  John 18:3 , "torches;"  Acts 20:8 , "lights;"  Revelation 4:5;  8:10 (RV, "torch," AV, "lamp"). See Note below. Cp. phanos, "a torch,"   John 18:3 (translated "lanterns").

2: Λύχνος (Strong'S #3088 — Noun Masculine — luchnos — lookh'-nos )

frequently mistranslated "candle," is a portable "lamp" usually set on a stand (see LAMPSTAND); the word is used literally,  Matthew 5:15;  Mark 4:21;  Luke 8:16;  11:33,36;  15:8;  Revelation 18:23;  22:5; (b) metaphorically, of Christ as the Lamb,  Revelation 21:23 , Rv , "lamp" (AV, "light"); of John the Baptist,  John 5:35 , Rv , "the lamp" (AV, "a ... light"); of the eye,  Matthew 6:22;  Luke 11:34 , RV, "lamp;" of spiritual readiness,  Luke 12:35 , RV, "lamps;" of "the word of prophecy,"  2—Peter 1:19 , RV, "lamp." See Light.

 John 18:3

Watson's Biblical & Theological Dictionary

λαμπας . There is frequent mention of lamps in Scripture, and the word is often used figuratively. The houses in the east were, from the remotest antiquity, lighted with lamps; and hence it is so common in Scripture to call every thing which enlightens the body or mind, which guides or refreshes, by the name of a lamp. These lamps were sustained by a large candlestick set upon the ground. The houses of Egypt, in modern times, are never without lights: they burn lamps all the night long, and in every occupied apartment. So requisite to the comfort of a family is this custom reckoned, or so imperious is the power which it exercises, that the poorest people would rather retrench part of their food than neglect it. As this custom no doubt prevailed in Egypt and the adjacent regions of Arabia and Palestine in former times, it imparts a beauty and force to some passages of Scripture which have been little observed. Thus, in the language of Jeremiah, to extinguish the light in an apartment is a convertible phrase for total destruction; and nothing can more properly and emphatically represent the total destruction of a city than the extinction of the lights: "I will take from them the light of a candle, and this whole land shall be a desolation and an astonishment." Job describes the destruction of a family among the Arabs, and the desolation of their dwellings, in the very language of the prophet: "How oft is the candle of the wicked put out, and how oft cometh their destruction upon them!"  Job 21:17 . Bildad expresses the same idea in the following beautiful passage: "Yea, the light of the wicked shall be put out, and the spark of his fire shall not shine. The light shall be dark in his tabernacle, and his candle shall be put out with him,"  Job 18:5-6 . A burning lamp is, on the other hand, the chosen symbol of prosperity, a beautiful instance of which occurs in the complaint of Job: "O that I were as in months past, as in the days when God preserved me; when his candle shined upon my head, and when by his light I walked through darkness,"  Job 29:2-3 . When the ten tribes were taken from Rehoboam, and given to his rival, Jehovah promised to reserve one tribe, and assigns this reason: "That David my servant may have a light always before me in Jerusalem,"  1 Kings 11:36 . In many parts of the east, and in particular in the Indies, instead of torches and flambeaux, they carry a pot of oil in one hand, and a lamp full of oily rags in the other.

Hastings' Dictionary of the New Testament

LAMP. —There are two words in the Gospels translated ‘lamp,’ λύχνος and λαμπάς. The former (Revised Version NT 1881, OT 1885 ‘lamp,’ Authorized Version ‘candle’) is used  Matthew 5:15,  Mark 4:21,  Luke 8:16 of the usual means of lighting a house. In  Matthew 6:22 the eye, as the source of light, the organ by which light is appreciated, is called the lamp (Revised Version NT 1881, OT 1885; Authorized Version ‘light’) of the body. In  John 5:35 the same word is applied to John the Baptist, who is not the eternal light (φῶς,  John 1:8), but the burning and shining lamp kindled by it and bearing witness to it.

The word λαμπάς occurs in  John 18:3, where it is rendered ‘torch.’ It is also used in the parable of the Ten Virgins, Matthew 25, where it would be better translated ‘torch.’ In Eastern countries the torch, like the lamp, is fed with oil, which is carried in small vessels constructed for the purpose (ἀγγεῖον,  Matthew 25:4). See Candle, Light, Torch.

Literature.—Trench, Synonyms , xlvi.; Hasting's Dictionary of the Bible, artt. ‘Lamp’ and ‘Lantern’; Edersheim, Life and Times , ii. 455 ff.; H. J. van Lennep, Bible Lands and Customs , p. 132; W. M. Thomson, Land and Book , iii. 472.

