Matthew 5:16 net — In the same way, let your light shine before people, so that they can see your good deeds and give honor to your Father…

NET Bible

"In the same way, let your light shine before people, so that they can see your good deeds and give honor to your Father in heaven."

— Matthew 5:16, NET Bible

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Matthew 5:16 in Other Translations

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Matthew 5 — Context

13

Salt and Light“You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its flavor, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled on by people!

14

You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill cannot be hidden.

15

People do not light a lamp and put it under a basket but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house.

16

In the same way, let your light shine before people, so that they can see your good deeds and give honor to your Father in heaven.

17

Fulfillment of the Law and Prophets“Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have not come to abolish these things but to fulfill them.

18

I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth pass away not the smallest letter or stroke of a letter will pass from the law until everything takes place.

19

So anyone who breaks one of the least of these commands and teaches others to do so will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever obeys them and teaches others to do so will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:16 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Matthew 5:16 say?
Matthew 5:16 in the NET Bible reads: “In the same way, let your light shine before people, so that they can see your good deeds and give honor to your Father in heaven.”
Where is Matthew 5:16 in the Bible?
Matthew 5:16 is found in the New Testament, in the book of Matthew, chapter 5, verse 16.
Who wrote Matthew?
Matthew is traditionally attributed to Matthew (Levi), tax-collector turned apostle. It was written c. AD 50–70.
What is the book of Matthew about?
Matthew presents Jesus as the long-awaited Jewish Messiah — son of David, son of Abraham, fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. Structured around five great teaching blocks including the Sermon on the Mount, it ends with the risen King commissioning his disciples to make disciples of all nations.
What are the major themes of Matthew?
Matthew explores themes including Kingdom of Heaven, Messiah, Fulfillment, Discipleship, Great Commission. These themes shape the meaning and context of Matthew 5:16.
What translation should I read Matthew 5:16 in?
Matthew 5:16 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Matthew 5:16?
Matthew 5:16 reads (NET): “In the same way, let your light shine before people, so that they can see your good deeds and give honor to your Father in heaven.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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