Their basic design hasn't changed much since antiquity with the exception that now many run on electricity, but a lamp is a simple object designed to put off light and illuminate its surroundings. From the Greek noun λαμπάς (lampás), meaning "torch, lamp," which itself comes from the verb λάμπω (lámpō), meaning "to shine," a lamp shines bright for all to see—unless you hide it under a bushel (cf. Mark 4:21)!