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Luke 16:23
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Context
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Summary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
in hell--not the final place of the lost (for which another word is used), but as we say "the unseen world." But as the object here is certainly to depict the whole torment of the one and the perfect bliss of the other, it comes in this case to much the same. seeth Abraham--not God, to whom therefore he cannot cry [BENGEL].
John Gill Bible Commentary
And he cried and said, father Abraham,.... The Jews used to call Abraham their father, and were proud of their descent from him, Mat 3:9 and so persons are after death represented by them, as speaking to, and discoursing with him; as in the passage cited in the note See Gill on Luk 16:22 to which the following may be added (c); "says R. Jonathan, from whence does it appear that the dead discourse with each other? it is said, Deu 34:4 "And the Lord said unto him, this is the land which I sware unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, saying", &c. what is the meaning of the word "saying?" the holy blessed God said to Moses, "go say to Abraham", &c.'' And here the Jews, in their distress, are represented as applying to him, saying, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus; which seems to have respect to the mercy promised to Abraham, the covenant made with him, and the oath swore unto him, to send the Messiah, Luk 1:70 and which now, too late, these wretched Jews plead, the Messiah being sent already: that he may dip the tip of his finger in water; in allusion to the washings and purifications among the Jews, and the sprinkling of blood by the finger of the high priest; which were typical of cleansing, pardon, comfort, and refreshment, by the grace and blood of Christ: and cool my tongue; which had spoken so many scurrilous and blasphemous things of Christ; saying that he was a sinner, a glutton, and a winebibber, a Samaritan, and had a devil; that he cast out devils by Beelzebub, the prince of devils; and that he was a seditious person, and guilty of blasphemy: so the Jews represent persons in hell, desirous of cooling water, and as sometimes favoured with it, and sometimes not: they say (d), he that reads "Keriat Shema, (i.e. hear, O Israel", &c.) and very accurately examines the letters of it, "they cool hell for him", as it is said, Psa 68:14. And elsewhere (e), they speak of a disciple, or good man, that was seen after death amidst gardens, and orchards, and fountains of water; and of a publican, or wicked man, seen standing by the bank of a river, seeking , "to come to the water, but could not come at it". So Mahomet (f) has a passage that is somewhat like to this text; "the inhabitants of hell fire, shall call to the inhabitants of paradise, saying, pour upon us some water, or of those refreshments God hath bestowed on you.'' This man could not so much as get a drop of water to cool his tongue, not the least refreshment, nor mitigation of the anguish of his conscience, for the sins of his tongue: for I am tormented in this flame; in the destruction of Jerusalem, and calamities at Bither, and other afflictions; together with the wrath of God poured into the conscience, and the bitter remorses of that for speaking against the Messiah; and which are still greater in hell, where the worm dies not, and the fire is not quenched. (c) T. Bab. Beracot, fol. 18. 2. (d) Ib. fol. 15. 2. (e) T. Hieros. Sanhedrin, fol. 23. 3. & Chagiga, fol, 77. 4. (f) Koran, c. 7. p. 121. (sura 7:50)
Tyndale Open Study Notes
16:23 The place of the dead (Greek Hades) can refer to the grave (death) generally, or to the place where the wicked go after death, as here.
Luke 16:23
The Rich Man and Lazarus
22One day the beggar died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. And the rich man also died and was buried.23In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham from afar, with Lazarus by his side.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Powerful Convicting Sermon - Hell Fire
By Charles Lawson4.3K27:10MAT 5:22MAT 5:29LUK 16:23JHN 3:16JHN 14:6ACT 4:12ROM 6:23HEB 12:29REV 20:15This sermon emphasizes the reality of hell as described in Matthew chapter 5, focusing on the urgency of understanding its existence and the need for salvation through Jesus Christ to avoid eternal damnation. The preacher highlights the seriousness of hell, the consequences of rejecting Christ, and the eternal separation from God that awaits those who do not accept Him as their Savior.
