Bushel
/BUSH-uhl/
Summary
A dry measure approximately equal to one peck, used in Jesus's teaching about not hiding one's light.
☩The Measure
The Greek word 'modios' (from Latin modius) refers to a Roman dry measure containing about one peck or roughly nine liters. In the Gospels, it appears exclusively in Jesus's illustration about light, where the emphasis is not on the exact capacity but on using a household container as a cover to conceal a lamp.
Key verses:Matthew 5:15Mark 4:21Luke 11:33
☩Jesus's Teaching
The 'bushel' measure was common household equipment in Galilean homes. Jesus's metaphor is vivid and forcible: who would light a lamp only to place it under a measuring vessel? The illustration teaches that truth once received is meant to be shared, not concealed.
Key verses:Matthew 5:15
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Bushel," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. I (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Bushel," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. I (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.James Hastings (ed.), "Bushel," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).