Matthew 5:15-16 Jesus Creates an Enlightening Poem

In Matthew 5:15-16, Jesus creates a poem using two wordplays. The first wordplay involves the words “Lamp,” “Hidden,” and “Lampstand.” The wordplay involves adding letters to the word “Lamp” to create the word “Hidden.” Then Jesus offers an alternative by adding letters to the word “Lamp” to create the word “Lampstand.” The second wordplay involves the words “Place,” “Actions,” “Praised” and “Heaven.” The second wordplay symbolizes the connection between earth and heaven.


“Lamp” (נר)
“Hidden” (נסתר)
“Lampstand” (המנורה)

“Place” (משימימ)
“Actions” (מעשיכם)
“Praised” (המשובחות)
“Heaven” (שבשמים)

15 Nor do they light a lamp {“Lamp” (נר)} and put it under a basket {“Hidden” (נסתר)}, but {“Place” (משימימ)} on a stand {“Lampstand” (המנורה)}. And it gives light to all in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works {“Actions” (מעשיכם)} and {“Praised” (המשובחות)} glorify your Father in heaven {“Heaven” (שבשמים)}.

J. Clontz – Editor of The Comprehensive New Testament

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