Instant Replay - the Worm Never Dies (Compilation)
By Compilations2.9K08:49Eternal ConsequencesThe Importance of SalvationCompilationMRK 9:44LUK 16:23Compilations delivers a powerful sermon titled 'Instant Replay - the Worm Never Dies,' emphasizing the torment of a guilty conscience in hell. The preacher vividly describes the anguish of realizing one's eternal separation from God, reliving every moment of rejection and every message heard about salvation. The imagery of the 'worm that never dies' symbolizes the unending memory and regret that haunts the lost soul, as they are trapped in a cycle of despair without hope of redemption. The sermon serves as a stark warning to those who turn away from God, urging them to confront their choices before it's too late. Ultimately, it calls for a deep reflection on the consequences of one's actions and the importance of seeking salvation in Christ.
A Tour of Hell
By E.A. Johnston1.1K37:12HellGEN 6:7GEN 18:20GEN 19:24DEU 32:35PSA 73:18LUK 16:23JHN 6:37In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the urgency of accepting the Gospel and turning to Christ. He warns that sudden death can take people away without warning, just as the Bible states in Ecclesiastes 9:12. The preacher highlights the consequences of rejecting the Gospel, stating that those who ignore the invitations of salvation are on slippery ground and will face calamity and destruction. He emphasizes the terror of waking up in hell and urges listeners to repent and turn to Christ, who is their only hope. The sermon also includes vivid descriptions of God's anger and the preparation of hell for those outside of Christ.
The Character of Hell
By Rolfe Barnard8421:12:47PSA 34:18PSA 126:5PRO 1:7MAT 6:33LUK 16:19LUK 16:23In this sermon, the preacher begins by referencing Luke's Gospel, chapter 16, and focuses on the character of Hell. He shares a personal anecdote about a friend who became an evangelist and had a luxurious experience before entering Hell. The preacher describes the loneliness and separation from God in Hell, emphasizing the torment and longing for the glory of God. He concludes by stating that Heaven is prepared for those who are prepared for it, and Hell is the best that God could do for those who reject Him.
(Clip) the Horrors of Hell Should Motivate Us to Evangelize
By Chuck Vuolo51102:37LUK 16:23This sermon emphasizes the urgency and motivation for bold evangelism by contemplating the horrific fate of those who do not know Jesus Christ, facing eternal separation from God in hell. It stresses the reality and endlessness of hell, urging believers to overcome their fears and share the good news with compassion and boldness, echoing the sentiment of Spurgeon to go to great lengths to warn and pray for those at risk of perishing.
3 Things Jesus Said About Hell
By Shane Idleman2942:48HellThe Urgency of the GospelMAT 5:22MAT 10:28MAT 25:41MRK 9:43LUK 16:23JHN 3:18JHN 14:6ROM 3:232TH 1:9REV 21:8Shane Idleman addresses the difficult topic of hell in his sermon '3 Things Jesus Said About Hell,' emphasizing that Jesus spoke more about hell than any other biblical figure. He highlights three key points: the existence of hell, the fear of hell, and the fact that going to hell is a choice. Idleman stresses the importance of understanding the gravity of sin and the necessity of accepting Christ's sacrifice to avoid condemnation. He encourages believers to have compassion for the lost and to actively pray for those who do not know Christ, reminding them that the gospel is urgent and always a priority.
Hell
By Francis Turretin0MAT 3:7MAT 5:22MAT 25:41MAT 26:24MRK 9:44LUK 16:23HEB 6:2REV 14:11REV 19:20Francis Turretin delves into the topic of Hell and Eternal Death, affirming the existence of hell and its punishments, which include eternal torment with the devils for the wicked and the joys of eternal life in heaven for the pious. The descriptions of hell in the Bible include terms like Gehenna, the lake of fire and brimstone, and eternal judgment, portraying a place of unquenchable fire and torment. The intensity and eternity of these punishments are emphasized, with various symbols used to depict the direful torments awaiting the wicked in both body and soul.
Future Punishment and the Bible
By Samuel Logan Brengle0The AtonementEternal PunishmentMAT 25:46LUK 16:23ROM 8:2Samuel Logan Brengle emphasizes the biblical doctrine of future punishment, arguing that every sinner must either be pardoned or punished. He warns against modern beliefs that downplay the reality of Hell and eternal punishment, asserting that the Bible clearly teaches conscious suffering for the wicked after death. Brengle highlights the importance of the Atonement, which offers salvation to those who repent and believe in Christ, while also making it clear that refusal to accept this gift leads to eternal separation from God. He stresses that the choice between holiness and sin ultimately determines one's eternal fate, and that God's justice is evident in the consequences of sin. The sermon serves as a call to recognize the seriousness of sin and the urgency of accepting God's grace before it is too late.
