Devine Scripture

Luke 16:22

What does Luke 16:22 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 16:22 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 16:22 means

The narrative takes a dramatic turn as both men die. Lazarus, the beggar, is immediately carried by angels into "Abraham's bosom," a Jewish idiom for paradise or a place of comfort for the righteous dead, signifying his salvation and peace. The rich man also dies and is buried, but his burial is mentioned without any indication of honor or spiritual comfort, hinting at his different eternal destination. This verse marks the profound reversal of their earthly fortunes.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And 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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And 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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And in time the poor man came to his end, and angels took him to Abraham's breast. And the man of wealth came to his end, and was put in the earth.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`And it came to pass, that the poor man died, and that he was carried away by the messengers to the bosom of Abraham--and the rich man also died, and was buried;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And it came to pass that the beggar died and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom. And the rich man also died: and he was buried in hell.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And it came to pass that the poor man died, and that he was carried away by the angels into the bosom of Abraham. And the rich man also died and was buried.

Context

This verse represents the pivotal turning point in the parable, as both Lazarus and the rich man die. It immediately shifts the setting from earthly life to the afterlife, specifically detailing Lazarus's heavenly reward ("Abraham's bosom"). This sudden and stark contrast in their post-death experiences is crucial to the parable's meaning, setting up the rich man's torment in Hades and the subsequent dialogue that explores the reasons for their fates.

v.21and desiring to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table; yea, even the dogs came and licked his sores.

v.22This passage

v.23And in Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

Cross references

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

  • Psalms 49:6

    They that trust in their wealth, And boast themselves in the multitude of their riches;

  • Job 21:30

    That the evil man is reserved to the day of calamity? That they are led forth to the day of wrath?

  • Proverbs 14:32

    The wicked is thrust down in his evil-doing; But the righteous hath a refuge in his death.

  • John 13:23

    There was at the table reclining in Jesus’ bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.

  • Isaiah 57:1

    The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart; and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come.

  • Luke 12:20

    But God said unto him, Thou foolish one, this night is thy soul required of thee; and the things which thou hast prepared, whose shall they be?

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Luke 16

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Luke 16.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Luke 16:22.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary