Devine Scripture

Luke 16:30

What does Luke 16:30 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 16:30 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 16:30 means

The rich man persists in his argument, challenging Abraham's assertion. He believes that if someone were to return from the dead, his brothers *would* repent. This shows his deep-seated conviction that a miraculous, supernatural event would be more compelling and effective than the familiar teachings of the Law and the Prophets. His continued plea underscores the human tendency to seek extraordinary signs rather than diligently heed God's ongoing revelation.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he said, No, father Abraham, but if someone went to them from the dead, their hearts would be changed.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and he said, No, father Abraham, but if any one from the dead may go unto them, they will reform.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But he said: No, father Abraham: but if one went to them from the dead, they will do penance.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But he said, Nay, father Abraham, but if one from the dead should go to them, they will repent.

Context

This verse contains the rich man's final counter-argument to Abraham's assertion in verse 29 regarding the sufficiency of "Moses and the prophets." It shows his continued human inclination to believe a dramatic sign from the dead would be more persuasive than existing Scripture. This serves as the direct setup for Abraham's concluding and definitive statement in verse 31, which brings the parable to its powerful spiritual climax.

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

v.30This passage

v.31And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, if one rise from the dead.

Cross references

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

  • Luke 16:24

    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.

  • Luke 13:5

    I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

  • Luke 13:3

    I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all in like manner perish.

  • 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.

  • Revelation 16:9

    And men were scorched with great heat: and they blasphemed the name of God who hath the power over these plagues; and they repented not to give him glory.

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 16:30.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary