Brief Overview of Lamps in the Ancient World

Jesus often spoke of lamps and light in His teachings:

There is no clear description of a lamp in the Bible but many have been discovered from the ancient world, especially in Israel.We know the lamps that were in use during the time of Jesus, and we also know the lamps that were in use by the Hebrews in early Egypt because of archaeological discoveries.

John 8:12Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.

In the ancient world people did not have electricity like we have today, in fact the inside of the home wasabout as dim as a 40 watt light bulb.Most homes would contain several oil lampsbecause olive oil was in abundance and therefore not expensive.There was also an oven that provided a little bit of light, but the oil lampswere the main source of light in every home.

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Psalms 119:105Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.

Ancient lamps wereoval shaped, and flat on top. Theyactuallyhadsmall bowls on one end,with the other end pinched real tight which formed a groove to hold the cotton or flax wick.One end of the wick would even float in the olive oil.Some of the lamps had a lid over the bowl. They were usually made of clay, but the more expensive lamps were made of bronzeand sometimes even of gold.Some of these were very beautiful andwould contain very elaborate decorations,manyRoman lamps had images of their gods.

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There is no clear description of a lamp in the Bible but many have been discovered from the ancient world, especially in Israel.We know the lamps that were in use during the time of Jesus, and we also know the lamps that were in use by the Hebrews in early Egypt because of archaeological discoveries.

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Luke 15:8-10Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls her friends and neighbors together, saying, Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece which I lost! Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.

Ancient lamps wereoval shaped, and flat on top. Theyactuallyhadsmall bowls on one end,with the other end pinched real tight which formed a groove to hold the cotton or flax wick.One end of the wick would even float in the olive oil.Some of the lamps had a lid over the bowl. They were usually made of clay, but the more expensive lamps were made of bronzeand sometimes even of gold.Some of these were very beautiful andwould contain very elaborate decorations,manyRoman lamps had images of their gods.

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The King James Version of the Bible translates the word for lamp candlesticks, but that is not an accurate translation because in ancient world they did not use candles. Even theseven branches on themenorah within the Tabernacle and the Temple were actually lamps that held olive oil and wicks.

Oil lampswere made of common pottery andfirst began to appear in Israel during the Neolithic Period.Throughout the centuries the shape of oil lamps changed a great deal, and more elaborate designs were being implemented.

In order to light a lamp they had to rub sticks together, or they would strike stones to make sparks. Olive oil was available in abundance and therefore lamps were left on for long periods of time, and also gave off a sweet scent.

In order to light a lamp they had to rub sticks together, or they would strike stones to make sparks. Olive oil was available in abundance and therefore lamps were left on for long periods of time, and also gave off a sweet scent.

Luke 15:8-10Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls her friends and neighbors together, saying, Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece which I lost! Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.

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Oil lampswere made of common pottery andfirst began to appear in Israel during the Neolithic Period.Throughout the centuries the shape of oil lamps changed a great deal, and more elaborate designs were being implemented.

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In the ancient world people did not have electricity like we have today, in fact the inside of the home wasabout as dim as a 40 watt light bulb.Most homes would contain several oil lampsbecause olive oil was in abundance and therefore not expensive.There was also an oven that provided a little bit of light, but the oil lampswere the main source of light in every home.

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Psalms 119:105Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.

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John 8:12Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.

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The King James Version of the Bible translates the word for lamp candlesticks, but that is not an accurate translation because in ancient world they did not use candles. Even theseven branches on themenorah within the Tabernacle and the Temple were actually lamps that held olive oil and wicks.

Jesus often spoke of lamps and light in His teachings:

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