The lamps of the ancients, sometimes called "candles" in our Bible, were cups and vessels of many convenient and graceful shapes; and might be carried in the hand, or set upon a stand. See CANDLESTICK. The lamp was fed with vegetable oils, tallow, wax, etc., and was kept burning all night. The poorest families, in some parts of the East, still regard this as essential to health and comfort. A darkened house therefore forcibly told of the extinction of its former occupants, Job 18:5,6 Proverbs 13:9 20:20 Jeremiah 25:10,11; while a constant light was significant of prosperity and perpetuity, 2 Samuel 21:17 1 Kings 11:36 Psalms 132:17. Lamps to be carried in the streets presented a large surface of wicking to the air, and needed to be frequently replenished from a vessel of oil borne in the other hand, Matthew 25:3,4. Torches and lanterns, John 18:3, were very necessary in ancient cities, the streets of which were never lighted.

That part of the candle-sticks of the tabernacle and the temple which bore the light (Exodus 25:37; 1 Kings 7:49; 2Chr. 4:20; 13:11; Zechariah 4:2). Their form is not described. Olive oil was generally burned in them (Exodus 27:20).

A torch carried by the soliders of Gideon (Judges 7:16,20). (RSV, "torches.")

Domestic lamps (A.V., "candles") were in common use among the Hebrews (Matthew 5:15; Mark 4:21, etc.).

Lamps or torches were used in connection with marriage ceremonies (Matthew 25:1).

This word is also frequently metaphorically used to denote life, welfare, guidance, etc. (2 Samuel 21:17; Psalms 119:105; Proverbs 6:23; 13:9).

LAMP, n. L. lampas; Gr. to shine; Heb.

1. A vessel for containing oil to be burned by means of a wick; or a light, a burning wick inserted in a vessel of oil. Hence,

2. Figuratively, a light of any kind. The moon is called the lamp of heaven.

Thy gentle eyes send forth a quickening spirit, to feed the dying lamp of life within me.

Lamp of safety, or safety lamp, a lamp for lighting coal mines, without exposing workmen to the explosion of inflammable air.

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; 13:11; Zechariah 4:2) The lamps were lighted every evening and cleansed every morning. (Exodus 30:7,8) A torch or flambeau, such as was carried by the soldiers of Gideon. (Judges 7:16,20) comp. Judg 15:4 The use in marriage processions of lamps fed with oil is alluded to in the parable of the ten virgins. (Matthew 25:1) Modern Egyptian lamps consist of small glass vessels with a tube at the bottom containing a cotton wick twisted around a piece of straw. For night travelling, a lantern composed of waxed cloth strained over a sort of cylinder of wire rings, and a top and bottom of perforated copper. This would, in form at least, answer to the lamps within pitchers of Gideon. "The Hebrews, like the ancient Greeks and Romans, as well as the modern Orientals, were accustomed to burn lamps all night. This custom, with the effect produced by their going out or being extinguished, supplies various figures to the sacred writers. (2 Samuel 21:17; Proverbs 13:9; 20:20) On the other hand, the keeping up of a lamp’s light is used as a symbol of enduring and unbroken succession. (1 Kings 11:36; 15:4; Psalms 132:17) " --McClintock and Strong.