Luke 16:24

So he cried out, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue. For I am in agony in this fire.'

Study Bible

So he cried out
The Greek word for "cried out" is "φωνέω" (phonéō), which implies a loud call or shout, often from a place of desperation or urgent need. This reflects the rich man's intense suffering and his desperate plea for relief. In the context of the parable, this cry signifies the irreversible chasm between the choices made in life and their eternal consequences. It serves as a poignant reminder of the urgency of repentance and the need to heed God's call while there is still time.

Father Abraham
Addressing Abraham as "Father" indicates the rich man's Jewish heritage, as Abraham is considered the patriarch of the Israelites. This highlights the rich man's misplaced confidence in his lineage for salvation, rather than a personal relationship with God. It underscores the biblical truth that salvation is not based on ancestry or heritage but on faith and obedience to God.

have mercy on me
The plea for mercy, "ἐλεέω" (eleéō), is a request for compassion and relief from suffering. This reflects the rich man's recognition of his dire state and his need for grace. However, it is significant that this plea comes too late, illustrating the importance of seeking God's mercy during one's lifetime. Theologically, it emphasizes the concept of divine justice and the finality of judgment after death.

and send Lazarus
The request to send Lazarus indicates the rich man's continued perception of Lazarus as inferior, even in the afterlife. This reflects a lack of true repentance or understanding of the reversal of fortunes in God's kingdom. It serves as a critique of societal structures that devalue the poor and marginalized, reminding believers of the call to love and serve others selflessly.

to dip the tip of his finger in water
The imagery of dipping a finger in water to cool the tongue is a vivid depiction of the rich man's torment and his longing for even the slightest relief. Water, often symbolizing life and refreshment in Scripture, here contrasts with the rich man's spiritual barrenness and the eternal consequences of his earthly choices. It highlights the stark reality of hell as a place of unquenchable thirst and suffering.

and cool my tongue
The desire to cool his tongue underscores the physical and spiritual torment experienced by the rich man. In biblical symbolism, the tongue often represents speech and the heart's overflow. This detail may suggest the rich man's regret over his words and actions in life, emphasizing the importance of using one's speech to glorify God and edify others.

for I am in agony
The word "agony," from the Greek "ὀδυνάω" (odynáō), conveys intense pain and distress. This term captures the severity of the rich man's suffering in hell, serving as a sobering reminder of the reality of eternal separation from God. It calls believers to reflect on the gravity of sin and the urgency of sharing the gospel with others.

in this fire
Fire, in biblical literature, often symbolizes judgment and purification. Here, it represents the unending torment of hell, a place of separation from God's presence. This imagery serves as a warning of the consequences of rejecting God's offer of salvation. It challenges believers to live with an eternal perspective, prioritizing their relationship with God above all else.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Rich Man
A central figure in Jesus' parable, representing those who live in luxury without regard for the suffering of others. He finds himself in torment after death.

2. Lazarus
A poor man who suffered greatly in life but is comforted after death. His presence in the parable highlights the reversal of fortunes in the afterlife.

3. Father Abraham
The patriarch of the Israelites, representing the faithful and the covenant promises of God. He is depicted as a figure of authority and comfort in the afterlife.

4. Hades
The place of the dead, where the rich man finds himself in torment. It serves as a setting for the parable's exploration of justice and mercy.

5. The Fire
Symbolic of the rich man's torment and the consequences of a life lived without compassion or regard for God's commands.

Teaching Points

The Reality of Eternal Consequences
The parable underscores the reality of eternal consequences based on our earthly actions and attitudes, particularly towards the needy.

The Call to Compassion
Believers are called to show compassion and mercy, reflecting God's heart for the poor and suffering, as exemplified by Lazarus.

The Danger of Complacency
The rich man's plight warns against the dangers of complacency and self-indulgence, urging believers to live with an eternal perspective.

The Importance of Listening to God's Word
The rich man's request for Lazarus to warn his brothers highlights the sufficiency and necessity of Scripture for guiding our lives.

The Reversal of Fortunes
The parable illustrates the reversal of fortunes in the afterlife, encouraging believers to trust in God's justice and timing.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the rich man's request to Abraham reflect his understanding of mercy and justice, and what does this teach us about our own understanding of these concepts?

2. In what ways can we be more like Lazarus in our faith and reliance on God, despite our circumstances?

3. How does the depiction of Hades in this parable inform our understanding of the afterlife and the importance of our earthly choices?

4. What practical steps can we take to ensure we are not living complacently like the rich man, but rather actively showing compassion to those in need?

5. How can the teachings of this parable be applied to our understanding of wealth and stewardship in light of other biblical teachings on these topics?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Matthew 25:31-46
This passage also discusses the theme of eternal consequences based on how one treats "the least of these," similar to the rich man's neglect of Lazarus.

James 2:14-17
James emphasizes the importance of faith being accompanied by works, particularly in caring for those in need, which the rich man failed to do.

Proverbs 19:17
This verse highlights the blessing of giving to the poor, contrasting the rich man's lack of generosity.