King James Version

What Does Luke 16:29 Mean?

Luke 16:29 in the King James Version says “Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.”

Luke 16:29 · KJV

Context

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.

30

And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.

31

And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

Read Luke 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Abraham's response: 'Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.' Abraham points to Scripture—'Moses and the prophets' (Μωϋσέα καὶ τοὺς προφήτας, Mōusea kai tous prophētas)—as sufficient revelation. The command 'let them hear them' (ἀκουσάτωσαν αὐτῶν, akousatōsan autōn) indicates God has provided adequate testimony. The Old Testament Scriptures contain everything necessary for salvation: humanity's sinfulness, God's holiness and justice, the need for sacrifice and atonement, and promises of the coming Messiah. If people won't hear Scripture's testimony, supernatural signs won't convince them. The problem isn't insufficient information but hardness of heart.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This verse establishes Scripture's sufficiency for salvation. God has spoken through His word; nothing else is required. The phrase 'Moses and the prophets' was Jewish shorthand for the Old Testament (Luke 24:27, 44). These Scriptures testified about Christ and salvation (John 5:39, 46). Abraham's appeal to Scripture rather than agreeing to send Lazarus teaches that faith comes by hearing the word (Romans 10:17), not by spectacular signs. Jesus consistently refused to perform signs for those demanding miracles as conditions for belief (Matthew 12:38-39, 16:1-4). Those who reject Scripture won't be convinced by miracles—the same hardness that resists God's word resists His works.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse establish the Bible's sufficiency for knowing God and obtaining salvation?
  2. Why won't people who reject Scripture be convinced even by supernatural signs?
  3. What does this teach about the relationship between faith and evidence?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
λέγει1 of 10

“saith”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

αὐτῶν2 of 10

“them”

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

Ἀβραάμ3 of 10

“Abraham”

G11

abraham, the hebrew patriarch

ἔχουσιν4 of 10

“They have”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

Μωσέα5 of 10

“Moses”

G3475

moseus, moses, or mouses (i.e., mosheh), the hebrew lawgiver

καὶ6 of 10

“and”

G2532

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

τοὺς7 of 10
G3588

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

προφήτας·8 of 10

“the prophets”

G4396

a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet

ἀκουσάτωσαν9 of 10

“let them hear”

G191

to hear (in various senses)

αὐτῶν10 of 10

“them”

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

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 16:29 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 16:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 15:21Luke 24:27Acts 17:11-12John 5:39-47Isaiah 8:202 Peter 1:19-21

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