King James Version

What Does Luke 16:24 Mean?

Luke 16:24 in the King James Version says “And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in wate... — study this verse from Luke chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Luke 16:24 · KJV


Context

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.

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.

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The first request: '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.' The rich man addresses 'Father Abraham' (Πάτερ Ἀβραάμ, Pater Abraam), claiming covenant relationship, but Abraham cannot help. His plea 'have mercy on me' (ἐλέησόν με, eleēson me) comes too late—mercy's day has passed. The request is modest—just 'the tip of his finger' (τὸ ἄκρον τοῦ δακτύλου αὐτοῦ, to akron tou daktylou autou) dipped in water to cool his tongue. This minimal request highlights his desperation and the severity of 'this flame' (τῇ φλογὶ ταύτῃ, tē phlogi tautē). Hell's torment is literally fiery, not merely metaphorical discomfort.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The rich man's address to Abraham exposes the futility of trusting ethnic or religious heritage for salvation. Being Abraham's descendant provided no advantage in eternity. His request for Lazarus to serve him—even in hell!—reveals unrepentant pride and presumption. He still sees Lazarus as inferior, suitable only for menial service. This demonstrates that hell doesn't reform character but reveals it. The modest request (just a fingertip of water) emphasizes hell's intensity—even minimal relief would be treasured. Jesus' description of literal flames contradicts attempts to spiritualize hell as merely separation from God. It's both relational estrangement and physical torment.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the rich man's continued presumption (expecting Lazarus to serve him even in hell) teach about unrepentant character?
  2. How does the request for minimal relief emphasize hell's severity?
  3. What does trusting religious heritage ('Father Abraham') rather than personal faith reveal about false security?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 30 words
καὶ1 of 30

And

G2532

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

αὐτὸς2 of 30
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

φωνήσας3 of 30

he cried

G5455

to emit a sound (animal, human or instrumental); by implication, to address in words or by name, also in imitation

εἶπεν4 of 30

and said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Πάτερ5 of 30

Father

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

Ἀβραάμ6 of 30

Abraham

G11

abraham, the hebrew patriarch

ἐλέησόν7 of 30

have mercy

G1653

to compassionate (by word or deed, specially, by divine grace)

με8 of 30

on me

G3165

me

καὶ9 of 30

And

G2532

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

πέμψον10 of 30

send

G3992

to dispatch (from the subjective view or point of departure, whereas ???? (as a stronger form of ????) refers rather to the objective point or <i>term

Λάζαρον11 of 30

Lazarus

G2976

lazarus (i.e., elazar), the name of two israelites

ἵνα12 of 30

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

βάψῃ13 of 30

he may dip

G911

to whelm, i.e., cover wholly with a fluid; in the new testament only in a qualified or special sense, i.e., (literally) to moisten (a part of one's pe

τὸ14 of 30
G3588

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

ἄκρον15 of 30

the tip

G206

the extremity

τοῦ16 of 30
G3588

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

δακτύλου17 of 30

finger

G1147

a finger

αὐτοῦ18 of 30
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

ὕδατος19 of 30

in water

G5204

water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively

καὶ20 of 30

And

G2532

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

καταψύξῃ21 of 30

cool

G2711

to cool down (off), i.e., refresh

τὴν22 of 30
G3588

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

γλῶσσάν23 of 30

tongue

G1100

the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired)

μου24 of 30

my

G3450

of me

ὅτι25 of 30

for

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ὀδυνῶμαι26 of 30

I am tormented

G3600

to grieve

ἐν27 of 30

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῇ28 of 30
G3588

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

φλογὶ29 of 30

flame

G5395

a blaze

ταύτῃ30 of 30
G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)


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 16:24 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 16:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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