Devine Scripture

Luke 16:31

What does Luke 16:31 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 16:31 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 16:31 means

Abraham delivers the final, definitive word, asserting that if people are unwilling to heed the authoritative teaching of "Moses and the prophets," they will not be convinced even by someone rising from the dead. This statement is profoundly prophetic, pointing forward to Jesus' own resurrection, which many would nonetheless reject. It underscores the truth that unbelief is not due to a lack of evidence, but a hardened heart, and that genuine faith comes through God's Word, not through sensational miracles.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he said to him, If they will not give attention to Moses and the prophets, they will not be moved even if someone comes back from the dead.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And he said to him, If Moses and the prophets they do not hear, neither if one may rise out of the dead will they be persuaded.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he said to him: If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they believe, if one rise again from the dead.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he said to him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, not even if one rise from among [the] dead will they be persuaded.

Context

This verse is the powerful conclusion to the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus, providing Abraham's ultimate and authoritative statement. It directly refutes the rich man's final plea from verse 30, emphasizing that the problem of unbelief is not a lack of miraculous signs but a refusal to listen to God's revealed Word. This concluding pronouncement carries significant weight, setting the final moral and theological lesson of the entire chapter regarding the proper response to God's truth.

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

v.31This passage

Cross references

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

  • Acts 28:23

    And when they had appointed him a day, they came to him into his lodging in great number; to whom he expounded the matter, testifying the kingdom of God, and persuading them concerning Jesus, both from the law of Moses and from the prophets, from morning till evening.

  • Acts 19:8

    And he entered into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, reasoning and persuading as to the things concerning the kingdom of God.

  • Acts 26:28

    And Agrippa said unto Paul, With but little persuasion thou wouldest fain make me a Christian.

  • 2 Corinthians 4:3

    And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled in them that perish:

  • John 12:10

    But the chief priests took counsel that they might put Lazarus also to death;

  • 2 Corinthians 5:11

    Knowing therefore the fear of the Lord, we persuade men, but we are made manifest unto God; and I hope that we are made manifest also in your consciences.

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 16:31.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary