Candles can be a part of worship and reflection, but what does the Bible actually say about burning candles? While candles themselves aren’t specifically mentioned in scripture, light is a powerful symbol throughout the Bible. From the lamps in the Tabernacle to Jesus being called the Light of the World, there are deeper spiritual meanings to explore when thinking about light in worship.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Blind Faith
What Does The Bible Say About Burning Candles
Psalm 119:105
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
This verse reminds us that the Word of God serves as a guiding light in our lives. Just as a burning candle illuminates a dark room, the Word of God illuminates our path, providing clarity and direction in times of darkness or uncertainty.
Matthew 5:14-16
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its 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.”
In this verse, Jesus compares believers to a lamp that should not be hidden but rather placed on a stand to give light to others. Like a burning candle, we are called to shine brightly and make an impact in the world, displaying acts of kindness, love, and righteousness that point others to God.
Proverbs 20:27
“The human spirit is the lamp of the Lord that sheds light on one’s inmost being.”
This verse reveals that our spirit, created in the image of God, is like a burning candle that enables us to have understanding and communion with our Creator. Our spirit is not separate from God but intimately connected to Him, illuminating the depths of our being and enabling us to discern His truth and wisdom.
John 8:12
“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.'”
Jesus proclaimed Himself as the ultimate source of light, the burning candle that dispels darkness and leads us into eternal life. By following Him, we are guided out of spiritual darkness and into the glorious light of His love, grace, and truth.
1 John 1:7
“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.”
Walking in the light refers to living according to God’s truth and righteousness. By doing so, we experience fellowship with other believers and the cleansing power of Jesus’ sacrifice, symbolized by the burning candle, which graciously removes our sins and allows us to have a close relationship with God.
Proverbs 24:20
“For the evildoer has no future hope, and the lamp of the wicked will be snuffed out.”
This verse serves as a warning that those who live in wickedness and reject God’s ways will ultimately face judgment and their light, like a burning candle, will be extinguished. It reminds us of the consequences of living contrary to God’s truth and the importance of seeking righteousness instead.
Luke 12:35
“Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning.”
Jesus encourages His followers to remain prepared and vigilant, always ready to serve and fulfill their purpose. Just as a burning candle requires maintenance to keep shining, we are called to nurture our faith, stay connected to God, and be ready to carry His light into the world.
Ephesians 5:8
“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.”
This verse emphasizes the transformative power of Christ in our lives. We were once living in darkness, but through faith in Jesus, we have become burning candles, vessels of His light. We are called to live out our identity as children of light, consistently reflecting His goodness, truth, and love.
Job 18:5-6
“The lamp of a wicked man is snuffed out; the flame of his fire stops burning. The light in his tent becomes dark; the lamp beside him goes out.”
This passage describes the fate of the wicked. Their light, symbolized by a burning candle, will eventually be extinguished, representing their spiritual and eternal separation from God. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of walking in unrighteousness and rejecting God’s ways.
Psalm 132:17
“Here I will make a horn grow for David and set up a lamp for my anointed one.”
In this verse, God promises to raise up a lamp for His anointed, referring to Jesus Christ. Jesus, the embodiment of God’s light and truth, is the ultimate fulfillment of this prophecy. He shines brightly as the eternal burning candle, bringing salvation, redemption, and divine illumination to all who believe.
2 Samuel 22:29
“You, Lord, are my lamp; the Lord turns my darkness into light.”
David declares that God is his lamp, the source of light that dispels darkness and brings illumination to his life. This verse reminds us that in every season, God’s presence and guidance, like a burning candle, can turn darkness into light, providing comfort, direction, and hope.
Romans 13:12
“The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.”
As believers, we are called to live as children of light, casting off the darkness of sin and embracing the righteousness and purity found in Christ. This verse urges us to awaken from spiritual slumber, to shine brightly as burning candles, and to resist the temptations of darkness that seek to hinder our walk with God.
Philippians 2:15
“…so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.”
This verse encourages believers to live in such a way that their lives stand out amidst the darkness of the world. Like burning candles in the night, our actions, attitudes, and character should reflect the goodness and glory of God, drawing others to Him and displaying the transformative power of Christ within us.
Proverbs 13:9
“The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.”
Proverbs contrasts the destiny of the righteous and the wicked. The light of righteousness, represented by a burning candle, shines brightly, illuminating the path of life and pointing others to God. In contrast, the light of the wicked is extinguished, reflecting their fate of spiritual darkness and separation from God.
Psalm 18:28
“You, Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.”
In this verse, David expresses his trust in God to sustain his lamp, representing his life and purpose. Just as a burning candle requires a source of fuel to keep it lit, David acknowledges that it is God who nurtures, sustains, and provides the enduring light that overcomes darkness and brings clarity to his path.
Isaiah 42:6-7
“I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.”
This prophetic passage foretells the coming of Jesus, who serves as the ultimate light to the world. Like a burning candle, His purpose is to bring illumination, salvation, and freedom to those who are spiritually blind, captive, and dwelling in darkness. Jesus fulfills this prophecy, shining His light into every corner of humanity’s brokenness.
Psalm 27:1
“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?”
David proclaims that the Lord is his light, representing the source of guidance, deliverance, and protection in his life. This verse reminds us that when we have God as our burning candle, illuminating our path and providing security, we need not fear anything or anyone. We can trust in His faithfulness and sovereignty.
2 Corinthians 4:6
“For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.”
This verse highlights the transformative work of God’s light in our lives. Just as He spoke light into existence at the beginning of creation, God shines His light into the darkness of our hearts, igniting a burning candle within us. Through the revelation of Jesus Christ, we are given the understanding of God’s glorious nature and purposes.
Psalm 18:28
“You, Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.”
David acknowledges God’s faithfulness in sustaining his light, symbolized by a burning candle. It is God who continually ignites and fuels the flame within us, transforming our darkness into light. In His presence, we find comfort, direction, and a deepening relationship that allows our light to shine brightly in a world that desperately needs it.
John 12:36
“Believe in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of light.”
Jesus exhorts His listeners to believe in Him, the light of the world, while they still have the opportunity. By doing so, they will be transformed into children of light, living in alignment with His truth and reflecting His radiance to others. This verse emphasizes the importance of embracing Jesus, the ultimate burning candle, and allowing His light to permeate every aspect of our lives.
Psalm 119:130
“The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.”
God’s Word serves as a source of divine illumination, enlightening our minds and hearts. Like a burning candle in a dark room, God’s Word brings clarity and understanding to those who seek it. This verse encourages us to delve into the Scriptures, allowing the light of God’s truth to penetrate our lives and guide our paths.
1 Peter 2:9
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
This verse affirms the identity and purpose of believers. We have been called out of darkness into God’s marvelous light, represented by a burning candle. As a chosen and set-apart people, we are commissioned to proclaim God’s praises and to shine His light brightly in a world that needs to experience the transformative power of His love and grace.
Psalm 89:15
“Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, Lord.”
This verse expresses the blessedness of those who acknowledge and worship God, who live in the light of His presence. Just as a burning candle brings warmth and comfort, walking in God’s light brings joy, fulfillment, and a deepening intimacy with Him. It is a reminder of the abundant blessings that come from a life surrendered to Him.
John 1:4-5
“In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
John testifies that Jesus is the embodiment of life and light. His light shines in the darkness, representing the radiance of His redemptive love that cannot be extinguished. This verse reassures believers that no matter how intense the darkness may seem, the light of Christ is victorious, offering hope, salvation, and transformation to all who embrace Him.