Luke 16:24

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532}{G846} he cried {G5455} and said {G2036}, Father {G3962} Abraham {G11}, have mercy {G1653} on me {G3165}, and {G2532} send {G3992} Lazarus {G2976}, that {G2443} he may dip {G911} the tip {G206} of his {G846} finger {G1147} in water {G5204}, and {G2532} cool {G2711} my {G3450} tongue {G1100}; for {G3754} I am tormented {G3600} in {G1722} this {G5026} flame {G5395}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He called out, ‘Father Avraham, take pity on me, and send El‘azar just to dip the tip of his finger in water to cool my tongue, because I’m in agony in this fire!’

Berean Standard Bible

So he cried out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue. For I am in agony in this fire.’

American Standard Version

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 in anguish in this flame.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 16:24 captures the desperate plea of the rich man from Hades, a pivotal moment in Jesus's Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus. Having ignored the impoverished Lazarus during his earthly life, the rich man now finds himself in torment and cries out to Father Abraham for a single drop of water, delivered by Lazarus, to alleviate his agonizing suffering in the flame. This verse starkly illustrates the irreversible nature of eternal destinies and the conscious experience of the afterlife.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climactic expression of the rich man's suffering and realization of his irreversible fate within the broader narrative of the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus, found in [Luke 16:19-31](/luke/16-19-31 "Luke 16:19-31 - The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus"). The parable begins by contrasting the lavish life of an unnamed rich man with the suffering of a beggar named Lazarus, who lay at his gate. After their deaths, their situations are dramatically reversed: Lazarus is carried by angels to "Abraham's bosom," a euphemism for paradise, while the rich man finds himself in Hades, experiencing intense torment. The rich man's cry in [Luke 16:24](/luke/16-24 "Luke 16:24 - The Rich Man's Plea") marks his first spoken words in the parable, highlighting the immediate and conscious nature of his suffering and his recognition of Abraham's authority and Lazarus's elevated status. It sets the stage for Abraham's definitive response regarding the unbridgeable chasm between the two realms, as described in [Luke 16:26](/luke/16-26 "Luke 16:26 - The Great Gulf Fixed").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The parable is set within a Jewish cultural framework, where Abraham was revered as the patriarch and father of the Jewish people, a figure of immense spiritual authority and the recipient of God's covenant promises. "Abraham's bosom" was a common Jewish idiom for the place of comfort and fellowship with the righteous dead in the afterlife, akin to reclining at a banquet with Abraham. The concept of Hades (Sheol in Hebrew thought) as a realm of the dead, often depicted with varying degrees of comfort and torment, was also prevalent. The imagery of "flame" and "torment" would have resonated with Jewish apocalyptic literature that described the suffering of the wicked. Jesus's audience, familiar with these concepts, would have immediately grasped the rich man's desperate situation and the profound reversal of fortunes. The parable also subtly critiques the societal values of the day, where wealth was often seen as a sign of divine favor, and poverty as a mark of disfavor. Jesus challenges this notion by presenting a scenario where earthly status is inverted in the afterlife.
* **Key Themes:** [Luke 16:24](/luke/16-24 "Luke 16:24 - The Rich Man's Plea") contributes significantly to several major themes within the parable and the broader book of Luke. Firstly, it underscores the **Reality of the Afterlife and Conscious Existence Beyond Death**, vividly portraying distinct states of comfort and torment, emphasizing that death is not annihilation but a transition to an eternal state. Secondly, it highlights the **Irreversibility of Eternal Destiny**, as the rich man's plea is denied due to an unbridgeable "great gulf fixed" ([Luke 16:26](/luke/16-26 "Luke 16:26 - The Great Gulf Fixed")), underscoring the finality of one's spiritual condition at death. Thirdly, the verse illustrates **Divine Justice**, where the rich man, who lived in earthly luxury without compassion, now suffers, while Lazarus, who endured hardship, finds comfort, demonstrating God's righteous judgment. Finally, the rich man's request for even a single drop of water emphasizes the **Nature of Torment**, signifying the excruciating and unquenchable suffering associated with the "flame" in Hades. This parable, including [Luke 16:24](/luke/16-24 "Luke 16:24 - The Rich Man's Plea"), serves as a powerful warning against spiritual complacency and a call to repentance and compassion, echoing Jesus's consistent emphasis on the kingdom of God and its demands throughout [Luke's Gospel](/luke/16 "Luke 16 - The Parables of Jesus").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Abraham (Greek, _Abraám'_):** This refers to Abraham, the Hebrew patriarch. In this context, the rich man's address of "Father Abraham" signifies his recognition of Abraham's spiritual authority and his own identity as a descendant of Abraham, appealing to a familial and covenantal relationship. It also highlights the rich man's shock and desperation, turning to the ultimate figure of comfort and heritage in Jewish thought.
