King James Version

What Does Luke 16:30 Mean?

Luke 16:30 in the King James Version says “And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 16:30 · King James Version

Context

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

Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
The rich man objects: 'And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.' The word 'Nay' (οὐχί, ouchi) rejects Abraham's answer—the rich man thinks Scripture is insufficient. His counterclaim: 'if one went unto them from the dead' (ἐάν τις ἀπὸ νεκρῶν πορευθῇ πρὸς αὐτούς, ean tis apo nekrōn poreuthē pros autous), 'they will repent' (μετανοήσουσιν, metanoēsousin). He assumes resurrection testimony would succeed where Scripture failed. This exposes a fundamental misunderstanding: he thinks the problem is insufficient evidence, but the real problem is rebellious hearts that suppress truth (Romans 1:18-23). No amount of evidence convinces those determined to reject God. The most spectacular miracle won't overcome willful unbelief.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The rich man's assumption reflects the common error that skeptics would believe if they just received more compelling evidence. But human unbelief isn't primarily intellectual—it's moral and spiritual. People reject God not because evidence is lacking but because they love darkness rather than light (John 3:19-20). Even spectacular miracles don't produce lasting faith. Many who saw Jesus' miracles rejected Him (John 12:37). Pharisees witnessed Lazarus' resurrection yet plotted to kill him (John 12:10-11). When Jesus Himself rose from the dead, guards were bribed to spread lies (Matthew 28:11-15). The issue isn't evidence but heart transformation that only the Holy Spirit can produce (John 16:8-11, 1 Corinthians 2:14).

Reflection Questions

  1. Why doesn't more evidence or spectacular miracles produce genuine faith?
  2. How does this verse expose the difference between intellectual objections and moral rebellion?
  3. What does this teach about the Holy Spirit's necessary role in conversion?

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

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
ὁ1 of 15
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 15

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

εἶπεν3 of 15

“he said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Οὐχί4 of 15

“Nay”

G3780

not indeed

πάτερ5 of 15

“father”

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

Ἀβραάμ6 of 15

“Abraham”

G11

abraham, the hebrew patriarch

ἀλλ'7 of 15

“but”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ἐάν8 of 15

“if”

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

τις9 of 15

“one”

G5100

some or any person or object

ἀπὸ10 of 15

“from”

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

νεκρῶν11 of 15

“the dead”

G3498

dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)

πορευθῇ12 of 15

“went”

G4198

to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)

πρὸς13 of 15

“unto”

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,

αὐτοὺς14 of 15

“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

μετανοήσουσιν15 of 15

“they will repent”

G3340

to think differently or afterwards, i.e., reconsider (morally, feel compunction)

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 16:30 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 16:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 16:9-11Luke 16:24Luke 3:8Luke 13:5Luke 13:3

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