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Bible Encyclopedias
Lamp

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

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(properly לִפַּיד, lappid', a fame, Genesis 15:17; Exodus 20:18, Job 41:11; Nahum 2:5, Daniel 10:6, Isaiah 62:1; Ezekiel 1:13; lamp-torch, Judges 7:16; Judges 7:20; Judges 15:4-5, Job 12:5; Zechariah 12:6; in some of which passages it is rendered "lightning," "brand," "torch," etc.: Gr. λαμπάς a torch "light" or lantern, Acts 20:8; Revelation 4:5; "torch," John 18:3; Revelation 8:10, oil-lamap, Matthew 25:1-8; also נֵיר, neyr, or נַיר, nil, a light, in various senses, especially for domestic purposes, the Gr. λύχνος) is a term of frequent occurrence in a literal sense in the Scriptures, such a utensil being often really meant where the A.V. gives the rendering" candle" (q.v.). The primary sense of light (Genesis 15:17) also gives rise to frequent metaphorical usages, indicating life, welfare, guidance, as, e.g. 2 Samuel 21:17; Psalms 119:105; Proverbs 6:23; Proverbs 13:9. (See LIGHT). The following are the cases in which the use of lamps is referred to in the Bible. In their illustration we freely avail ourselves of the materials brought to light from the ancient remains.

1. That part of the golden candlestick belonging to the tabernacle which bore the light; also of each of the ten candlesticks placed by Solomon in the Temple before the Holy of Holies (Exodus 25:37; 1 Kings 7:49; 2 Chronicles 4:20; 2 Chronicles 13:11, Zechariah 4:2). The lamps were lighted every evening, and cleansed every morning (Exodus 30:7-8; Reland, Ant. Hebr. 1:5:9, and 7:8). It is somewhat remarkable, that while the golden candlestick, or rather candelabrum, is so minutely described, not a word is said of the shape of the lamps (Exodus 25:37). This was probably because the socket in which it was to be inserted necessarily gave it a somewhat cylindrical form adapted to the purpose; for it is hardly to be presumed that the insecure cup-form usually represented in engravings would have been adopted. This shape is aptly illustrated by an instance occurring on the Egyptian monuments. Wilkinson gives (Ancient Egyptians, 5:376) what he takes to be the representation of a lamp made of glass, with a hand holding separately an erect wick, as if the bearer were about to place it in the vase previous to its being lighted. The lines, he thinks, may represent the twisted nature of the cotton wick, as they do the watering of the glass vase. Almost the only other fact we can gather in this connection is, that vegetable oils were burnt in them, and especially, if not exclusively, olive- oil. This, of the finest quality, was the oil used in the seven lamps of the tabernacle (Exodus 27:20). Although the lamp-oils of the Hebrews were exclusively vegetable, it is probable that animal fat was used, as it is at present by the Western Asiatics, by being placed in a kind of lamp, and burnt by means of a wick inserted in it. (See OIL). Cotton wicks are now used throughout Asia, but the Hebrews, like the Egyptians, probably employed the outer and coarser fibre of flax (Pliny, Hist. Nat. 19:1), and perhaps linen yarn, if the rabbins are correct in alleging that the linen dresses of the priests were unraveled when old, to furnish wicks for the sacred lamps.

As to the material, the burners were in this instance doubtless of gold, although metal is scarcely the best substance for a lamp. The golden candlestick may also suggest that lamps in ordinary use were placed on stands, and, where more than one was required, on stands with two or more branches. The modern Orientals, who are satisfied with very little light in their rooms, use stands of brass or wood, on which to raise the lamps to a sufficient height above the floor on which they sit. Such stands are shaped not unlike a tall candlestick, spreading out at the top. Sometimes the lamps are placed on brackets against the wall, made for the purpose, and often upon stools. Doubtless similar contrivances were employed by the Hebrews. The Romans are known to have employed them. (See CANDLESTICK)

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Bibliography Information
McClintock, John. Strong, James. Entry for 'Lamp'. Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature. https://www.studylight.org/​encyclopedias/​eng/​tce/​l/lamp.html. Harper & Brothers. New York. 1870.
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