Devine Scripture

Luke 16:19

What does Luke 16:19 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 16:19 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 16:19 means

Jesus introduces a new parable about a rich man, characterized by extravagant luxury and daily indulgence, signified by his purple clothing (a symbol of royalty and wealth) and fine linen. He lived sumptuously every single day, indicating a life utterly devoid of want or concern for others. This man represents an extreme of worldly affluence and self-gratification, setting up a stark contrast with the impoverished man who will be introduced next, and serving as a warning about the dangers of unchecked wealth and pleasure.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Now there was a certain rich man, and he was clothed in purple and fine linen, faring sumptuously every day:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Now there was a certain rich man, and he was clothed in purple and fine linen, faring sumptuously every day:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Now there was a certain man of great wealth, who was dressed in fair clothing of purple and delicate linen, and was shining and glad every day.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`And--a certain man was rich, and was clothed in purple and fine linen, making merry sumptuously every day,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and feasted sumptuously every day.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Now there was a rich man and he was clothed in purple and fine linen, making good cheer in splendour every day.

Context

This verse begins the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus, shifting from Jesus' direct rebukes of the Pharisees to a narrative that powerfully illustrates the themes of wealth, poverty, and eternal destiny. It immediately establishes the opulent lifestyle of the rich man, providing a vivid picture that will be contrasted with Lazarus's profound suffering in the following verses and setting the stage for the dramatic reversal of fortunes in the afterlife.

v.18Every one that putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and he that marrieth one that is put away from a husband committeth adultery.

v.19This passage

v.20and a certain beggar named Lazarus was laid at his gate, full of sores,

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • James 5:1

    Come now, ye rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you.

  • Judges 8:26

    And the weight of the golden ear-rings that he requested was a thousand and seven hundred shekels of gold; besides the crescents, and the pendants, and the purple raiment that was on the kings of Midian, and besides the chains that were about their camels’ necks.

  • Psalms 73:3

    For I was envious at the arrogant, When I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

  • Revelation 17:4

    And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and decked with gold and precious stone and pearls, having in her hand a golden cup full of abominations, even the unclean things of her fornication,

  • Revelation 18:16

    saying, Woe, woe, the great city, she that was arrayed in fine linen and purple and scarlet, and decked with gold and precious stone and pearl!

  • Revelation 18:7

    How much soever she glorified herself, and waxed wanton, so much give her of torment and mourning: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall in no wise see mourning.

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