Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Luke 8:16

"And no man, when he hath lighted a lamp, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but putteth it on a stand, that they that enter in may see the light." — Luke 8:16 (ASV)

The theme of these verses is the same as that of vv.11–15—namely, that what is genuine can and will be tested for its authenticity. If what is “hidden” is evil, this saying affirms that God’s judgment on those referred to in v.10 and in vv.12–15 will be just. Furthermore, God’s truth, now partially hidden from those who reject it, will one day be publicly vindicated. The absurdity of lighting a lamp only to hide it reinforces the point.