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 · King James Version


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:


Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
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?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


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

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