* **Mercy (Greek, _eleéō'_):** Derived from a root meaning compassion, this word implies a plea for pity, kindness, or relief, whether by word or deed. The rich man's cry, "have mercy on me," is an urgent appeal for alleviation of his suffering, acknowledging his dire state and Abraham's perceived capacity to provide relief. It underscores the profound and desperate need for divine compassion in the face of torment.
* **Tormented (Greek, _odynáō'_):** This verb means to grieve, to suffer pain, or to be in anguish. It describes an intense, agonizing pain and distress, often associated with physical or mental suffering. The rich man's declaration, "I am tormented," vividly conveys the excruciating nature of his experience in the flame, leaving no doubt as to the severity of his suffering.
* **Flame (Greek, _phlóx'_):** This noun refers to a blaze or a flaming fire. In this context, "this flame" denotes the literal or metaphorical fire that is the source of the rich man's torment. It signifies the intense heat, pain, and destructive power associated with his suffering in Hades, emphasizing the severity and consuming nature of his punishment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he cried and said, Father Abraham,"**: This opening phrase introduces the rich man's desperate and immediate response to his agonizing situation. His "cry" (Gk. _phōnéō_) indicates a loud, urgent vocalization born of intense distress, while his address to "Father Abraham" (Gk. _patḗr Abraám_) reveals his Jewish identity and his appeal to the revered patriarch, whom he believes holds authority in the afterlife. This address also highlights his recognition of Abraham's presence in the realm of comfort, contrasting sharply with his own torment.
* **"have mercy on me, and send Lazarus,"**: The rich man's plea for "mercy" (Gk. _eleéō_) underscores his recognition of his dire need and Abraham's potential to alleviate it. His request to "send Lazarus" (Gk. _pémpō Lázaros_) is profoundly ironic, as he, who ignored Lazarus in life, now depends entirely on him for relief. This reversal of roles powerfully demonstrates the inversion of status in the afterlife.
* **"that he may dip the tip of his finger in water,"**: This specific and minimal request reveals the rich man's extreme suffering. He asks for only "the tip" (Gk. _ákron_) of Lazarus's "finger" (Gk. _dáktylos_) to be dipped in "water" (Gk. _hýdōr_), signifying an almost unimaginable agony where even the smallest amount of relief is desperately sought. It emphasizes the unquenchable nature of his thirst and the severity of the heat.
* **"and cool my tongue;"**: The purpose of the water is explicitly stated: to "cool" (Gk. _katapsýchō_) his "tongue" (Gk. _glōssa_). This detail vividly conveys the intense, burning sensation he experiences. The tongue, being a sensitive organ, highlights the excruciating physical torment he endures, emphasizing the direct and personal nature of his suffering.
* **"for I am tormented in this flame."**: This final clause provides the reason for his desperate plea. The conjunction "for" (Gk. _hóti_) introduces the cause of his agony: he is "tormented" (Gk. _odynáō_) "in this flame" (Gk. _en taútēi phlóx_). The "flame" is presented as the immediate and pervasive source of his suffering, confirming the reality and intensity of his punishment in Hades.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as the rich man, who once ignored Lazarus at his gate, now begs for a simple act of service from him. This reversal of roles underscores the theme of divine justice. **Hyperbole** is used in the rich man's request for merely "the tip of his finger in water," emphasizing the extreme nature of his torment and his desperate need for even the slightest relief. The imagery of "flame" is a vivid **metaphor** or **symbol** for the intense, consuming suffering of the afterlife, evoking a sense of unbearable heat and pain. The rich man's "cry" and "tormented" state create a strong sense of **pathos**, drawing the listener into his suffering and highlighting the severity of his eternal consequences. The direct address to "Father Abraham" is a form of **apostrophe**, appealing to a figure of authority and heritage, further emphasizing the rich man's desperate and futile hope for intervention.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 16:24 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of the afterlife, divine justice, and the consequences of earthly choices. It unequivocally presents a conscious existence beyond death, where individuals experience either comfort or torment based on their life's spiritual trajectory. The rich man's suffering in the "flame" and his unquenchable thirst underscore the severity and finality of eternal judgment for those who reject God's revealed truth and live without compassion. This passage challenges the notion that earthly prosperity is a sign of divine favor and warns against the spiritual dangers of self-indulgence and indifference to the suffering of others. It highlights that true wealth lies not in material possessions but in one's spiritual standing before God, emphasizing the urgency of repentance and faith in this life, as there is no opportunity for reversal after death.

