King James Version
What Does Luke 16:27 Mean?
“Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house:”
Context
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.
29
Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.
Topics in This Verse
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(27) **I pray thee therefore, father.**—The re iterated appeal to Abraham as “father” is suggestive in many ways: (1) as speaking out that in which too many of the rich man’s class put an undue trust, resting on the fatherhood of Abraham rather than on that of God (Matthew 3:9); (2) as showing that the refusal of the previous verse had been accepted, as it were, submissively. There is no rebellious defiance, no blasphemous execration, such as men have pictured to themselves as resounding ever more in the realms of darkness. Abraham is the sufferer’s father still, and he yet counts on his sympathy.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 16:27 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.