Difference between revisions of "Candle"

<p> <b> CANDLE. </b> —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 (&nbsp;Matthew 25:1 ff., &nbsp;John 18:3, and even &nbsp;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]. </p> <p> 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 (&nbsp;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 (&nbsp;Matthew 25:4) or other vessel. It could either be carried about (&nbsp;Luke 15:8) or set on a stand (&nbsp;Mark 4:21 etc.). For illustrations of lamps see Hastings’ B [Note: Dictionary of the Bible.] , vol. iii. p. 34. </p> <p> In the teaching of the Son of Man the illuminating sign of God’s presence in the world is <i> human </i> example and <i> personal </i> witness, as, <i> e.g. </i> , in the ministry of John the [[Baptist]] (&nbsp;John 5:35). The [[Christian]] life is to be one that lightens and kindles others (&nbsp;Mark 4:21), and points men to the ‘Father of lights’ (&nbsp;Matthew 5:16). It must, therefore, first be itself lit. That is the key to the difficult passage in &nbsp;Matthew 6:22 f., &nbsp;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 ( <i> Expos </i> ., 2nd ser. i. [1881] 252 ff.; cf. 180 ff., 372 ff.). </p> <p> But one other important quality Christ illustrated by the use of the lamp, viz. <i> watchfulness </i> . It was the custom in private houses, as well as in the temple, to keep lamps burning through the night (&nbsp;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 (&nbsp;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 (&nbsp;Revelation 21:23). </p> <p> A. Norman Rowland. </p>