Luke 16:25
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 16:25
25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.
Chapter Context
Luke 16 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of holiness, obedience, covenant. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-31: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 16:25
25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.
Analysis
Abraham responds: 'But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.' Abraham addresses him as 'Son' (τέκνον, teknon, child), acknowledging physical descent but unable to help. The command 'remember' (μνήσθητι, mnēsthēti) indicates conscious memory in eternity—the rich man recalls his earthly life, which intensifies his torment. The contrast: 'thou receivedst thy good things' (ἀπέλαβες τὰ ἀγαθά σου, apelabes ta agatha sou)—he consumed his blessing in this life. Lazarus received 'evil things' (κακά, kaka)—suffering was his earthly portion. 'But now' (νῦν δέ, nyn de) marks the great reversal: Lazarus is 'comforted' (παρακαλεῖται, parakaleitai), the rich man 'tormented' (ὀδυνᾶσαι, odynasai). Earthly conditions are temporary; eternal destinies are permanent.
Historical Context
This verse has been misinterpreted to teach that poverty saves and wealth damns. That's not Jesus' point. The rich man wasn't condemned for being wealthy but for living selfishly, ignoring Lazarus, trusting his riches, and refusing to use them for God's kingdom. Lazarus wasn't saved by poverty but by faith (implied by his destination with Abraham). The parable warns against consuming God's blessings selfishly while neglecting eternal investments. The reversal fulfills Jesus' teaching: 'Blessed are ye poor... woe unto you that are rich' (Luke 6:20, 24). The eternally crucial question isn't wealth or poverty but whether you lived for this world or the next.
Reflection
- How does this verse relate to Jesus' beatitudes about the poor being blessed and the rich receiving woe?
- What does the rich man's memory of his earthly life add to his torment?
- How should this reversal principle shape Christian attitudes toward present suffering and prosperity?
Cross-References
- Good: John 16:33
- Parallel theme: Luke 6:24, Psalms 17:14, Mark 9:45, Acts 14:22, Romans 8:7, 1 John 2:15