Answers about
lamps in the Bible
Domestic lamps were in common use among the Hebrews.
Jesus said,
“nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.” —Matthew 5:15, compare Mark 4:21
Wicks were part of these lamps, and were also used in candles. They are often made of linen (flax fibers), or twisted strips from recycled textiles.
They have been extinguished and quenched like a wick: —Isaiah 43:17 excerpt
In biblical times, lampstands were often used to hold up lamps at a suitable height. They are mentioned numerous times in Scripture. In the Holy Tabernacle and in the Holy Temple, lampstands were made of pure gold.
A lamp was part of the candlesticks of the tabernacle and the temple which bore the light (Exodus 25:37; 1 Kings 7:49; 2 Chronicles 4:20; 13:11; Zechariah 4:2). Their form is not described, but we do know that olive oil was generally burned in them (Exodus 27:20).
Lamps or torches were used in connection with marriage ceremonies (Matthew 25:1).
Torch lamps were carried by the soliders of Gideon (Judges 7:16, 20).
…he put trumpets and empty pitchers into the hands of all of them, with torches inside the pitchers. …Then the three companies blew the trumpets and broke the pitchers, and they held the torches in their left hands and the trumpets in their right hands for blowing and called out, “A sword for Yahweh and for Gideon!”—Judges 7:16, 20 excerpt
Metaphors
The word “lamp” is frequently used metaphorically in Scripture to denote life, welfare, guidance, etc.
Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path. —Psalm 119:105
For the commandment is a lamp and the law is light;
And reproofs for discipline are the way of life —Proverbs 6:23
…the men of David swore to him, saying, “You shall not go out again with us to battle, so that you do not extinguish the lamp of Israel.” —2 Samuel 21:17 excerpt
Archaeology
In Israel, archaeologists have found numerous ancient lamps formed of baked clay having various designs. They were skillfully made to hold oil and a wick. Evidence indicates they were in very common use in biblical times.
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