Luke 16:23

KJV

And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} in {G1722} hell {G86} he lift up {G1869} his {G846} eyes {G3788}, being {G5225} in {G1722} torments {G931}, and seeth {G3708} Abraham {G11} afar {G3113} off {G575}, and {G2532} Lazarus {G2976} in {G1722} his {G846} bosom {G2859}.

Complete Jewish Bible

“In Sh’ol, where he was in torment, the rich man looked up and saw Avraham far away with El‘azar at his side.

Berean Standard Bible

In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham from afar, with Lazarus by his side.

American Standard Version

And in Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 16:23, a pivotal verse within the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus, vividly portrays the immediate post-mortem state of the unrighteous rich man. Following his death, he finds himself in a place of torment, where he gains a horrifying awareness of his separation from the righteous, personified by Abraham and the formerly impoverished Lazarus, who now rests in a place of comfort. This verse underscores the stark and irreversible consequences of earthly choices and priorities in the afterlife.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Jesus' unique and highly illustrative Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus, found in [Luke 16:19-31](/luke/16-19-31 "The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus"). The parable immediately follows Jesus' teaching on the proper use of wealth and His pointed rebuke of the Pharisees, who "were lovers of money" ([Luke 16:14](/luke/16-14 "Pharisees' Love of Money")). The narrative contrasts the earthly lives of two men: a rich man who lived in luxury and ignored the suffering at his gate, and a poor beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who longed for crumbs. Verse 23 marks the dramatic shift in their fortunes after death, introducing the rich man's conscious suffering and his awareness of Lazarus's blessed state, setting the stage for their subsequent dialogue across an impassable chasm.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The parable reflects common Jewish thought regarding the afterlife, particularly the concept of Sheol (Hades in Greek), a realm of the dead often divided into sections for the righteous and the unrighteous. "Abraham's bosom" was a well-understood Jewish idiom for paradise or a place of honor and comfort for the righteous dead, signifying fellowship with Abraham, the patriarch. The rich man's lavish lifestyle, including fine linen and feasting, would have been recognizable symbols of extreme wealth and self-indulgence in first-century Judea, contrasting sharply with the destitution of Lazarus, who lay at his gate, a common sight in ancient cities. Jesus' use of such vivid imagery would have resonated deeply with His audience, highlighting the societal inequities and the prevailing religious attitudes of the time.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 16:23 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. It powerfully illustrates the **Reality of the Afterlife**, presenting a conscious existence immediately following death where individuals experience consequences based on their earthly lives, a concept further elaborated in passages like [Hebrews 9:27](/hebrews/9-27 "It is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment"). The verse also highlights **Spiritual Separation**, as the rich man's ability to "see Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom" underscores an irreversible divide between the righteous and the unrighteous in the post-mortem state, a theme echoed in the final judgment described in [Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31-46 "The Judgment of the Nations"). Furthermore, it emphasizes **Divine Reversal**, where the positions of the rich and poor are dramatically inverted in the afterlife, serving as a powerful warning against materialism and indifference to the suffering of others, aligning with Jesus' teachings on true wealth found in [Luke 12:15-21](/luke/12-15-21 "The Parable of the Rich Fool").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **hell (Greek, _háidēs'_):** From G86, this term properly means "unseen" and refers to "Hades" or the place (state) of departed souls. In the New Testament, _Hades_ is the realm of the dead, a temporary holding place for souls awaiting final judgment, distinct from _Gehenna_ (the place of eternal punishment). In the context of Luke 16:23, the rich man's experience in _Hades_ is clearly depicted as one of conscious suffering and torment, indicating a specific compartment or state within this realm for the unrighteous.
* **torments (Greek, _básanos'_):** Derived from G931, this word originally referred to a "touch-stone" used to test metals, and by analogy, came to mean "torture" or intense suffering. Its use here emphasizes the agonizing and distressing reality of the rich man's condition in _Hades_, highlighting the severity of his immediate post-mortem experience. It denotes not merely discomfort but acute, physical and mental agony.
* **bosom (Greek, _kólpos'_):** From G2859, this word literally means "the bosom" or the fold of a garment over the chest, often used to signify a place of intimate closeness, honor, and comfort. "Abraham's bosom" is a well-known Jewish idiom for paradise or a place of honor and rest for the righteous dead. Its inclusion here starkly contrasts the rich man's torment with Lazarus's profound peace and fellowship with the patriarch Abraham, symbolizing divine favor and ultimate rest.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments":** This clause immediately establishes the rich man's post-mortem reality. Upon death, he is not annihilated or unconscious, but finds himself in "hell" (_Hades_), a place of conscious existence. The act of "lifting up his eyes" suggests an awakening or a realization of his dire circumstances. Crucially, this state is characterized by "torments," indicating intense, active suffering, which is a direct consequence of his earthly life.
* **"and seeth Abraham afar off":** This phrase reveals a key aspect of the rich man's suffering: awareness and separation. He is able to "see" (G3708, _horáō_, to discern clearly) Abraham, the revered patriarch, but only "afar off" (G3113, _makróthen_, from a distance). This visual distance underscores a profound and unbridgeable spiritual chasm, emphasizing his exclusion from the company of the righteous and the comfort they experience.
* **"and Lazarus in his bosom":** The rich man's vision also includes Lazarus, the beggar he had ignored in life, now in a position of honor and intimacy. "Abraham's bosom" signifies a place of ultimate comfort, rest, and fellowship. This sight compounds the rich man's torment, as he witnesses the complete reversal of fortunes and the blessed state of the very person he had disdained, highlighting the divine justice at play.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful **literary devices**. **Juxtaposition** is central, starkly contrasting the rich man's "torments" in Hades with Lazarus's peaceful repose in "Abraham's bosom." This immediate and vivid contrast amplifies the dramatic reversal of their earthly fortunes. **Symbolism** is also prominent; "Abraham's bosom" symbolizes divine favor, comfort, and the fellowship of the righteous, while "hell" (_Hades_) here symbolizes a place of conscious suffering and separation for the unrighteous. The act of "lifting up his eyes" functions as a **metonymy** for awakening to a new, horrifying reality, implying a sudden and painful realization of his eternal state. The entire scene is a form of **dramatic irony**, as the rich man, who once enjoyed all earthly comforts, is now in agony, while the suffering beggar finds ultimate peace.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 16:23 provides a profound glimpse into the biblical understanding of the afterlife, emphasizing conscious existence and immediate consequences upon death. It challenges the notion of soul sleep or annihilation, presenting a vivid picture of individuals experiencing their post-mortem destinies. The rich man's torment and Lazarus's comfort highlight the moral accountability for earthly choices, particularly regarding wealth and compassion. This verse underscores the justice of God, where those who prioritize self-indulgence and neglect the needy will face a dire eternal reality, while the humble and suffering faithful find ultimate rest and honor. It serves as a stark warning against spiritual indifference and a call to embrace God's kingdom values before it is eternally too late.

