Luke 16:26
And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπὶ
beside
G1909
ἐπὶ
beside
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
2 of 26
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
μεταξὺ
between
G3342
μεταξὺ
between
Strong's:
G3342
Word #:
5 of 26
betwixt (of place or person); (of time) as adjective, intervening, or (by implication) adjoining
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μέγα
a great
G3173
μέγα
a great
Strong's:
G3173
Word #:
10 of 26
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
ἐστήρικται
fixed
G4741
ἐστήρικται
fixed
Strong's:
G4741
Word #:
11 of 26
to set fast, i.e., (literally) to turn resolutely in a certain direction, or (figuratively) to confirm
ὅπως
so that
G3704
ὅπως
so that
Strong's:
G3704
Word #:
12 of 26
what(-ever) how, i.e., in the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual)
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θέλοντες
they which would
G2309
θέλοντες
they which would
Strong's:
G2309
Word #:
14 of 26
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
ἐντεῦθεν
from hence
G1782
ἐντεῦθεν
from hence
Strong's:
G1782
Word #:
16 of 26
hence (literally or figuratively); (repeated) on both sides
πρὸς
to
G4314
πρὸς
to
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
17 of 26
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
μὴ
cannot
G3361
μὴ
cannot
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
19 of 26
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
22 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Psalms 49:14Like sheep they are laid in the grave; death shall feed on them; and the upright shall have dominion over them in the morning; and their beauty shall consume in the grave from their dwelling.John 3:36He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.Psalms 50:22Now consider this, ye that forget God, lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver.
Historical Context
This verse provides the clearest biblical refutation of several false doctrines:
- Purgatory—Catholic teaching that postmortem purification is possible before entering heaven. The fixed gulf makes this impossible.
- Universalism—the belief that all will eventually be saved. The permanence contradicts this hope.
- Second chance—the idea that death provides opportunity to reconsider. The parable shows death ends opportunity.
- Soul sleep or annihilation—the conscious, unchangeable existence in torment refutes both.
Once a person dies, their eternal destiny is fixed. This creates urgent imperative: respond to the gospel now, because death may come unexpectedly and will come irreversibly.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the 'great gulf fixed' refute contemporary attempts to soften hell or provide postmortem opportunities for salvation?
- What theological errors does this verse decisively contradict?
- How should the finality of death shape Christian witness and evangelistic urgency?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Abraham explains the impossibility: 'And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.' The phrase 'beside all this' (ἐπὶ πᾶσι τούτοις, epi pasi toutois) introduces an additional, decisive factor: 'a great gulf fixed' (χάσμα μέγα ἐστήρικται, chasma mega estēriktai). The gulf is 'great' (μέγα, mega) and 'fixed' (ἐστήρικται, perfect passive—established permanently). The impossibility is bidirectional: no one from paradise can descend to hell, and no one from hell can ascend to paradise. This destroys all hope of postmortem repentance, purgatory, or eventual universalism. Death fixes destiny eternally. The time for repentance is now.