Candle

Hastings' Dictionary of the New Testament

Candle —Candles were not much in use in an oil-bearing country like Palestine, and are not referred to in the Bible. But the word occurs in the Authorized Version 8 times as the translation of λύχνος (‘lamp’); and λυχνία (‘lampstand’) is always translated ‘candlestick.’ [On the other hand, λαμπάς, which is generally translated by its derivative ‘lamp,’ should be rendered either ‘torch’ or ‘lantern’; for it generally refers to a lamp which could be carried out of doors ( Matthew 25:1 ff.,  John 18:3, and even  Acts 20:8, where the λαμπάδες ἱκαναὶ may have been torches that had been brought in by those who had assembled by night), thus corresponding to Heb. לַפִּיד].

The λύχνος (Heb. נֵד, נִיר, the latter used only in a figurative sense) was, as a rule, an earthenware vessel, like a tiny flat teapot, with a flaxen wick ( Matthew 12:20) in the spout, and supplied with oil (mostly from olives, but also from sesame, nuts, radishes, or fish), through a hole in the centre, from an ἀγγείον ( Matthew 25:4) or other vessel. It could either be carried about ( Luke 15:8) or set on a stand ( Mark 4:21 etc.). For illustrations of lamps see Hastings’ B [Note: Dictionary of the Bible.] , vol. iii. p. 34.

In the teaching of the Son of Man the illuminating sign of God’s presence in the world is human example and personal witness, as, e.g. , in the ministry of John the Baptist ( John 5:35). The Christian life is to be one that lightens and kindles others ( Mark 4:21), and points men to the ‘Father of lights’ ( Matthew 5:16). It must, therefore, first be itself lit. That is the key to the difficult passage in  Matthew 6:22 f.,  Luke 11:34 f. Light may be everywhere, yet it is of no use unless received by the eye, which is the lamp of the body. Sin makes a man see dimly or double, and must be renounced with an undivided mind if the life is to be illumined with Divine truth and love ( Expos ., 2nd ser. i. [1881] 252 ff.; cf. 180 ff., 372 ff.).

But one other important quality Christ illustrated by the use of the lamp, viz. watchfulness . It was the custom in private houses, as well as in the temple, to keep lamps burning through the night ( Proverbs 31:18). So, in view of the subtlety and suddenness of temptation and trial, the disciple must have his loins girded and his lamp lit ( Luke 12:35). The parable of the Ten Virgins with their λαμπάδες teaches a similar lesson. Of Christ as the Lamb it is said that He is Himself the lamp (λύχνος) of the Holy City ( Revelation 21:23).

A. Norman Rowland.

Wilson's Dictionary of Bible Types

 Job 18:6 (b) This is a type of the personal testimony of a man during his daily life. (See also  Job 21:17, and  Proverbs 31:18).

 Job 29:3 (b) GOD's care and GOD's comfort, together with the light brought about by GOD's presence in the soul are compared to the candle.

 Psalm 18:28 (a) The Psalmist is telling us that GOD will give him a bright testimony so that others might learn to know GOD through his ministry and messages. GOD certainly did it.

 Proverbs 20:27 (a) This is probably man's spirit enlightened by GOD and called by men "an enlightened conscience." It reveals the thoughts and intents of the heart. (See also  Proverbs 24:20).

 Zephaniah 1:12 (a) Here we learn of the meticulous care of GOD in all His detail of searching out the things He must expose.

 Matthew 5:15 (b) This is a type of man's testimony hidden in his business (the bushel), or dimmed by laziness (the bed). Some splendid Christians are either so busy in their work, or so filled with the desire for ease and pleasure that they do not testify for their Lord as brightly and as constantly as they should, and could.

 Revelation 18:23 (b) Since this candle indicates man-made religious life, the Lord is informing us that all such idolatry and false pretense, as well as all human religious inventions will be utterly abolished, when GOD judges these false religions.

 Revelation 22:5 (b) These candles are a type of human, man-made religions and revelations. In Heaven there will be no need of any man-made ideas or notions, only GOD's truth will remain.

Fausset's Bible Dictionary

Lamp more accurately represents the original than candle. Image of conscience, "the candle of the Lord, searching the inward man" ( Proverbs 20:27). Of prosperity; the sinner's short candle soon goes out, the righteous shall shine as the sun forever ( Job 21:17;  Job 18:5;  Proverbs 13:9;  Matthew 13:43). Of believers' bright example leading others to spiritual light ( Matthew 5:14). Of the gladdening influence of a ruler ( 2 Samuel 21:17). Of the all-seeing accuracy with which Jehovah will search out sinners, so that in no dark grainer can they escape punishment ( Zephaniah 1:12;  Amos 9:3). In beautiful contrast, as the woman in the parable "lit the candle, swept the house, and sought diligently until she found" the lost piece of silver, so God ( Luke 15:8) searches out His elect so that not one is lost, and takes each out of the darkness of this world, and restores the divine image, with a view to their salvation.

Morrish Bible Dictionary

Used in the O.T. for any light either real or symbolical. Job said of God, "when his candle shined upon my head,"  Job 29:3; "the candle of the wicked shall be put out,"  Proverbs 24:20; whereas respecting 'the wise woman' it is said "her candle goeth not out by night."  Proverbs 31:18 . God will search Jerusalem with candles.  Zephaniah 1:12 . In the N.T. the word signifies a lamp, and in some passages is typical of the testimony of God, which should be manifested in those receiving it, and should not be hidden.  Luke 8:16;  Luke 11:33,36; etc. In the holy Jerusalem there will be no need of the candle of earthly light, forthe Lord God shall shine upon them.  Revelation 22:5 . The modern 'candle' was notknown in scripture times.

King James Dictionary

CANDLE, n.

1. A long, but small cylindrical body of tallow, wax or spermaceti, formed on a wick composed of linen or cotton threads, twisted loosely used for a portable light of domestic use. 2. A light. 3. A light a luminary. In scripture, the candle of the Lord is the divine favor and blessing,  Job 14 .  3. or the conscience or understanding.  Proverbs 20:27 .

Excommunication by inch of candle, is when the offender is allowed time to repent, while a candle burns, and is then excommunicated.

Sale by inch of candle, is an auction in which persons are allowed to bid, only till a small piece of candle burns out.

Medicated candle, in medicine, a bougie.

Rush-candles are used in some countries they are made of the pith of certain rushes, peeled except on one side, and dipped in grease.

Easton's Bible Dictionary

 Job 18:6 29:3 Psalm 18:28 Proverbs 24:20 Proverbs 20:27 Matthew 5:14,15 Job 21:17 Proverbs 13:9

Webster's Dictionary

(1): (n.) That which gives light; a luminary.

(2): (n.) A slender, cylindrical body of tallow, containing a wick composed of loosely twisted linen of cotton threads, and used to furnish light.

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

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