Luke 16:25

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.

But {G1161} Abraham {G11} said {G2036}, Son {G5043}, remember {G3415} that {G3754} thou {G4771} in {G1722} thy {G4675} lifetime {G2222} receivedst {G618} thy {G4675} good things {G18}, and {G2532} likewise {G3668} Lazarus {G2976} evil things {G2556}: but {G1161} now {G3568}{G3592} he is comforted {G3870}, and {G1161} thou {G4771} art tormented {G3600}.

However, Avraham said, ‘Son, remember that when you were alive, you got the good things while he got the bad; but now he gets his consolation here, while you are the one in agony.

But Abraham answered, ‘Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things. But now he is comforted here, while you are in agony.

But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things: but now here he is comforted, and thou art in anguish.

Luke 16:25 is a pivotal verse in the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus, delivered by Jesus. It reveals Abraham's response to the rich man's plea for comfort from the afterlife, highlighting the stark reversal of fortunes between the two men.

Context

This verse is a central part of the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31). Jesus tells this story to the Pharisees, who were described as "lovers of money" (Luke 16:14). The parable contrasts a wealthy man who lived in luxury, ignoring a poor beggar named Lazarus at his gate, with Lazarus's suffering life. After their deaths, their positions are dramatically reversed: Lazarus is comforted in Abraham's bosom, while the rich man is tormented in Hades. Abraham's words in verse 25 serve as a direct explanation for this divine judgment, emphasizing the equitable distribution of "good things" and "evil things" experienced in their earthly lives.

Key Themes

  • Divine Reversal of Fortunes: The verse vividly illustrates God's justice, where earthly suffering is balanced by eternal comfort, and earthly indulgence without compassion leads to eternal torment. It challenges the conventional view that material wealth is a sign of divine favor.
  • Consequences of Earthly Choices: Abraham's statement underscores that one's actions, priorities, and treatment of others during life have profound and irreversible consequences in the afterlife. The rich man's sin was not necessarily his wealth, but his neglect of Lazarus and his failure to use his blessings charitably.
  • The Reality of the Afterlife: While a parable, this story offers insights into the immediate post-death state, depicting conscious existence, memory, and a fixed, unbridgeable chasm between the comforted and the tormented.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Son" (Greek: teknon): Abraham addresses the rich man as "Son," a term of endearment or familial connection, which makes the judgment even more poignant. It suggests a shared heritage (as a descendant of Abraham) but a vastly different spiritual destiny.
  • "Receivedst thy good things" (Greek: apelabon ta agatha sou): The verb implies a full and complete receipt, suggesting the rich man had already "received his reward" in full during his lifetime, leaving nothing for the afterlife.
  • "Comforted" (Greek: parakaleo): This word signifies being consoled, encouraged, or given relief. It's the same root for the Holy Spirit as the "Comforter" (Paraclete), indicating deep solace and peace.
  • "Tormented" (Greek: basanizo): This word means to be tortured, vexed, or put to the test, often implying severe physical or mental suffering. It conveys the intensity of the rich man's agony.

Practical Application

Luke 16:25 serves as a powerful warning and a call to reflection for believers today:

  • Prioritize Spiritual Riches: It challenges us to evaluate our priorities, reminding us that storing up treasures in heaven is far more important than accumulating earthly wealth.
  • Practice Compassion and Generosity: The parable highlights the importance of caring for the poor and needy. The rich man's condemnation was not for being rich, but for his indifference to Lazarus's suffering at his very gate. This echoes the sentiment found in Proverbs 19:17.
  • Urgency of Repentance: The finality of the rich man's situation emphasizes that one's eternal destiny is determined during life. There is no second chance or crossing over after death.
  • Accountability: Everyone will face a reckoning for how they lived their lives, whether in abundance or in want.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Luke 6:24

    But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation.

  • 1 John 2:15

    Love not the world, neither the things [that are] in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

  • Psalms 17:14

    From men [which are] thy hand, O LORD, from men of the world, [which have] their portion in [this] life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid [treasure]: they are full of children, and leave the rest of their [substance] to their babes.

  • Mark 9:45

    And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:

  • Romans 8:7

    Because the carnal mind [is] enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

  • Acts 14:22

    Confirming the souls of the disciples, [and] exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

  • Philippians 3:19

    Whose end [is] destruction, whose God [is their] belly, and [whose] glory [is] in their shame, who mind earthly things.)

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