King James Version

What Does Luke 16:26 Mean?

Luke 16:26 in the King James Version says “And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you can...” — study this verse from Luke chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Luke 16:26 · KJV

Context

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:

28

For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.

Read Luke 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Abraham explains the impossibility: '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.' The phrase 'beside all this' (ἐπὶ πᾶσι τούτοις, epi pasi toutois) introduces an additional, decisive factor: 'a great gulf fixed' (χάσμα μέγα ἐστήρικται, chasma mega estēriktai). The gulf is 'great' (μέγα, mega) and 'fixed' (ἐστήρικται, perfect passive—established permanently). The impossibility is bidirectional: no one from paradise can descend to hell, and no one from hell can ascend to paradise. This destroys all hope of postmortem repentance, purgatory, or eventual universalism. Death fixes destiny eternally. The time for repentance is now.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This verse provides the clearest biblical refutation of several false doctrines: (1) Purgatory—Catholic teaching that postmortem purification is possible before entering heaven. The fixed gulf makes this impossible. (2) Universalism—the belief that all will eventually be saved. The permanence contradicts this hope. (3) Second chance—the idea that death provides opportunity to reconsider. The parable shows death ends opportunity. (4) Soul sleep or annihilation—the conscious, unchangeable existence in torment refutes both. Once a person dies, their eternal destiny is fixed. This creates urgent imperative: respond to the gospel now, because death may come unexpectedly and will come irreversibly.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the 'great gulf fixed' refute contemporary attempts to soften hell or provide postmortem opportunities for salvation?
  2. What theological errors does this verse decisively contradict?
  3. How should the finality of death shape Christian witness and evangelistic urgency?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
καὶ1 of 26

“And”

G2532

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

ἐπὶ2 of 26

“beside”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

πάσιν3 of 26

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τούτοις4 of 26

“this”

G5125

to (for, in, with or by) these (persons or things)

μεταξὺ5 of 26

“between”

G3342

betwixt (of place or person); (of time) as adjective, intervening, or (by implication) adjoining

ἡμῶν6 of 26

“us”

G2257

of (or from) us

καὶ7 of 26

“And”

G2532

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

ὑμῶν8 of 26

“you”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

χάσμα9 of 26

“gulf”

G5490

a "chasm" or vacancy (impassable interval)

μέγα10 of 26

“a great”

G3173

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

ἐστήρικται11 of 26

“fixed”

G4741

to set fast, i.e., (literally) to turn resolutely in a certain direction, or (figuratively) to confirm

ὅπως12 of 26

“so that”

G3704

what(-ever) how, i.e., in the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual)

οἱ13 of 26
G3588

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

θέλοντες14 of 26

“they which would”

G2309

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

διαβῆναι15 of 26

“pass”

G1224

to cross

ἐντεῦθεν16 of 26

“from hence”

G1782

hence (literally or figuratively); (repeated) on both sides

πρὸς17 of 26

“to”

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

ὑμᾶς18 of 26

“you”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

μὴ19 of 26

“cannot”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

δύνωνται20 of 26
G1410

to be able or possible

μηδὲ21 of 26

“neither”

G3366

but not, not even; in a continued negation, nor

οἱ22 of 26
G3588

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

ἐκεῖθεν23 of 26

“that would come from thence”

G1564

thence

πρὸς24 of 26

“to”

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

ἡμᾶς25 of 26

“us”

G2248

us

διαπερῶσιν26 of 26

“can they pass”

G1276

to cross entirely

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 16:26 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 16:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 3:36Psalms 49:14Psalms 50:22James 1:11-12James 5:1-7Revelation 20:10

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