Luke 16:26

KJV

And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that [would come] from thence.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} beside {G1909} all {G3956} this {G5125}, between {G3342} us {G2257} and {G2532} you {G5216} there is {G4741} a great {G3173} gulf {G5490} fixed {G4741}: so that {G3704} they which would {G2309} pass {G1224} from hence {G1782} to {G4314} you {G5209} cannot {G3361}{G1410}; neither {G3366} can they pass {G1276} to {G4314} us {G2248}, that would come from thence {G1564}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yet that isn’t all: between you and us a deep rift has been established, so that those who would like to pass from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’

Berean Standard Bible

And besides all this, a great chasm has been fixed between us and you, so that even those who wish cannot cross from here to you, nor can anyone cross from there to us.’

American Standard Version

And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, that they that would pass from hence to you may not be able, and that none may cross over from thence to us.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 16:26, spoken by Abraham to the rich man in torment, reveals a profound and irreversible truth about the afterlife: a divinely established, impassable chasm separates the righteous in comfort from the unrighteous in agony. This verse underscores the finality of eternal destinies, emphasizing that once entered, there is no crossing over, no second chances, and no alteration of one's state after death. It serves as a stark warning about the consequences of earthly choices and the ultimate, unchangeable nature of divine judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a critical component of Jesus's profound [Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus](/luke/16-19-31 "Luke 16:19-31 - The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus"), found in the latter part of Luke 16. The parable begins by contrasting the lives of a wealthy, self-indulgent man and a poor, suffering beggar named Lazarus. After their deaths, their roles are dramatically reversed: Lazarus is carried by angels to "Abraham's bosom," a metaphor for paradise, while the rich man finds himself in Hades, tormented. The rich man's desperate plea for relief and for Lazarus to warn his living brothers sets the stage for Abraham's definitive declaration in [Luke 16:26](/luke/16-26 "Luke 16:26 - The Fixed Gulf Between Destinies"). This response solidifies the unalterable nature of their post-mortem states, serving as the climax of the rich man's realization of his eternal plight and the futility of his pleas. The parable as a whole is part of a larger section in Luke where Jesus addresses issues of wealth, stewardship, and the kingdom of God, often challenging the prevailing values of His audience, particularly the Pharisees who were "lovers of money" ([Luke 16:14](/luke/16-14 "Luke 16:14 - Pharisees Love Money")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of an afterlife with distinct realms for the righteous and the wicked was present in Jewish thought, though details varied. "Abraham's bosom" was a common Jewish idiom for the place of comfort and honor for the righteous dead, often associated with the patriarch Abraham as a father figure. Hades (Sheol in Hebrew thought) was generally understood as the realm of the dead, a shadowy underworld, but by Jesus's time, it often included distinct compartments for the righteous and the unrighteous, with the latter experiencing torment. The parable's vivid imagery of a rich man ignoring a poor beggar at his gate would have resonated deeply with a society where social stratification was pronounced, and the wealthy often had little regard for the destitute. The failure to care for the poor was seen as a grave sin, a direct violation of God's law and prophetic injunctions. The "fixed gulf" would have underscored the finality of one's spiritual condition, a concept that countered any notion of post-mortem repentance or transfer between these realms, which some contemporary beliefs might have entertained.