C. H. Prichard.

Smith's Bible Dictionary

Lamp.

1. That part of the Golden Candlestick belonging to the Tabernacle which bore the light; also of each of the ten candlesticks placed by Solomon in the Temple before the Holy of Holies.  Exodus 25:37;  1 Kings 7:49;  2 Chronicles 4:20;  2 Chronicles 13:11;  Zechariah 4:2. The lamps were lighted every evening and cleansed every morning.  Exodus 30:7-8.

2. A torch or flambeau , such as was carried by the soldiers of Gideon.  Judges 7:16;  Judges 7:20. Compare  Judges 15:4. The use, in marriage processions, of lamps fed with oil is alluded to in the parable of the ten virgins.  Matthew 25:1. Modern Egyptian lamps consist of small glass vessels with a tube at the bottom containing a cotton wick twisted around a piece of straw.

For night travelling, a lantern composed of waxed cloth strained over a sort of cylinder of wire rings, and a top and bottom of perforated copper. This would, in form, at least, answer to the lamps within pitchers of Gideon.

"The Hebrews, like the ancient Greeks and Romans, as well as the modern Orientals, were accustomed to burn lamps all night. This custom, with the effect produced by their going out or being extinguished, supplies various figures to the sacred writers.  2 Samuel 21:17;  Proverbs 13:9;  Proverbs 20:20. On the other hand, the keeping up of a lamp's light is used as a symbol of enduring and unbroken succession.  1 Kings 11:36;  1 Kings 15:4;  Psalms 132:17." - McClintock and Strong.

People's Dictionary of the Bible

Lamp. The lights of the East are of various kinds; not only oil, but pitch, naphtha, and wax are used to maintain the flame. The wicks were generally made of cotton or of flax. According to rabbinical tradition, the wicks of the sacred lamps were made of the old linen garments of the priests. The form of Oriental lamps was fanciful, and often elegant, of which we have numerous specimens found in the ruined cities of the East. The materials of which lamps were made were baked clay, terra cotta, bronze, etc. The lamps of the Hebrews, it is probable, were suffered to bum all night, and this occasioned no great expense in a country so rich in oil. The putting put of the light denoted the ruin and extinction of the family and the desertion of the house. This gives force to the words in  Job 18:5-6;  Job 21:17;  Job 29:3; "The light of the wicked shall be put out;... light shall be dark in his tabernacle, and his candle shall be put out with him." "How oft is the candle of the wicked put out."  Jeremiah 25:10-11;  Proverbs 20:20. Also in  Proverbs 13:9; "The light of the righteous rejoiceth, but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out: " and of the prudent wife, "Her candle goeth not out by night."  Proverbs 31:18.

Morrish Bible Dictionary

The lamp was commonly used to furnish artificial light, and numbers of them have been found in the ruins of Jerusalem and other cities, some being made of terra cotta and others of glass. In the 'golden candlestick' the light was obtained from lamps, and wherever the word 'candle' occurs a lamp is signified. The lamp is used symbolically for the light that is obtained from it; thus "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet."  Psalm 119:105;  Proverbs 6:23 . The ten virgins, when they went forth to meet the bridegroom, each took a lamp (more correctly a torch); but the issue made it manifest that the lamp without oil could give no light: a striking symbol of mere profession without the Holy Spirit.  Matthew 25:1-8 . Oil for the light is further exemplified in the candlestick in  Zechariah 4 , where the seven lamps are furnished with oil by pipes from two olive trees: to these God's two witnesses in a future day are compared.  Revelation 11:4 . See Light

Fausset's Bible Dictionary

(See Candle ; CANDLESTICK.) The ordinary means of lighting apartments. In  Judges 7:16;  Judges 7:20, lamps mean torches; so  John 18:3;  Matthew 25:1. The terra cotta and bronze handlamps from Nimrud and Koyunjik perhaps give a good idea of the Bible lamp. The Egyption kandeel or common lamp is a small glass vessel with a tube in the bottom in which is stuck a wick of cotton twisted round straw. Water is poured in first, then the oil. The usual symbols of the early Christian lamps found at Jerusalem are the cross, the seven branched candlestick, the palm ( John 12:13;  Revelation 7:9). The rudeness of the lamps indicates the poverty of the early saints at Jerusalem. The inscriptions that occur are "the light of Christ shineth to all," and the initials I. X. TH., "Jesus Christ God."