* [Matthew 25:46](/matthew/25-46 "Eternal Punishment and Eternal Life")
* [Hebrews 9:27](/hebrews/9-27 "Appointed to Die Once, Then Judgment")
* [Revelation 20:13](/revelation/20-13 "Death and Hades Give Up Their Dead")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse serves as a sobering mirror, compelling us to deeply reflect on our own lives and eternal destinies. It shatters any illusion that death is an end to consciousness or accountability, presenting a clear and immediate transition to a fixed state of either torment or comfort. The rich man's regret, though too late, should ignite in us a profound urgency to align our priorities with God's kingdom now. It calls us to examine our relationship with material possessions, our compassion for the marginalized, and our responsiveness to God's Word. Are we living for fleeting earthly comforts, or are we investing in eternal treasures by loving God and our neighbor? The parable's message is not merely about wealth, but about the heart's posture towards God and humanity, warning that indifference in this life leads to irreversible separation in the next.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the depiction of the rich man's immediate post-mortem state challenge or confirm your understanding of the afterlife?**
* **In what ways might I be prioritizing earthly comforts or possessions over spiritual and eternal values, similar to the rich man?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate greater compassion for those in need, ensuring my heart is not hardened to their suffering?**
* **How does the rich man's regret in Hades motivate me to live more intentionally for Christ today?**

### FAQ
**Does "hell" in Luke 16:23 refer to the final, eternal hell (Gehenna)?**

Answer: The Greek word translated as "hell" in Luke 16:23 is _Hades_ (G86), which refers to the realm of the dead, a temporary holding place for souls between death and the final judgment. While it is a place of conscious torment for the unrighteous, it is distinct from _Gehenna_, which is the Greek term typically used to describe the final, eternal place of punishment (e.g., [Matthew 10:28](/matthew/10-28 "Fear Him who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna")). The rich man's experience in Hades foreshadows the ultimate judgment, but it is not yet the final state. The parable emphasizes the immediate consequences of his life and the fixed nature of his post-mortem condition.

**Is the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus a literal account or a parabolic story?**

Answer: While parables often use illustrative, non-literal elements to convey spiritual truths, Jesus' Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus is unique among His parables in that it names a character (Lazarus) and describes a specific post-mortem scenario with vivid detail. Many scholars believe that while it functions as a parable to teach about the afterlife, the use of a proper name and the detailed description suggest it draws upon or reflects actual realities concerning the state of the dead. Regardless of its precise literary genre, its theological implications regarding conscious existence after death, divine justice, and the irreversible consequences of earthly choices are clear and binding. The core truths it conveys about the afterlife are consistent with other biblical teachings, such as those found in [Philippians 1:23](/philippians/1-23 "To depart and be with Christ") and [2 Corinthians 5:8](/2_corinthians/5-8 "Absent from the body and present with the Lord").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 16:23, though part of a parable, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and eternal separation that will occur at Christ's final judgment, where humanity is divided into those who are "sheep" and those who are "goats" ([Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31-46 "The Judgment of the Nations")). The rich man's torment in Hades, and his inability to cross the "great gulf fixed" ([Luke 16:26](/luke/16-26 "The Great Gulf Fixed")), underscores the absolute necessity of responding to God's call for repentance and faith in this life. It is through Christ alone that the chasm between a holy God and sinful humanity is bridged. The comfort experienced by Lazarus in "Abraham's bosom" points forward to the rest and fellowship believers find in Christ's presence, a reality secured by His atoning sacrifice. Jesus Himself conquered death and Hades, holding "the keys of Hades and of Death" ([Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Jesus holds the keys of Death and Hades")). The rich man's fate serves as a stark warning against rejecting the "Moses and the Prophets" ([Luke 16:29](/luke/16-29 "They have Moses and the Prophets")), which ultimately point to Christ as the only way to salvation and escape from eternal separation. The true "bosom" of comfort and eternal life is found in union with the resurrected Christ, who offers spiritual wealth far surpassing any earthly riches ([Philippians 3:7-9](/philippians/3-7-9 "Paul's Loss for Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Peter 2:4

For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast [them] down to hell, and delivered [them] into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;

Matthew 18:9

And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast [it] from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.

Revelation 14:10

The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:

Revelation 14:11

And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.

Matthew 8:11

And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 8:12

But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Luke 16:28

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