A Threefold Repetition of This Worm
By Thomas Brooks0Consequences of SinEternal JudgmentMAT 25:46MRK 9:44LUK 16:23REV 20:10Thomas Brooks emphasizes the eternal and unbearable nature of hell's torments, illustrated by the 'worm that never dies' as mentioned by Christ in Mark 9:44, 46, and 48. He stresses that the concept of eternity in hell is a source of despair for the damned, as there is no hope for relief or redemption. Brooks contrasts earthly suffering, which may offer some hope of alleviation, with the endless and remediless pain of hell. He argues that the infinite majesty of God necessitates a punishment that matches the gravity of sin, leading to eternal torment. The sermon serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of sin and the reality of hell.
A Voice From Eternity
By George Kulp0PSA 9:17PRO 29:1EZK 33:11MAT 25:41LUK 16:232CO 6:2HEB 9:272PE 3:9REV 21:8George Kulp delivers a powerful sermon on the reality of Hell, emphasizing the urgent need for repentance and the consequences of neglecting God's warnings. Through the story of a damned soul crying out from Hell, Kulp highlights the fixed condition of the lost in eternity and the eternal torment they face. He stresses the importance of seizing the opportunity for salvation in this life, as death ends all chances for redemption. Kulp's sermon serves as a solemn reminder of the gravity of rejecting God's mercy and the eternal consequences of unrepentant sin.
But Woe and Alas!
By Thomas Brooks0Eternal JudgmentThe Reality of HellMAT 25:46MRK 9:48LUK 16:23REV 20:10Thomas Brooks delivers a sobering sermon titled 'But Woe and Alas!' emphasizing the eternal nature of hell's torments. He illustrates the futility of imagining any end to suffering, using vivid analogies such as a bird emptying the sea or an angel removing grains of sand over millennia. The preacher stresses that the concept of 'Forever! Forever! Forever!' is what truly terrifies the damned, as it signifies an unending state of misery without hope of relief. Brooks aims to awaken a sense of urgency and seriousness about the eternal consequences of sin and the reality of hell.
An Inlet to Three Dreadful Things
By Thomas Brooks0DeathJudgmentEternal ConsequencesMAT 25:41LUK 16:23HEB 9:27REV 20:10Thomas Brooks warns about the dreadful reality of death for the unbelieving sinner, emphasizing that it marks the end of all earthly mercies and pleasures. He describes death as a gateway to three terrifying outcomes: judgment, an irreversible sentence of condemnation, and endless suffering. Brooks illustrates the stark contrast between the fleeting joys of sin and the eternal torment that awaits in hell, where there is no joy, only despair. The sermon serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of a life lived apart from God.
That Immortal Bird!
By Thomas Brooks0God's Mercy and JusticeEternal JudgmentMAT 25:46LUK 16:23REV 20:10Thomas Brooks delivers a powerful sermon titled 'That Immortal Bird!' emphasizing the stark contrast between God's infinite mercy towards the elect and His infinite justice towards the reprobate in hell. He vividly describes the eternal torment faced by the impenitent sinner, who has no hope of relief or escape from their suffering. Brooks uses the metaphor of an immortal bird carrying away grains of sand to illustrate the endless nature of hell, where the damned will endure punishment without any possibility of respite. The sermon serves as a sobering reminder of the eternal consequences of sin and the importance of seeking God's mercy while there is still time.
To Think of Hell
By Thomas Brooks0Eternal JudgmentThe Reality of HellMAT 10:28LUK 16:23Thomas Brooks emphasizes the importance of contemplating hell as a means to deter individuals from sinful behaviors and pleasures. He laments the apathy of people who recklessly pursue a life of sin, oblivious to the eternal consequences that await them. Brooks argues that if sinners could truly grasp the reality of hell, it would instill fear and lead them to abandon their destructive ways. He calls for a serious reflection on the fate of the soul, urging listeners to recognize the gravity of their choices and the reality of divine judgment.