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

The lamps of the ancients, sometimes called "candles" in our Bible, were cups and vessels of many convenient and graceful shapes; and might be carried in the hand, or set upon a stand. See  Job 18:5,6   Proverbs 13:9   20:20   Jeremiah 25:10,11; while a constant light was significant of prosperity and perpetuity,  2 Samuel 21:17   1 Kings 11:36   Psalm 132:17 . Lamps to be carried in the streets presented a large surface of wicking to the air, and needed to be frequently replenished from a vessel of oil borne in the other hand,  Matthew 25:3,4 . Torches and lanterns,  John 18:3 , were very necessary in ancient cities, the streets of which were never lighted.

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Lamps or torches were used in connection with marriage ceremonies ( Matthew 25:1 ).

This word is also frequently metaphorically used to denote life, welfare, guidance, etc. ( 2 Samuel 21:17;  Psalm 119:105;  Proverbs 6:23;  13:9 ).

Copyright Statement These dictionary topics are from M.G. Easton M.A., DD Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Third Edition, published by Thomas Nelson, 1897. Public Domain.

Bibliography Information Easton, Matthew George. Entry for 'Lamp'. Easton's Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/ebd/l/lamp.html. 1897.

Webster's Dictionary

(1): ( n.) A light-producing vessel, instrument or apparatus; especially, a vessel with a wick used for the combustion of oil or other inflammable liquid, for the purpose of producing artificial light.

(2): ( n.) A thin plate or lamina.

(3): ( n.) Figuratively, anything which enlightens intellectually or morally; anything regarded metaphorically a performing the uses of a lamp.

(4): ( n.) A device or mechanism for producing light by electricity. See Incandescent lamp, under Incandescent.

King James Dictionary

LAMP, n. L. lampas Gr. to shine Heb.

1. A vessel for containing oil to be burned by means of a wick or a light, a burning wick inserted in a vessel of oil. Hence, 2. Figuratively, a light of any kind. The moon is called the lamp of heaven.

Thy gentle eyes send forth a quickening spirit, to feed the dying lamp of life within me.

Lamp of safety, or safety lamp, a lamp for lighting coal mines, without exposing workmen to the explosion of inflammable air.

Kitto's Popular Cyclopedia of Biblial Literature

Fig. 237—Egyptian Lamps

Lamps are very often mentioned in Scripture; but there is nothing to give any notion of their form. Almost the only fact we can gather is, that vegetable oils were burnt in them, and especially, if not exclusively, olive-oil. This, of the finest quality, was the oil used in the seven lamps of the Tabernacle . It is somewhat remarkable, that while the golden candlestick, or rather candelabrum, is so minutely described, not a word is said of the shape, or even the material, of the lamps . This was, perhaps, because they were to be of the common forms, already familiarly known to the Hebrews, and the same probably which were used in Egypt, which they had just departed. They were in this instance doubtless of gold, although metal is scarcely the best substance for a lamp. The golden candlestick may also suggest that lamps in ordinary use were placed on stands, and where more than one was required, on stands with two or more branches. The modern Orientals, who are satisfied with very little light in their rooms, use stands of brass or wood, on which to raise the lamps to a sufficient height above the floor on which they sit. Such stands are shaped not unlike a tall candlestick, spreading out at the top. Sometimes the lamps are placed on brackets against the wall, made for the purpose, and often upon stools. Doubtless the same contrivances were employed by the Hebrews.

From the fact that lamps were carried in the pitchers of Gideon's soldiers, from which, at the end of the march, they were taken out, and borne in the hand , we may with certainty infer that they were not, like many of the classical lamps, entirely open at top, but so shaped that the oil could not easily be spilled. This was remarkably the case in the Egyptian specimens, and is not rare in the classical. Gideon's lamps must also have had handles; but that the Hebrew lamps were always furnished with handles we are not bound to infer: in Egypt we find lamps both with and without handles.

Although the lamp-oils of the Hebrews were exclusively vegetable, it is probable that animal fat was used, as it is at present by the Western Asiatics, by being placed in a kind of lamp, and burnt by means of a wick inserted in it. This we have often witnessed in districts where oil-yielding plants are not common.

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

Copyright StatementThese files are public domain. Bibliography InformationMcClintock, John. Strong, James. Entry for 'Lamp'. Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature. https://www.studylight.org/encyclopedias/eng/tce/l/lamp.html. Harper & Brothers. New York. 1870.