King James Version

What Does Luke 16:25 Mean?

Luke 16:25 in the King James Version says “But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: ... — study this verse from Luke chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Luke 16:25 · KJV


Context

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.

27

Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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 Questions

  1. How does this verse relate to Jesus' beatitudes about the poor being blessed and the rich receiving woe?
  2. What does the rich man's memory of his earthly life add to his torment?
  3. How should this reversal principle shape Christian attitudes toward present suffering and prosperity?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 27 words
εἶπεν1 of 27

said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

δὲ2 of 27

But

G1161

but, and, etc

Ἀβραάμ·3 of 27

Abraham

G11

abraham, the hebrew patriarch

Τέκνον4 of 27

Son

G5043

a child (as produced)

μνήσθητι5 of 27

remember

G3415

to bear in mind, i.e., recollect; by implication, to reward or punish

ὅτι6 of 27

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἀπέλαβες7 of 27

receivedst

G618

to receive (specially, in full, or as a host); also to take aside

σὺ8 of 27

thou

G4771

thou

τὰ9 of 27
G3588

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

ἀγαθά10 of 27

good things

G18

"good" (in any sense, often as noun)

σου11 of 27

thy

G4675

of thee, thy

ἐν12 of 27

in

G1722

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

τῇ13 of 27
G3588

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

ζωῇ14 of 27

lifetime

G2222

life (literally or figuratively)

σου15 of 27

thy

G4675

of thee, thy

καὶ16 of 27

and

G2532

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

Λάζαρος17 of 27

Lazarus

G2976

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

ὁμοίως18 of 27

likewise

G3668

similarly

τὰ19 of 27
G3588

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

κακά·20 of 27

evil things

G2556

worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas g4190 properly refers to effects), i.e., (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious

νῦν21 of 27

now

G3568

"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate

δὲ22 of 27

But

G1161

but, and, etc

ὅδε23 of 27
G3592

the same, i.e., this or that one (plural these or those); often used as a personal pronoun

παρακαλεῖται24 of 27

he is comforted

G3870

to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)

σὺ25 of 27

thou

G4771

thou

δὲ26 of 27

But

G1161

but, and, etc

ὀδυνᾶσαι27 of 27

art tormented

G3600

to grieve


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 16:25 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 16:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study