Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus — KJV Bible Study Guide
A free 10-lesson Bible study guide on parable of the rich man and lazarus, drawn entirely from the King James Version. Each lesson opens with a study question, gives the verse reference, and offers a short teaching note. Use it for personal devotions, a small group, or a Sunday school class.
The 10 lessons
Lesson 1 · Luke 16:19 (KJV)
In what was the rich man clothed?
Answer: Purple and fine linen
Study note. There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day. (Luke 16:19)
Lesson 2 · Luke 16:20 (KJV)
What was the beggar's name?
Answer: Lazarus
Study note. And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores. (Luke 16:20)
Lesson 3 · Luke 16:20 (KJV)
Where was Lazarus laid?
Answer: At the rich man's gate
Study note. ...which was laid at his gate, full of sores. (Luke 16:20)
Lesson 4 · Luke 16:21 (KJV)
What did Lazarus desire?
Answer: To be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table
Study note. And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. (Luke 16:21)
Lesson 5 · Luke 16:22 (KJV)
Where was Lazarus carried when he died?
Answer: Into Abraham's bosom
Study note. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom. (Luke 16:22)
Lesson 6 · Luke 16:23 (KJV)
Where did the rich man lift up his eyes?
Answer: In hell, being in torments
Study note. And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. (Luke 16:23)
Lesson 7 · Luke 16:24 (KJV)
What did the rich man ask for?
Answer: That Lazarus might dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue
Study note. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. (Luke 16:24)
Lesson 8 · Luke 16:26 (KJV)
What was fixed between them?
Answer: A great gulf
Study note. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot. (Luke 16:26)
Lesson 9 · Luke 16:27 (KJV)
Whom did the rich man wish would be sent to his brethren?
Answer: Lazarus
Study note. Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them. (Luke 16:27-28)
Lesson 10 · Luke 16:31 (KJV)
What did Abraham answer about hearing the prophets?
Answer: If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead
Study note. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead. (Luke 16:31)
Key verses to memorize
The passages this study returns to most often — pick one or two and commit them to memory this week.
Discussion questions
- Which lesson in this study surprised you the most, and why?
- How does parable of the rich man and lazarus point us to Jesus Christ and the gospel?
- Pick one verse from the key passages above. How does it shape the way you will pray, read, or live this week?
- Who in your life could you share one of these truths with in the next seven days?