* [Hebrews 9:27](/hebrews/9-27 "Appointed to Die Once")
* [Matthew 25:46](/matthew/25-46 "Eternal Punishment and Life")
* [Romans 2:6](/romans/2-6 "God Will Repay Each Person According to Deeds")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 16:24 is a sobering reminder that life's choices have eternal consequences. It compels us to seriously consider our spiritual state and priorities before God, rather than being consumed by fleeting earthly comforts or material pursuits. The rich man's agony in the flame, and his desperate plea for a single drop of water, should stir within us a profound sense of urgency regarding our own spiritual journey and the eternal destinies of those around us. This verse calls us to cultivate a heart of compassion, recognizing the needs of others, especially those who are marginalized or suffering, and to respond with generosity and care. It also underscores the importance of heeding God's Word now, for once death occurs, the opportunity for repentance and change is irrevocably lost. Our earthly life is the sole period of grace and decision, and this parable powerfully illustrates the finality of the choices made within it.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the rich man's desperate plea challenge my own priorities regarding material wealth versus spiritual well-being?**
* **In what ways might I be neglecting "Lazarus" at my gate, whether physically, emotionally, or spiritually?**
* **What does this verse teach me about the urgency of responding to God's Word and cultivating a relationship with Him in this life?**
* **How does the imagery of "torment in this flame" shape my understanding of the consequences of unrepentant living?**

### FAQ
**Does this parable teach about a literal hell with fire, or is it symbolic?**

Answer: The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus, particularly [Luke 16:24](/luke/16-24 "Luke 16:24 - The Rich Man's Plea"), uses vivid imagery of "flame" and "torment" to describe the rich man's suffering in Hades. While parables often employ symbolic language to convey spiritual truths, the intensity and specificity of the rich man's agony (thirst, desire for cooling) suggest a real and conscious experience of suffering. Many theologians interpret this as a depiction of the reality of eternal punishment, whether the "flame" is a literal fire or a metaphor for an equally agonizing and consuming suffering, such as intense regret, separation from God, and unquenchable desire. The primary teaching is the reality of a conscious, distinct, and irreversible state of torment for the unrighteous after death, contrasting with the comfort of the righteous. Jesus's use of such stark imagery underscores the severity of eternal consequences.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Luke 16:24 vividly portrays the rich man's torment, its ultimate fulfillment and theological significance are profoundly understood through the lens of Christ. The rich man's desperate plea for water highlights humanity's inherent thirst for spiritual refreshment, a thirst that can only be truly quenched by Jesus, the [Living Water](/john/4-10 "John 4:10 - Jesus, the Living Water"). He declared, "[If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink](/john/7-37-38 "John 7:37-38 - Rivers of Living Water")," offering an eternal spring that contrasts sharply with the rich man's unquenchable agony. Furthermore, the "flame" of torment points to the just judgment that awaits those who reject God's truth and mercy. Christ, however, is the one who bore the full wrath of God on the cross, becoming the ultimate sacrifice that delivers believers from this very judgment. His atoning work offers the only escape from the "flame" of eternal separation, providing a pathway to the true "Abraham's bosom"—the presence of God in His eternal kingdom. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus conquered death and Hades, offering [eternal life to all who believe](/john/5-28-29 "John 5:28-29 - Resurrection to Life"). The "great gulf fixed" ([Luke 16:26](/luke/16-26 "Luke 16:26 - The Great Gulf Fixed")) between the righteous and the unrighteous is bridged only by the cross of Christ, allowing access to God's presence and the [water of life freely](/revelation/21-6 "Revelation 21:6 - The Water of Life") ([Revelation 22:17](/revelation/22-17 "Revelation 22:17 - The Invitation to Life")). Thus, Luke 16:24, in its stark warning, implicitly magnifies the indispensable mercy and salvation offered exclusively through Jesus Christ, the one who judges all ([Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31-46 "Matthew 25 - The Judgment of the Nations")) and provides the only way to escape eternal suffering and enter into eternal comfort.

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

Revelation 22:1

¶ And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.

John 4:10

Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.

Revelation 7:16

They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.

Revelation 7:17

For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

John 4:14

But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

Matthew 25:41

Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

James 3:6

And the tongue [is] a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.