Luk 8:15-17 | RWP | e4.org | In an honest and good heart ( εν καρδια καλη κα αγαθη ). Peculiar to Luke. In verse the land ( γην ) is called αγαθην (really good, generous) and in verse we have εν τη καλη γη ( in the beautiful or noble land ). So Luke uses both adjectives of the heart. The Greeks used καλος κ' αγαθος of the high-minded gentleman. It is probable that Luke knew this idiom. It occurs here alone in the N.T. It is not easy to translate. We have such phrases as "good and true," "sound and good," "right and good," no one of which quite suits the Greek. Certainly Luke adds new moral qualities not in the Hellenic phrase. The English word "honest" here is like the Latin honestus (fair, noble). The words are to be connected with "hold fast" ( κατεχουσιν ), "hold it down" so that the devil does not snatch it away, having depth of soil so that it does not shrivel up under the sun, and is not choked by weeds and thorns. It bears fruit ( καρποφορουσιν , an old expressive verb, καρπος and φορεω ). That is the proof of spiritual life. In patience ( εν υπομονη ). There is no other way for real fruit to come. Mushrooms spring up overnight, but they are usually poisonous. The best fruits require time, cultivation, patience.

‏ Luke 8:15-17

In an honest and good heart ( εν καρδια καλη κα αγαθη ). Peculiar to Luke. In verse 8 the land ( γην ) is called αγαθην (really good, generous) and in verse 15 we have εν τη καλη γη ( in the beautiful or noble land). So Luke uses both adjectives of the heart. The Greeks used καλος κ' αγαθος of the high-minded gentleman. It is probable that Luke knew this idiom. It occurs here alone in the N.T. It is not easy to translate. We have such phrases as "good and true," "sound and good," "right and good," no one of which quite suits the Greek. Certainly Luke adds new moral qualities not in the Hellenic phrase. The English word "honest" here is like the Latin honestus (fair, noble). The words are to be connected with "hold fast" ( κατεχουσιν ), "hold it down" so that the devil does not snatch it away, having depth of soil so that it does not shrivel up under the sun, and is not choked by weeds and thorns. It bears fruit ( καρποφορουσιν, an old expressive verb, καρπος and φορεω ). That is the proof of spiritual life.

In patience ( εν υπομονη ). There is no other way for real fruit to come. Mushrooms spring up overnight, but they are usually poisonous. The best fruits require time, cultivation, patience.

When he hath lighted a lamp ( λυχνον αψας ). It is a portable lamp ( λυχνον ) that one lights ( αψας aorist active participle of απτω, to kindle, fasten to, light).

With a vessel ( σκευε, instrumental case of σκευος ). Here Mr 4:21 has the more definite figure "under the bushel" as has Mt 5:15.

Under the bed ( υποκατω κλινης ). Here Mr 4:21 has the regular υπο την κλινην instead of the late compound υποκατω. Ragg notes that Matthew distributes the sayings of Jesus given here by Lu 8:16-18; Mr 4:21-25 concerning the parable of the lamp and gives them in three separate places (Mt 5:15; 10:26; 13:12). That is true, but it does not follow that Mark and Luke have bunched together separate sayings or that Matthew has scattered sayings delivered only on one occasion. One of the slowest lessons for some critics to learn is that Jesus repeated favourite sayings on different occasions and in different groupings just as every popular preacher and teacher does today. See on Mr 4:21 for further discussion of the lamp and stand.

May see the light ( Βλεπωσιν το φως ). In Mt 5:16 Jesus has it "may see your good works." The purpose of light is to let one see something else, not the light. Note present subjunctive ( βλεπωσιν ), linear action "Jesus had kindled a light within them. They must not hide it, but must see that it spreads to others" (Plummer). The parable of the lamp throws light on the parable of the sower.

That shall not be known ( ο ου μη γνωσθη ). Peculiar to Luke. First aorist passive subjunctive of γινωσκω with the strong double negative ου μη. See on Mr 4:22 for discussion of κρυπτον and αποκρυφον.