Lights & bushels
I am curious as to the derivation of the expression: "hiding his light under a bushel". Can anyone enlighten me?
It's from the Bible.
Matthew 5:15
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.Luke 11:33
No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light.
"Bushel" is interpreted different ways depending on the translation. See www.biblegateway.com
Matthew
5
15 Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a peck measure, but on a lampstand,
and it gives light to all in the house.
Matthew 5
15 Neither do people light
a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives
light to everyone in the house.