Bible Dictionary
Lamp
A lamp was used for light in the tabernacle, temple, homes, military signals, and wedding processions. Scripture also uses lamps as symbols of life, guidance, prosperity, and spiritual watchfulness.
Definition
A lamp is a device or vessel bearing a light. In the tabernacle and temple, lamps were associated with the sacred lampstands and were generally fueled with olive oil. Lamps or torches were also used in warfare, homes, and marriage ceremonies.
Biblical Usage
Lamps appear in Scripture as domestic lights, Gideon’s torches, and lights carried in wedding processions. Figuratively, a lamp can represent life, welfare, guidance, or prosperity.
Historical Background
The sources distinguish sacred lamps, military torches, domestic lamps, and lamps used in marriage ceremonies. The form of the tabernacle and temple lamps is not described in the supplied material.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
(1.) That part of the candle-sticks of the tabernacle and the temple which bore the light (Ex. 25:37; 1 Kings 7:49; 2 Chr. 4:20; 13:11; Zech. 4:2). Their form is not described. Olive oil was generally burned in them (Ex. 27:20). (2.) A torch carried by the soliders of Gideon (Judg. 7:16, 20). (R.V., “torches.”) (3.) Domestic lamps (A.V., “candles”) were in common use among the Hebrews (Matt. 5:15; Mark 4:21, etc.). (4.) Lamps or torches were used in connection with marriage ceremonies (Matt. 25:1). This word is also frequently metaphorically used to denote life, welfare, guidance, etc. (2 Sam. 21:17; Ps. 119:105; Prov. 6:23; 13:9).