Definition and Historical Context:
Candles, as understood in contemporary terms, are not explicitly mentioned in the Bible. However, the concept of a candle, as a source of light, can be associated with ancient lamps used during biblical times. These lamps were typically small, made of clay, and fueled by olive oil. The function of these lamps was similar to that of modern candles, providing light in homes and places of worship.

Biblical References:
While the term "candle" is not directly found in the Berean Standard Bible, the imagery of light is prevalent throughout Scripture. Light often symbolizes purity, truth, and the presence of God. For example, in Matthew 5:14-16 , Jesus uses the metaphor of light to describe the role of His followers: "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

Symbolism and Spiritual Significance:
In biblical symbolism, light represents divine revelation and guidance. Psalm 119:105 states, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." This verse highlights the guiding and illuminating power of God's Word in the life of a believer. The imagery of light is also used to describe Jesus Christ, as seen in John 8:12 : "Once again, Jesus spoke to the people and said, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.'"

Use in Worship and Tradition:
In Christian tradition, candles have been used in various liturgical practices and ceremonies. They serve as a visual reminder of Christ as the Light of the World and are often used during services to symbolize His presence. The lighting of candles can also represent the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven, as suggested by Psalm 141:2 : "May my prayer be set before You like incense, my uplifted hands like the evening offering."

Cultural and Historical Influence:
Throughout history, candles have played a significant role in both religious and secular contexts. In the early church, candles were used during gatherings to provide light and create an atmosphere conducive to worship and reflection. Over time, the use of candles became more symbolic, representing the light of Christ and the hope of salvation.

Conclusion:
While the Bible does not specifically mention candles, the themes of light and illumination are deeply embedded in Scripture. Candles, as a source of light, serve as a powerful symbol of God's presence, guidance, and truth in the life of believers.Psalm 18:28
For you will light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness.
Topicalbible.org

Revelation 18:23
And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in you; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in you: for your merchants were the great men of the earth; for by your sorceries were all nations deceived.
Topicalbible.org

Mark 4:21
And he said to them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?
Topicalbible.org

Proverbs 20:27
The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.
Topicalbible.org

Incidents of Childhood
... In those days, and even until long after the Civil War, the houses were lighted
mostly by candles. ... As soon as the tallow cooled, we had candles. ...
/.../cole/trials and triumphs of faith/chapter iii incidents of childhood.htm

The Consistories of More Note: Out of the Babylonian Talmud ...
... 'A candle in Beror Chel.'"The Gloss writes, "The light of one candle in the
day-time, but many candles burning in the night, gave a sign, as if one had given ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 96 the consistories of.htm

On the Sacramentals
... A. Besides the Sign of the Cross and holy water there are many other sacramentals,
such as blessed candles, ashes, palms, crucifixes, images of the Blessed ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 27 on the sacramentals.htm

A Burning and Shining Lamp.
... own. It is borrowed light, caught from some burning cone of flame. Men are
born into the world like so many unlighted candles. They ...
//christianbookshelf.org/meyer/john the baptist/xiii a burning and shining.htm

The Image of the Beast.
... Lactantius says of the Pagans, they "light up candles to God as if he lived in the
dark; and do they not deserve to pass for madmen who offer lamps to the ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the image of the beast.htm

Betar
... Tar laid waste? Because it lighted candles after the destruction of the Temple.
And why did it light candles? Because the counsellors ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 52 betar.htm

Of the Worship of False Gods and the True God.
... Or if they would contemplate that heavenly light which we call the sun, they will
at once perceive how God has no need of their candles, who has Himself given ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap ii of the worship of.htm

Whether the Nature of the Ceremonial Precepts Consists in their ...
... 2: Further, some state that the ceremonial precepts are those which pertain to
solemnities; as though they were so called from the "cerei" [candles] which are ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the nature of the.htm

Treats of the Same Subject: Explains, by Some Delicately Drawn ...
... Union may be symbolized by two wax candles, the tips of which touch each other so
closely that there is but one light; or again, the wick, the wax, and the ...
/.../teresa/the interior castle or the mansions/chapter ii treats of the.htm

Whether the Burial Service Profits the Dead?
... Reply to Objection 1: By bringing oil and candles to the tombs of the dead we profit
them indirectly, either as offering them to the Church and as giving them ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the burial service profits.htm

Candles (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Candles (1 Occurrence). Zephaniah 1:12 And it shall
come to pass at that time, that I will search Jerusalem ...
/c/candles.htm - 6k

Candle (16 Occurrences)

/c/candle.htm - 15k

Lees (3 Occurrences)
... Zephaniah 1:12 And it shall come to pass at that time, that I will search Jerusalem
with candles, and punish the men that are settled on their lees: that say ...
/l/lees.htm - 8k

Lamp (45 Occurrences)
... 20). (RV, "torches."). (3.) Domestic lamps (AV, "candles") were in common
use among the Hebrews (Matthew 5:15; Mark 4:21, etc.). (4 ...
/l/lamp.htm - 28k

Luminous (1 Occurrence)
... a luminous color. 2. (a.) Illuminated; full of light; bright; as, many candles
made the room luminous. 3. (a.) Enlightened; intelligent ...
/l/luminous.htm - 7k

Wick (10 Occurrences)
... made of soft spun cotton threads, which by capillary attraction draws up a steady
supply of the oil in lamps, the melted tallow or wax in candles, or other ...
/w/wick.htm - 9k

Benediction
... 5. (n.) A solemn rite by which bells, banners, candles, etc., are blessed with holy
water, and formally dedicated to God. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ...
/b/benediction.htm - 12k

Shine (62 Occurrences)
... In a direct and literal sense the word "shine" is used of the heavenly bodies, or
of candles, and fire (Job 18:5; Job 25:5 the King James Version; Job 29:3 ...
/s/shine.htm - 27k

Candlestick (34 Occurrences)

/c/candlestick.htm - 27k

Is it biblical to light candles for the dead? | GotQuestions.org

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