The Rich Man and Lazarus
An Eternal Warning About Earthly Priorities
Where to find this story in the Bible
The story of Rich Man and Lazarus is found in Luke 16:19-31 of the King James Bible (Luke).
Books: Luke
Historical & Cultural Context
Jesus told this account (notably not introduced as a parable — He used a proper name, Lazarus) to the Pharisees, 'who were covetous' (Luke 16:14). The rich man's daily luxury — purple (royal dye from Tyre, extraordinarily expensive) and fine linen (Egyptian byssus) — marked him as among the wealthiest elite. Lazarus at his gate was covered with sores and dependent on dogs and scraps. In Jewish thought, wealth was often considered a sign of God's blessing, making Jesus' reversal in the afterlife deeply shocking.
Key Characters
Key Verses
Luke 16:25
"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."Read in context
Luke 16:31
"And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead."Read in context
Two Lives, One Gate
A certain rich man dressed in purple and fine linen and feasted sumptuously every day. At his gate lay Lazarus, a beggar covered in sores, longing to eat the crumbs falling from the rich man's table. Even the dogs came and licked his wounds. The two men lived in extreme contrast, separated by nothing more than a gate — and a heart of indifference.
Death Reverses Everything
Both men died. Lazarus was carried by angels to Abraham's bosom — a place of comfort and peace. The rich man found himself in Hades, in torment. Looking up, he saw Abraham far off with Lazarus at his side. He begged Abraham to send Lazarus with a drop of water to cool his tongue, but was told that a great gulf was fixed between them — impassable in either direction.
A Warning Unheeded
The rich man then begged Abraham to send Lazarus back from the dead to warn his five brothers. Abraham's reply is among the most sobering in Scripture: 'They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.' When the rich man protested that a resurrection would convince them, Abraham declared, 'If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.' Ironically, Jesus Himself would rise from the dead — and many would still refuse to believe.
Symbolism & Typology
The Great Gulf Fixed
An impassable chasm separates comfort from torment after death. This teaches the finality of one's spiritual state at death — there is no post-mortem crossing, no second chance, no purgatorial journey. Death seals destiny.
Abraham's Bosom
The place of comfort for the righteous dead, named for the father of faith. Lazarus was carried by angels to the patriarch's embrace — the poorest man on earth received the richest welcome in eternity. Earthly status is irrelevant to eternal destiny.
Five Brothers
The rich man begged Abraham to send Lazarus to warn his five living brothers. Abraham's reply is devastating: 'They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.' Scripture is sufficient warning. If we won't listen to God's written Word, we won't be convinced by miracles either.
The Dogs
Dogs licking Lazarus' sores were unclean animals in Jewish culture — his only companions. The dogs showed more compassion than the rich man. Sometimes the most unlikely sources of comfort are the only ones present in suffering.
Cross-References
Spiritual Lessons
Wealth Is Not a Sign of God's Favor
The rich man's luxury did not indicate God's approval, nor did Lazarus' poverty indicate God's rejection. Eternal outcomes are determined by faith and compassion, not bank accounts.
Indifference Is a Damning Sin
The rich man's sin was not that he was wealthy but that he ignored the suffering man at his gate. God holds us accountable for what we do — and fail to do — with what He has given us.
Scripture Is Sufficient Warning
If God's written Word does not move a person to repentance, no miracle will either. The Bible is the primary means by which God calls people to Himself.
Discussion Questions
Use these questions for personal reflection, small groups, or family Bible time.
What does the story of The Rich Man and Lazarus teach us about wealth is not a sign of god's favor? How have you seen this truth in your own life?
Indifference Is a Damning Sin: How does this lesson from The Rich Man and Lazarus challenge the way you think or act today?
Put yourself in jesus's position. What would have been the hardest part of this experience? What would have required the most faith?
The theme of this story is "Parables of Jesus." Where do you see this theme playing out in the world today?
How does this story reveal something about who Jesus is and what He came to do?
If you could share one truth from The Rich Man and Lazarus with someone who has never read the Bible, what would it be?
Family Activity Ideas
Bring this story to life with hands-on activities for children and families.
📖 Scripture Memory Challenge
Memorize Luke 16:25 together as a family this week. Write it on a card, post it on the fridge, and practice saying it each morning. By the end of the week, see who can recite it from memory!
All ages🎭 Act It Out
Have family members take turns acting out different scenes from The Rich Man and Lazarus. Assign roles, create simple costumes from household items, and let everyone participate. After the performance, discuss what each character might have been feeling.
Ages 4–12📝 Story Journal
Give each family member a few minutes to write or draw their favorite part of The Rich Man and Lazarus. Share your entries and discuss what stood out to each person. Keep these pages in a family Bible journal you can look back on.
Ages 5+🍽️ Dinner Table Devotion
At dinner this week, read Luke 16:31 aloud and ask each person: "What is one thing from the story of The Rich Man and Lazarus that you want to remember?" Let everyone share — even the youngest.
All agesFrequently Asked Questions
Where is the story of Rich Man and Lazarus in the Bible?
The story of Rich Man and Lazarus is found in Luke 16:19-31 of the King James Bible (Luke).
Where in the Bible is the story of Rich Man and Lazarus?
You can find the story of Rich Man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31 (KJV).
Where does the story of Rich Man and Lazarus start in the Bible?
The story of Rich Man and Lazarus begins in Luke 16:19-31. Jesus tells of a wealthy man who feasted daily while a beggar named Lazarus lay at his gate. After death, their positions are dramatically reversed, revealing that eternal destiny is sealed in this life.
Is the story of the Rich Man and Lazarus a parable?
Scholars debate this. Unlike other parables, Jesus uses a specific name (Lazarus) and describes afterlife details. Whether parable or historical account, the spiritual truths it teaches are authoritative and consistent with the rest of Scripture.
What is Abraham's bosom?
Abraham's bosom (or Abraham's side) is a term for the place of comfort where the righteous dead awaited the final resurrection. It represents intimate fellowship with Abraham, the father of faith, in the presence of God.
What is the 'great gulf' between heaven and hell?
The great gulf represents the permanent, impassable separation between the saved and the lost after death. Jesus teaches that there is no second chance after death — the decisions made in this life determine eternal destiny.
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