The story of Lazarus and the rich man, found in Luke 16:19–31, is a powerful parable Jesus told to teach us about compassion, wealth, and what happens after this life.
It’s a vivid story of two very different lives and what becomes of them after death—and it leaves us with some important lessons.
In this blog post, we’ll walk through the verses in this parable and explore what they mean for us today. Whether you’re thinking about how to live a life that honors God, wrestling with the responsibilities that come with wealth, or just looking for hope in hard times, this story offers timeless wisdom and a reminder of God’s justice and mercy.
1. Luke 16:19-21 – The Rich Man and Lazarus
“There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.”
Explanation: This verse sets the stage for the stark contrast between the two men. The rich man lives in luxury and comfort, while Lazarus is poor and suffers. The imagery highlights the neglect of the suffering and the vast social and economic divide. It speaks to the call for compassion toward those in need.
2. Luke 16:22 – The Death of Lazarus
“The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried.”
Explanation: Both men die, but their eternal destinies are very different. Lazarus is taken to a place of comfort, while the rich man is buried without mention of any peace or comfort. This reflects the Bible’s teaching on the eternal nature of our lives and the outcomes based on how we live on earth.
3. Luke 16:23-24 – The Rich Man’s Torment
“In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’”
Explanation: The rich man is now in torment in the afterlife, unable to escape his suffering. His plea for Lazarus to bring him relief shows the reversal of roles and a profound understanding of the consequences of ignoring those in need while on earth. It is a stark reminder that we must not only be aware of others’ suffering but act to help them.
4. Luke 16:25 – Abraham’s Response
“But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.’”
Explanation: Abraham’s response underscores the justice of God. While on earth, the rich man enjoyed luxury, but now Lazarus is receiving the comfort that he was denied in life. This verse speaks to the justice of God and the idea that our earthly lives are temporary, and the rewards or sufferings we experience here are not the end.
5. Luke 16:26 – The Uncrossable Divide
“And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.”
Explanation: This verse highlights the permanence of the afterlife and the finality of the choices we make in life. The chasm represents the irreversible separation between the blessed and the damned. It is a powerful reminder that our decisions in life have eternal consequences.
6. Luke 16:27-28 – The Rich Man’s Plea for His Family
“He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’”
Explanation: The rich man, realizing the dire situation he is in, pleads for his family to be warned. This verse serves as a call for us to heed the warnings of Scripture and take the opportunity to change our ways before it’s too late. It highlights the importance of evangelism and spreading God’s message of salvation.
7. Luke 16:29 – Abraham’s Answer
“Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’”
Explanation: Abraham’s response emphasizes the sufficiency of the scriptures and the messages delivered by the prophets. God has already provided all the wisdom and warnings necessary for people to avoid such a fate, underlining the importance of reading and understanding the Bible.
8. Luke 16:30 – The Rich Man’s Plea Denied
“No, father Abraham,” he said, “but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.”
Explanation: The rich man still thinks that a dramatic sign, like someone rising from the dead, would convince his brothers to change their ways. This illustrates how people can be blind to spiritual truths, even when extraordinary events happen. God calls us to listen to His Word and respond in faith, not wait for miracles.
9. Luke 16:31 – Abraham’s Final Words
“He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’”
Explanation: Abraham’s final statement underscores the sufficiency of Scripture. Even a miraculous sign will not change the hearts of those unwilling to listen to God’s Word. This challenges us to value the teachings of the Bible and to recognize the importance of living according to them.
10. Matthew 6:19-21 – Treasures in Heaven
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Explanation: While not directly from the parable, this verse reflects the same idea about wealth. Jesus teaches that our focus should not be on accumulating earthly wealth, but on heavenly treasures that endure. It serves as a reminder to live with eternal priorities in mind, rather than focusing solely on material success.
11. Matthew 19:24 – The Danger of Wealth
“Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”
Explanation: This challenging teaching from Jesus emphasizes the difficulty that wealth can create in our spiritual lives. It’s not that wealth is inherently bad, but the temptation to rely on it rather than on God can lead us astray.
12. 1 Timothy 6:10 – The Love of Money
“For the love of money is the root of all evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
Explanation: The love of money, as the Bible warns, can lead us into destructive behavior. This verse echoes the lessons from the parable, reminding us that wealth should not be our idol, and it challenges us to guard against greed.
13. James 2:5 – The Rich and the Poor
“Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?”
Explanation: This verse speaks to the value that God places on faith over wealth. Lazarus, despite his poverty, is rich in faith and receives God’s blessing. It challenges us to examine where our true riches lie.
14. Proverbs 19:17 – Giving to the Poor
“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.”
Explanation: This verse highlights the importance of caring for the poor. Helping others, particularly those in need like Lazarus, is not just a kind act but a way of honoring God. It reminds us that acts of kindness are rewarded by God.
15. Psalm 146:7-9 – God’s Care for the Needy
“He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets prisoners free, the Lord gives sight to the blind, the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, the Lord loves the righteous.”
Explanation: This verse reinforces God’s heart for the marginalized and oppressed. Lazarus was a man in need, and God took notice of his suffering. It calls us to follow God’s example and show compassion to those in need.
Conclusion: Reflecting on the Bible Verse About Lazarus and the Rich Man
The Bible verse about Lazarus and the rich man serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of how we live our lives, especially when it comes to wealth, compassion, and eternal consequences.
Jesus’ words challenge us to examine our hearts, how we treat others, and where we place our treasures. In this life, we are called to live with a heart of compassion and generosity, looking beyond our own comfort to the needs of those around us.
Take a moment to reflect on these verses. How do they challenge you in your walk with God? What lessons can you apply to your life today? We encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
Let’s learn from one another and grow together in faith.