King James Version

What Does Luke 16:21 Mean?

Luke 16:21 in the King James Version says “And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores...” — study this verse from Luke chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.”

Luke 16:21 · KJV

Context

19

There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:

20

And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,

21

And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.

22

And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;

23

And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. Lazarus' degradation continues its vivid description. He 'desired to be fed' (ἐπιθυμῶν χορτασθῆναι, epithymōn chortasthēnai, 'longing to be satisfied') with mere 'crumbs' (ψιχίων, psichion)—bread pieces used by diners to wipe their hands, then discarded. The rich man feasted sumptuously (v. 19) while Lazarus starved at his gate, hoping for garbage. The verb chortasthēnai (χορτασθῆναι) means 'to be filled, to be satisfied'—even discarded scraps would have satisfied his desperate hunger.

The final indignity: 'the dogs came and licked his sores' (καὶ οἱ κύνες ἐρχόμενοι ἐπέλειχον τὰ ἕλκη αὐτοῦ, kai hoi kynes erchomenoi epeleichon ta helkē autou). Dogs in Jewish culture were unclean scavengers, not beloved pets. That dogs had access to Lazarus while the rich man ignored him underscores complete abandonment. Some interpreters suggest the dogs' licking provided minor relief (saliva has mild antibacterial properties), but more likely it pictures degradation—Lazarus was too weak to drive them away. He lay helpless, ignored by the wealthy, attended only by unclean animals.

This description sets up the great reversal in eternity. The rich man who refused Lazarus earthly bread would beg unsuccessfully for a drop of water (v. 24). Lazarus who received only dogs' attention on earth would receive angels' escort to Abraham's bosom (v. 22). Earthly status means nothing; divine justice rectifies all.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In ancient Mediterranean culture, beggars depended entirely on others' charity. Lazarus positioned at the rich man's gate hoped for scraps from feasts. The 'crumbs' (ψιχία, psichia) were likely pieces of bread used as napkins to wipe hands during meals, then thrown to the floor or discarded. That Lazarus desired even these reflects extreme poverty and hunger. Dogs roaming streets were wild scavengers, unlike modern domesticated pets—they were despised and ceremonially unclean. Jewish writings often used 'dogs' as an insult (Philippians 3:2, Revelation 22:15). The image of dogs having more compassion (even inadvertently through licking sores) than the rich man who passed daily indicts religious pretension that ignores suffering neighbors.

This parable confronts prosperity theology that views wealth as divine blessing and poverty as divine curse. Lazarus represents the godly poor who suffer unjustly in this world but will be vindicated in eternity. The rich man represents those who live only for this world, ignoring both God and neighbor, and will face eternal consequences.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Lazarus' longing for mere 'crumbs' while the rich man feasted expose the sin of indifference to others' suffering?
  2. What does the dogs' presence—providing more 'care' than the rich man—reveal about religious pretension divorced from compassion?
  3. Who are the 'Lazarus' figures in your life longing for crumbs while you feast, and how should this parable change your response?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
καὶ1 of 22

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐπιθυμῶν2 of 22

“desiring”

G1937

to set the heart upon, i.e., long for (rightfully or otherwise)

χορτασθῆναι3 of 22

“to be fed”

G5526

to fodder, i.e., (generally) to gorge (supply food in abundance)

ἀπὸ4 of 22

“from”

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

τὰ5 of 22

“which”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ψιχίων6 of 22

“the crumbs”

G5589

a little bit or morsel

τὰ7 of 22

“which”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πιπτόντων8 of 22

“fell”

G4098

to fall (literally or figuratively)

ἀπὸ9 of 22

“from”

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

τὰ10 of 22

“which”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τραπέζης11 of 22

“table”

G5132

a table or stool (as being four-legged), usually for food (figuratively, a meal); also a counter for money (figuratively, a broker's office for loans

τὰ12 of 22

“which”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πλουσίου·13 of 22

“the rich man's”

G4145

wealthy; figuratively, abounding with

ἀλλὰ14 of 22

“moreover”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

καὶ15 of 22

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τὰ16 of 22

“which”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κύνες17 of 22

“the dogs”

G2965

a dog ("hound") (literally or figuratively)

ἐρχόμενοι18 of 22

“came”

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

ἀπέλειχον19 of 22

“and licked”

G621

to lick clean

τὰ20 of 22

“which”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἕλκη21 of 22

“sores”

G1668

an ulcer (as if drawn together)

αὐτοῦ22 of 22

“his”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 16:21 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 16:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 15:271 Corinthians 4:11John 6:12Mark 7:282 Corinthians 11:27

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