* **Key Themes:** [Luke 16:26](/luke/16-26 "Luke 16:26 - The Fixed Gulf Between Destinies") powerfully contributes to several major theological and narrative themes within [Luke's Gospel](/luke/1 "Luke - The Gospel of Jesus Christ") and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes the **Finality of Eternal Destiny**. The "great gulf fixed" unequivocally declares that one's eternal state, determined by choices made during earthly life, is unchangeable after death. There is no crossing over, no second chances, and no possibility of altering one's destiny, aligning with the biblical truth found in [Hebrews 9:27](/hebrews/9-27 "Hebrews 9:27 - Appointed to Die Once, Then Judgment") that it is appointed for man to die once, and then comes judgment. Secondly, the verse highlights the **Impassable Separation** between the blessed and the tormented. This chasm represents an absolute, divinely established division, signifying a complete and irreversible separation between those who have embraced God's ways and those who have rejected them. Finally, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Justice and Consequences**. The rich man's suffering is a direct consequence of his unrepentant heart, his neglect of God's word, and his indifference to the suffering of others, particularly Lazarus. Conversely, Lazarus's comfort is a testament to God's care for the humble and suffering, demonstrating that earthly circumstances do not dictate eternal outcomes, but rather one's spiritual posture before God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **gulf (Greek, _chásma'_):** From a form of an obsolete primary (to "gape" or "yawn"); a "chasm" or vacancy (impassable interval). This word vividly describes a wide, gaping, and impassable opening, emphasizing the absolute separation between the two realms. It is not merely a barrier, but an abyss that cannot be bridged.
* **fixed (Greek, _stērízō'_):** From a presumed derivative of _hístēmi_ (like _stereós_); to set fast, i.e., (literally) to turn resolutely in a certain direction, or (figuratively) to confirm. The use of the perfect passive indicative of _stērízō_ ("esteriktai") is crucial. It signifies that the gulf has been set firm, established, and remains in that fixed state. This is not a temporary or negotiable separation, but a permanent, divinely decreed barrier that cannot be moved or traversed.
* **pass (Greek, _diabaínō'_):** From _diá_ and the base of _básis_; to cross. This word describes the act of crossing from one side to another. Its inclusion, coupled with the negation "cannot," underscores the absolute impossibility of movement between the two states. The desire to cross exists on both sides, but the fixed gulf renders such passage utterly impossible.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And beside all this,"**: This opening phrase connects Abraham's statement to the preceding dialogue, particularly the rich man's pleas for relief and for Lazarus to be sent to his brothers. It implies that beyond the immediate suffering and the rich man's desires, there is an overarching, fundamental reality that governs the situation.
* **"between us and you there is a great gulf fixed:"**: This is the core declaration of the verse. "Us" refers to Abraham and Lazarus in the place of comfort, and "you" refers to the rich man in torment. The "great gulf" (_chásma méga_) is a vast, impassable abyss. The term "fixed" (_esteriktai_) emphasizes its permanence and divine establishment, indicating that this separation is not arbitrary or temporary but an unalterable decree.
* **"so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot;"**: This clause explains the consequence of the fixed gulf. Those in Abraham's bosom, even if they desired to, are unable to cross over to the place of torment. This highlights the absolute nature of the barrier from the perspective of the blessed.
* **"neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence."**: This completes the picture of impossibility, stating that those in torment are likewise unable to cross to the place of comfort. The desire to escape agony is futile, as the gulf prevents any movement in either direction. This underscores the finality and irreversibility of the judgment and the eternal destinies.

#### Literary Devices
The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus, and specifically [Luke 16:26](/luke/16-26 "Luke 16:26 - The Fixed Gulf Between Destinies"), is rich in **Symbolism**. The "great gulf fixed" is a powerful symbol of the absolute and irreversible separation between the righteous and the unrighteous in the afterlife. It represents not just a physical barrier, but a spiritual and moral chasm that is divinely established and unbridgeable by human effort or desire. The contrasting imagery of "Abraham's bosom" and "torment in Hades" employs stark **Juxtaposition** to highlight the dramatic reversal of fortunes and the disparate eternal states. The entire narrative is a **Parable**, a fictional story used by Jesus to convey profound spiritual truths about wealth, poverty, judgment, and eternal destiny. The **Imagery** of the rich man's suffering and Lazarus's comfort, along with the visual of the impassable gulf, serves to make the abstract concept of eternal judgment concrete and impactful for the listeners.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 16:26 profoundly speaks to the nature of divine justice and the finality of human choice. It asserts that there is a definitive, unalterable separation between the saved and the lost, established by God Himself. This "fixed gulf" underscores the critical importance of one's spiritual state and response to God's revelation during their earthly life. It dismisses any notion of post-mortem repentance, purgatorial cleansing, or a second chance after death, emphasizing that the eternal destinies are sealed. The verse serves as a sober reminder that God's judgment is righteous and that the consequences of rejecting His grace and neglecting His commands are eternal and irreversible. It highlights the solemn reality that the choices we make in this life have everlasting implications, and there comes a point beyond which no change or transit between these two states is possible.

