Devine Scripture

Luke 16:27

What does Luke 16:27 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 16:27 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 16:27 means

After his request for personal relief is denied due to the fixed gulf, the rich man shifts his concern to his living family. He pleads with Abraham to send Lazarus to his "father's house," indicating a desire to warn his five brothers about their impending fate if they continue in a similar manner. This request shows a glimmer of concern, but also a persistent belief that a dramatic, supernatural intervention is necessary for conviction, rather than the existing Revelation.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he said, Father, it is my request that you will send him to my father's house;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`And he said, I pray thee, then, father, that thou mayest send him to the house of my father,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he said: Then, father, I beseech thee that thou wouldst send him to my father's house, for I have five brethren,

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he said, I beseech thee then, father, that thou wouldest send him to the house of my father,

Context

Having failed to secure relief for himself in verses 24-26, the rich man now turns his plea to the welfare of his living brothers. This emotional turn introduces a new dimension to the parable, moving from individual destiny to broader evangelistic concern. This sets up the final exchange between the rich man and Abraham, which addresses the sufficiency of existing revelation for guiding people to repentance, a theme crucial to the parable's concluding message.

v.26And 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.

v.27This passage

v.28for I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.

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