New Testament
Luke 16:23
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
And in hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus beside him.
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And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
What Luke 16:23 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see a vivid depiction of the afterlife, where a rich man finds himself in hell, experiencing intense suffering. He is aware of his surroundings and can see Abraham, a figure of comfort and righteousness, along with Lazarus, a poor man who had suffered in life but is now at peace. This moment highlights the stark contrast between their fates. The rich man’s torment serves as a reminder of the consequences of his earthly choices, particularly his neglect of those in need. The imagery of looking up signifies a realization of his situation and perhaps a longing for relief. This passage emphasizes the importance of compassion and the moral implications of our actions in life, suggesting that our choices have eternal consequences. It also introduces themes of justice and mercy, as the rich man’s suffering is juxtaposed with Lazarus’s comfort, illustrating the reversal of fortunes in the afterlife.
How to apply Luke 16:23 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our actions and attitudes towards others, especially those in need. It serves as a reminder to live with compassion and to consider the eternal impact of our choices. We should strive to help those less fortunate and be mindful of our responsibilities to others.
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At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 16:23 mean?
Luke 16:23 describes a scene in the afterlife where a rich man, suffering in hell, sees Abraham and Lazarus. This illustrates the consequences of his earthly choices and highlights the contrast between his torment and Lazarus's comfort.
What is the significance of Abraham in Luke 16:23?
In Luke 16:23, Abraham represents a figure of righteousness and comfort. The rich man's sight of Abraham signifies a recognition of the moral divide between their lives and the consequences of his neglect towards others.
What does the torment in hell refer to in Luke 16:23?
The torment in hell mentioned in Luke 16:23 refers to the intense suffering experienced by the rich man due to his past actions. It serves as a warning about the eternal consequences of one's choices and lack of compassion.
What is the message of Luke 16:23?
The message of Luke 16:23 emphasizes the importance of compassion and the moral implications of our actions. It illustrates how one's choices in life can lead to vastly different outcomes in the afterlife.
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