Luke 16:19
There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πορφύραν
in purple
G4209
πορφύραν
in purple
Strong's:
G4209
Word #:
8 of 14
the "purple" mussel, i.e., (by implication) the red-blue color itself, and finally a garment dyed with it
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εὐφραινόμενος
and fared
G2165
εὐφραινόμενος
and fared
Strong's:
G2165
Word #:
11 of 14
to put (middle voice or passively, be) in a good frame of mind, i.e., rejoice
καθ'
every
G2596
καθ'
every
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
12 of 14
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
Cross References
Ezekiel 16:49Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.Ezekiel 27:7Fine linen with broidered work from Egypt was that which thou spreadest forth to be thy sail; blue and purple from the isles of Elishah was that which covered thee.
Historical Context
This parable was directed at the Pharisees who 'were covetous' (Luke 16:14). In ancient Judaism, wealth was often seen as a sign of God's blessing, making Jesus' teaching about the rich man's torment and poor Lazarus's comfort particularly shocking and counter-cultural.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the rich man's everyday luxury compare to your own lifestyle, and what does this reveal about your spiritual priorities?
- In what ways might you be ignoring the 'Lazarus' figures in your life who need compassion and help?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus begins His parable of the rich man and Lazarus by describing extreme wealth and luxury. Purple dye was extracted from murex shellfish and was extraordinarily expensive, while 'fine linen' (Greek 'bussos') referred to expensive Egyptian linen worn by the wealthy and by priests. The phrase 'fared sumptuously every day' emphasizes continuous extravagant living. This parable, unique to Luke, illustrates Jesus' frequent warnings about wealth's spiritual dangers (Luke 6:24, 12:15-21, 18:25) and demonstrates that earthly circumstances will be reversed in eternity based on one's relationship with God, not earthly status.