Devine Scripture

Luke 16:21

What does Luke 16:21 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 16:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 16:21 means

Lazarus's desperate condition is further emphasized by his desire to eat even the scraps from the rich man's table, signifying extreme hunger and a complete reliance on charity. The detail that "even the dogs came and licked his sores" highlights his utterly degraded state; animals showed him more comfort than human beings. This verse underscores the rich man's complete indifference and the profound suffering of Lazarus, deepening the tragic circumstances that set up the eternal consequences.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

and desiring to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table; yea, even the dogs came and licked his sores.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

and desiring to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table; yea, even the dogs came and licked his sores.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Desiring the broken bits of food which came from the table of the man of wealth; and even the dogs came and put their tongues on his wounds.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and desiring to be filled from the crumbs that are falling from the table of the rich man; yea, also the dogs, coming, were licking his sores.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Desiring to be filled with the crumbs that fell from the rich man's table. And no one did give him: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and desiring to be filled with the crumbs which fell from the table of the rich man; but the dogs also coming licked his sores.

Context

This verse continues the poignant depiction of Lazarus's suffering and adds a crucial detail: his desire for crumbs, which highlights the rich man's neglect. The mention of the dogs further underscores Lazarus's abject state. This verse amplifies the contrast established in verse 20, making the rich man's sin of omission even clearer and building the moral tension before the narrative shifts to their deaths and what happens afterward.

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

v.21This passage

v.22And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and that he was carried away by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: and the rich man also died, and was buried.

Cross references

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

  • Mark 7:28

    But she answered and saith unto him, Yea, Lord; even the dogs under the table eat of the children’s crumbs.

  • 1 Corinthians 4:11

    Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling-place;

  • 2 Corinthians 11:27

    in labor and travail, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.

  • John 6:12

    And when they were filled, he saith unto his disciples, Gather up the broken pieces which remain over, that nothing be lost.

  • Matthew 15:27

    But she said, Yea, Lord: for even the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.

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