Matthew 5:16

Salt and Light · Matthew 5:13–16
Read Matthew 5

Translations

Modern
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Traditional
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Literal
Thus let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and may glorify your Father who is in the heavens.
Latin
Sic luceat lux vestra coram hominibus: ut videant opera vestra bona, et glorificent Patrem vestrum, qui in cælis est.

Original

Greek
English
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Notes

Glorify your Father in heaven: Those who pretend to be religious want people to praise them, but the disciples of Jesus should want people to praise God (see 1 Peter 2:12).

The good actions of the disciples will positively impact the world, bringing glory to God. Jesus warns them not to do anything that could harm this positive influence.

Theme notes and profiles

Moses Blessing Faith and Good Deeds Pure Worship

Events

Parallels

Mark 9:49–50 Luke 14:34–35 Philippians 2:12–18

Glossary

Biblical Concept of Law Gospel of Matthew Heal, Healing Jesus Christ Jesus Christ, Teachings of Moses Peter, First Letter of Praise Reward Sea of Galilee

Topics

Adoption: should Produce a Desire for God's Glory Agency in Salvation of Men All Christians should be As Missionaries in a Holy Example All Christians should be As Missionaries in Their Intercourse with the World Being a Blessing Being a Blessing to Others Being a Good Example Being a Good Helper Being a Light Being Selfish Blindness: Spiritual Candlestick: Ministers Christian Conduct: Adorning the Gospel Commandments: Precepts of Jesus--Explicitly Stated, or Implied in Didactic Discourse Commitment to Church Conscience: General Scriptures Concerning Doing Good Doing Good Deeds Don't Hide your Light Evangelizing Faith without Works Glorifying God: The Holy Example of Saints May Lead Others To Glorifying God: The Holy Example of the Saints May Lead Others To God Working through You Good Deeds Good Deeds to Go to Heaven Good Works: Ministers should Designed to Lead Others to Glorify God Helping Others Hypocrites: Ostentatious Influence: Good Instruction in Religion Leading by Example Light: Figurative and Symbolical Making the World Better Ministering New Year Performance Religion: True Religious Zeal: General Scriptures Concerning Righteous: Described