Devine Scripture

Luke 16:24

What does Luke 16:24 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 16:24 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 16:24 means

In his torment, the rich man desperately cries out to "Father Abraham," seeking mercy. He begs for Lazarus, his former neglected neighbor, to be sent to him merely to dip the tip of his finger in water to cool his burning tongue. This plea for the slightest relief highlights the intensity of his suffering and his recognition of Lazarus's new, elevated position. His request also reveals a persistent pride, as he still sees Lazarus as a servant who could be sent to alleviate his discomfort.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am in anguish in this flame.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am in anguish in this flame.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he gave a cry and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me and send Lazarus, so that he may put the end of his finger in water and put it on my tongue, for I am cruelly burning in this flame.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and having cried, he said, Father Abraham, deal kindly with me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and may cool my tongue, because I am distressed in this flame.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he cried and said: Father Abraham, have mercy on me and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water to cool my tongue: for I am tormented in this flame.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he crying out said, Father Abraham, have compassion on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am suffering in this flame.

Context

This verse records the rich man's initial plea to Abraham from his place of torment in Hades, directly following his realization of his dire state and Lazarus's comfort in verse 23. This is the beginning of the crucial dialogue between the rich man and Abraham, which will reveal the reasons for their eternal destinies and the impossibility of reversing them, building the theological core of the parable.

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

v.24This passage

v.25But 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.

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 25:41

    Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into the eternal fire which is prepared for the devil and his angels:

  • Revelation 22:1

    And he showed me a river of water of life, bright as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb,

  • Isaiah 41:17

    The poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst; I, Jehovah, will answer them, I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them.

  • Revelation 20:15

    And if any was not found written in the book of life, he was cast into the lake of fire.

  • 2 Thessalonians 1:8

    rendering vengeance to them that know not God, and to them that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus:

  • Luke 3:8

    Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.

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