New Testament
Luke 16:29
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Abraham is responding to a rich man who is in torment after death.
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
"But Abraham replied, 'They have Moses and the prophets. Let them listen to them.'
Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Abraham is responding to a rich man who is in torment after death. The rich man asks Abraham to send someone to warn his family about the consequences of their actions. Abraham's reply emphasizes that the teachings of Moses and the prophets are sufficient for guiding people toward righteousness. He implies that if they do not listen to the scriptures, they would not be convinced even if someone were to rise from the dead. This highlights the importance of heeding God's word and the messages delivered through the prophets, which provide guidance and warnings about living a life that pleases God. The verse underscores the idea that spiritual truths are accessible through scripture, and it is the responsibility of individuals to engage with these teachings to avoid dire consequences in the afterlife.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Luke 16:29 to your life
This verse encourages us to prioritize reading and understanding the Bible, as it contains essential teachings for our lives. We should actively listen to the messages of scripture and apply them, recognizing that they guide us in making wise choices and avoiding spiritual pitfalls.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 16:29 mean?
In Luke 16:29, Abraham tells the rich man that his family has the teachings of Moses and the prophets to guide them. This means that the scriptures are sufficient for understanding how to live righteously and avoid the consequences of sin.
What is the significance of Moses and the prophets in Luke 16:29?
Moses and the prophets represent the foundational teachings of the Bible that provide guidance on how to live according to God's will. Abraham's mention of them emphasizes that these scriptures are crucial for understanding spiritual truths and moral living.
How does Luke 16:29 relate to the afterlife?
Luke 16:29 highlights the idea that individuals are accountable for their actions in life and that the teachings of scripture can help them avoid negative consequences in the afterlife. It suggests that awareness of spiritual truths is essential for making wise choices.
What lesson can we learn from Luke 16:29?
The lesson from Luke 16:29 is to prioritize reading and understanding the Bible, as it contains vital teachings for living a righteous life. It encourages individuals to engage with scripture to avoid spiritual pitfalls and understand the consequences of their actions.

The Book of Luke
Luke 1: The Births of John the Baptist and Jesus Foretold
In the days of Herod, king of Judaea, a priest named Zacharias serves in the temple. He and his wife Elisabeth are both righteous but have no children because Elisabeth is barren, and they are both old. While Zacharias burns incense, the angel Gabriel appears to him and says Elisabeth will bear a son who is to be named John. The child will be great before the Lord, will drink no wine or strong drink, and will be filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb. He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. Zacharias asks how he can know this, since he and his wife are old. Gabriel says Zacharias will be unable to speak until these things come to pass because he did not believe.
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