* [Hebrews 9:27](/hebrews/9-27 "Hebrews 9:27 - Appointed to Die Once, Then Judgment"): "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:"
* [Matthew 25:46](/matthew/25-46 "Matthew 25:46 - Eternal Punishment and Eternal Life"): "And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal."
* [Revelation 20:14-15](/revelation/20-14-15 "Revelation 20:14-15 - The Second Death and the Lake of Fire"): "And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound message of Luke 16:26 calls us to a serious and urgent reflection on our spiritual lives and the choices we make today. The "great gulf fixed" serves as a powerful reminder that our time on earth is the decisive period for our eternal destiny. It compels us to consider whether we are living in alignment with God's will, exercising compassion, and responding to His grace, or if we are, like the rich man, consumed by self-indulgence and spiritual indifference. This verse challenges us to embrace the reality of the afterlife with its distinct and unalterable states, urging us to prioritize our relationship with God above all else. It is a call to immediate repentance, faith in Christ, and a life of obedience, recognizing that the opportunity to bridge the chasm between ourselves and God's favor is available only in this present life. The parable's emphasis on the rich man's neglect of Lazarus also serves as a poignant reminder of our responsibility to care for the vulnerable and to heed the teachings of Scripture, for neglecting God's word and His people has eternal consequences.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of a "great gulf fixed" impact my understanding of the urgency of faith and repentance in this life?**
* **Am I living in a way that demonstrates a genuine belief in the reality of eternal destinies, or am I neglecting spiritual matters for temporary earthly pursuits?**
* **In what ways am I, like the rich man, potentially neglecting the needs of others or ignoring the clear teachings of God's Word?**
* **What specific actions can I take today to ensure my life is aligned with God's will and to prepare for my eternal future?**

### FAQ

**Is the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus a literal description of the afterlife?**

Answer: While parables often use metaphorical language to convey spiritual truths, Jesus's description of the afterlife in the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus contains elements that many scholars believe point to a real, conscious existence after death with distinct realms for the righteous and the unrighteous. The specific details, such as "Abraham's bosom" and the "great gulf fixed," are likely symbolic representations of spiritual realities. However, the core message—that there is a conscious existence after death, a separation between the blessed and the tormented, and the finality of one's eternal state—is widely understood to be a literal truth taught by Jesus. The vivid imagery serves to impress upon the hearers the gravity and reality of eternal consequences.

**Does Luke 16:26 mean there is no second chance for salvation after death?**

Answer: Yes, the verse strongly implies that there is no second chance or opportunity for repentance and salvation after physical death. The "great gulf fixed" signifies an irreversible separation, making it impossible for anyone to cross from the realm of torment to the realm of comfort, or vice-versa. This aligns with other biblical teachings, such as [Hebrews 9:27](/hebrews/9-27 "Hebrews 9:27 - Appointed to Die Once, Then Judgment"), which states that it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment. The time for making a decision for Christ and living according to God's will is during one's earthly life.

**What is "Abraham's bosom" in this parable?**

Answer: "Abraham's bosom" is a Jewish idiom used to describe the place of comfort, honor, and blessed rest for the righteous dead. It signifies being welcomed into the presence of Abraham, the father of the Jewish people, and sharing in the fellowship of the faithful departed. It is a metaphorical expression for paradise or the dwelling place of the righteous in the afterlife, contrasting sharply with the rich man's torment in Hades. It represents a state of peace and divine favor, a place where Lazarus, the poor beggar, found solace after a life of suffering.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The "great gulf fixed" in [Luke 16:26](/luke/16-26 "Luke 16:26 - The Fixed Gulf Between Destinies") powerfully illustrates humanity's inherent separation from a holy God due to sin, a chasm that no human effort, wealth, or good deed can bridge. However, the glorious truth of the Gospel is that what is impossible for humanity is possible through Christ. Jesus Christ Himself is the bridge across this otherwise impassable gulf. Through His perfect life, atoning death on the cross, and victorious resurrection, He has provided the *only* way for sinful humanity to be reconciled to God. The fixed gulf of eternal separation, which is the just consequence of sin, is overcome for all who place their faith in Him. As [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, and Life") declares, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." Christ's sacrifice on Calvary took upon Himself the penalty for our sins, allowing God to be both just and the justifier of those who believe ([Romans 3:26](/romans/3-26 "Romans 3:26 - God's Righteousness Through Faith")). He became sin for us, "that we might be made the righteousness of God in him" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Thus, the very separation that the rich man experienced is precisely what Christ came to abolish for those who trust in Him, ushering them into eternal fellowship with God, a reality far surpassing the comfort of "Abraham's bosom."

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

John 3:36

He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

Psalms 49:14

Like sheep they are laid in the grave; death shall feed on them; and the upright shall have dominion over them in the morning; and their beauty shall consume in the grave from their dwelling.

Psalms 50:22

Now consider this, ye that forget God, lest I tear [you] in pieces, and [there be] none to deliver.

James 1:11

For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.

James 1:12

Blessed [is] the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

Malachi 3:18

Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.

Revelation 20:10

And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet [are], and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.