King James Bible
"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."
Jesus employs everyday logic—no one lights an oil lamp only to hide it under a basket (bushel). This follows his metaphor of believers as "light of the world," emphasizing the absurdity of concealing one's faith or good works. The lampstand elevates the light source to maximize its reach throughout the room. In first-century homes, this central placement was standard practice, reinforcing that light's purpose is visibility and illumination. The lamp's proper position benefits everyone present, not just the lamp-lighter. This illustrates how disciples' visible faith and righteous actions should bless their entire community, fulfilling light's created purpose.