Bible Strands
Luke 16:25
But Abraham answered, ‘Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things. But now he is comforted here, while you are in agony.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Abraham speaks to the rich man in torment, responding to his plea for relief from agony. This exchange occurs immediately after the rich man calls out in fire and requests Lazarus to bring cooling water.
The words — μνἴσθητι (mnēsthēti) means "do remember" and ἀπέλαβες (apelabes) means "you did fully receive." These terms anchor Abraham’s response in the completed distribution of earthly fortunes.
The thread — The reversal of earthly comfort and suffering echoes Luke 6:24 and Psalms 17:14, which warn that those who receive their portion in this life face future deprivation. The warning against worldly attachment aligns with 1 John 2:15.
Why it lands — The text states that present comfort or suffering is not a final measure of divine favor, but a temporary distribution. It requires a reader to examine whether their current security rests on fleeting gain or eternal reality.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.
Cross-references
- Luke 6:24 But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort.
- 1 John 2:15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
- Psalms 17:14 from such men, O LORD, by Your hand—from men of the world whose portion is in this life. May You fill the bellies of Your treasured ones and satisfy their sons, so they leave their abundance to their children.
- Mark 9:45 If your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame than to have two feet and be thrown into hell.
- Romans 8:7 because the mind of the flesh is hostile to God: It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so.
- Philippians 3:19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and their glory is in their shame. Their minds are set on earthly things.
- Psalms 37:35 I have seen a wicked, ruthless man flourishing like a well-rooted native tree,
- Hebrews 11:25 He chose to suffer oppression with God’s people rather than to experience the fleeting enjoyment of sin.
- Luke 16:20 And a beggar named Lazarus lay at his gate, covered with sores
- Acts 14:22 strengthening the souls of the disciples and encouraging them to continue in the faith. “We must endure many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.