Devine Scripture

Luke 16:28

What does Luke 16:28 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 16:28 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 16:28 means

The rich man explains his motivation for wanting Lazarus sent to his brothers: he desires that Lazarus "may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment." His fear for his brothers reveals an understanding of the consequences of their current lifestyle and his earnest wish to spare them from his own suffering. This highlights his recognition of his brothers' shared path and his belief that a supernatural witness would effectively prevent their damnation.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For I have five brothers; and let him give them an account of these things, so that they may not come to this place of pain.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for I have five brothers, so that he may thoroughly testify to them, that they also may not come to this place of torment.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

That he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torments.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

for I have five brothers, so that he may earnestly testify to them, that they also may not come to this place of torment.

Context

This verse elaborates on the rich man's plea in verse 27, explicitly stating his reason for wanting his brothers warned. It underscores his recognition of the dire eternal consequences and his concern for his family. This statement solidifies the rich man's new motivation, shifting from self-interest to a desire for his family's salvation, setting up Abraham's firm rebuttal about the sufficiency of God's Word in the verses that follow.

v.27And he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house;

v.28This passage

v.29But Abraham saith, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.

Cross references

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

  • Acts 2:40

    And with many other words he testified, and exhorted them, saying, Save yourselves from this crooked generation.

  • Psalms 49:12

    But man being in honor abideth not: He is like the beasts that perish.

  • Acts 20:23

    save that the Holy Spirit testifieth unto me in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:6

    that no man transgress, and wrong his brother in the matter: because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as also we forewarned you and testified.

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