King James Version

What Does Luke 16:22 Mean?

Luke 16:22 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, a... — study this verse from Luke chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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;

Luke 16:22 · KJV


Context

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.

24

And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The great reversal begins: '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.' Death equalizes: both men die. But their destinations differ radically. Lazarus 'was carried by the angels' (ἀπενεχθῆναι αὐτὸν ὑπὸ τῶν ἀγγέλων, apenechthēnai auton hypo tōn angelōn)—divine escort to 'Abraham's bosom' (εἰς τὸν κόλπον Ἀβραάμ, eis ton kolpon Abraam), a Jewish expression for paradise, the righteous's resting place. The rich man 'died, and was buried' (ἀπέθανεν καὶ ἐτάφη, apethanen kai etaphē)—probably an elaborate funeral, but nothing about angels or Abraham's welcome. Material wealth provided no advantage at death. Eternity reveals reality: Lazarus was truly rich, the rich man truly poor.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish theology understood 'Abraham's bosom' as the place of honor next to Abraham at the messianic banquet (Matthew 8:11). Being 'in Abraham's bosom' meant intimate fellowship with the patriarch and sharing in covenant blessings. That angels carried Lazarus emphasizes divine care for the righteous poor (Hebrews 1:14). The rich man's burial likely was expensive and well-attended, but Jesus mentions no angels, no Abraham, no heavenly welcome. The parable demolishes the prosperity gospel's claim that earthly wealth indicates God's favor. Often the opposite is true—wealth can spiritually blind and eternally destroy.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Lazarus' angel escort and Abraham's welcome contrast with the rich man's lonely burial?
  2. What does this passage teach about the moment of death for believers versus unbelievers?
  3. How should belief in immediate conscious existence after death shape Christian living?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
ἐγένετο1 of 23

it came to pass

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

δὲ2 of 23

And

G1161

but, and, etc

ἀπέθανεν3 of 23

died

G599

to die off (literally or figuratively)

τὸν4 of 23
G3588

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

πτωχὸν5 of 23

that the beggar

G4434

akin to g4422 and the alternate of g4098); a beggar (as cringing), i.e., pauper (strictly denoting absolute or public mendicancy, although also used i

καὶ6 of 23

and

G2532

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

ἀπενεχθῆναι7 of 23

was carried

G667

to bear off (literally or relatively)

αὐτὸν8 of 23
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

ὑπὸ9 of 23

by

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

τῶν10 of 23
G3588

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

ἀγγέλων11 of 23

the angels

G32

compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor

εἰς12 of 23

into

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸν13 of 23
G3588

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

κόλπον14 of 23

bosom

G2859

the bosom; by analogy, a bay

τοῦ15 of 23
G3588

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

Ἀβραάμ·16 of 23

Abraham's

G11

abraham, the hebrew patriarch

ἀπέθανεν17 of 23

died

G599

to die off (literally or figuratively)

δὲ18 of 23

And

G1161

but, and, etc

καὶ19 of 23

and

G2532

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

20 of 23
G3588

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

πλούσιος21 of 23

the rich man

G4145

wealthy; figuratively, abounding with

καὶ22 of 23

and

G2532

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

ἐτάφη23 of 23

was buried

G2290

to celebrate funeral rites, i.e., inter


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 16:22 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 16:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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