Devine Scripture

Luke 16:29

What does Luke 16:29 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 16:29 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 16:29 means

Abraham firmly rejects the rich man's request, stating that his brothers already possess sufficient revelation for guidance: "They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them." This affirms that God's written Word, as contained in the Old Testament Scriptures, is entirely adequate to lead people to repentance and salvation. It emphasizes that a genuine readiness to listen to and obey God's existing commands is what leads to eternal life, not a supernatural sign.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But Abraham said, They have Moses and the prophets; let them give ear to what they say.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`Abraham saith to him, They have Moses and the prophets, let them hear them;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And Abraham said to him: They have Moses and the prophets. Let them hear them.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But Abraham says to him, They have Moses and the prophets: let them hear them.

Context

This verse contains Abraham's definitive rejection of the rich man's request from verse 28, emphatically stating the sufficiency of Scripture. It is a crucial theological point, asserting that divine revelation through "Moses and the prophets" is enough for salvation. This direct counter to the rich man's appeal for a dramatic sign sets up the parable's final, conclusive statement found in verse 31, about the ultimate source of spiritual persuasion.

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

v.29This passage

v.30And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one go to them from the dead, they will repent.

Cross references

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

  • John 5:39

    Ye search the scriptures, because ye think that in them ye have eternal life; and these are they which bear witness of me;

  • Acts 17:11

    Now these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, examining the scriptures daily, whether these things were so.

  • Luke 24:27

    And beginning from Moses and from all the prophets, he interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.

  • Isaiah 34:16

    Seek ye out of the book of Jehovah, and read: no one of these shall be missing, none shall want her mate; for my mouth, it hath commanded, and his Spirit, it hath gathered them.

  • Malachi 4:2

    But unto you that fear my name shall the sun of righteousness arise with healing in its wings; and ye shall go forth, and gambol as calves of the stall.

  • Luke 16:16

    The law and the prophets were until John: from that time the gospel of the kingdom of God is preached, and every man entereth violently into it.

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