But as Flea-Bitings
By Thomas Brooks0Eternal JudgmentThe Reality of HellISA 30:33MAT 25:41LUK 16:23Thomas Brooks warns of the dreadful reality of hell, describing it as a torment far greater than any earthly suffering. He emphasizes that the fire of Tophet, prepared by God, is eternal and unquenchable, reserved for the graceless and wicked. Brooks vividly illustrates the horrors of hell, where every sense is tormented, and contrasts the fleeting pains of this world with the everlasting agony of the next. He reminds listeners that just as there are varying degrees of glory in heaven, there are also varying degrees of torment in hell, highlighting the seriousness of one's spiritual state. The sermon serves as a sobering call to repentance and a reminder of the eternal consequences of one's choices.
Merrily on in the Way to Hell
By Thomas Brooks0Eternal PunishmentThe Reality of HellMAT 25:46LUK 16:23REV 20:10Thomas Brooks emphasizes the reality of hell as a place of eternal punishment for the wicked, contrasting it with the joy of heaven. He questions how individuals can continue to indulge in sin and evil when they should be aware of the impending torment that awaits them. Brooks urges listeners to reflect on their actions and beliefs, suggesting that a true understanding of hell would lead to a more serious approach to life and righteousness. The sermon serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of unrighteousness and the importance of seeking a life aligned with God's will.
John 7:30-36. Christ Speaks of Going Where His Enemies Could Not Come.
By Favell Lee Mortimer0PRO 1:28ISA 55:8LUK 16:23JHN 7:34JHN 12:26Favell Lee Mortimer reflects on the discourse of Jesus in the temple, warning his enemies that a time will come when they will seek Him but not find Him, a fate that awaits all unbelievers who die impenitent. Despite the misunderstanding of Christ's enemies, God's mercy extends even to the Gentiles, as seen in His purpose of sending the gospel to all nations. Mortimer emphasizes the importance of desiring to be where Jesus is, as His promise ensures that His servants will be with Him in glory for eternity.
A House Without Light!
By Thomas Brooks0HellDivine JudgmentISA 66:24MAT 25:30MRK 9:44LUK 16:23JHN 8:12COL 1:132PE 2:17JUD 1:6JUD 1:13REV 21:8Thomas Brooks emphasizes the terrifying reality of hell as a 'house without light,' where the unprofitable servant is cast into utter darkness, devoid of any comfort or hope. He contrasts the burning fire of hell, which inflicts pain without the relief of light, with earthly fire that provides both heat and illumination. Brooks highlights the eternal chains of darkness that bind the damned, illustrating the extreme miseries and torments they endure. The absence of light in hell serves as a profound reminder of the divine wrath and the eternal separation from God. He concludes with the hope found in Colossians 1:13, where believers are rescued from darkness and brought into the light of Christ's kingdom.
The Best Way to Be Preserved From Falling Into Hell
By Thomas Brooks0Eternal JudgmentThe Reality of HellMAT 25:41LUK 16:23Thomas Brooks emphasizes the importance of contemplating hell as a means of preserving oneself from falling into it. He warns that while earthly pleasures are fleeting, the torments of hell are eternal and unbearable. By reflecting on the various aspects of hell's torment—its bitterness, pitilessness, diversity, easelessness, remedilessness, and eternity—individuals can be motivated to seek salvation and avoid eternal damnation. Brooks urges listeners to let the fear of hell guide their choices and actions in life.
We Have but Added Fuel to Those Burning Coals!
By Thomas Brooks0Righteousness vs. WickednessEternal ConsequencesMAT 25:46LUK 16:23REV 20:10Thomas Brooks delivers a powerful sermon on the eternal consequences of one's choices, emphasizing the stark contrast between the fate of the wicked and the righteous as depicted in Matthew 25:46. He vividly describes the torment and regret that the wicked will experience upon realizing their folly in rejecting the righteous, lamenting their lost opportunity for salvation. The sermon serves as a sobering reminder of the reality of eternal punishment and the urgency to heed the call to righteousness. Brooks urges listeners to reflect on their lives and the choices they make, warning that neglecting the truth leads to a fate of despair. Ultimately, he calls for repentance and a turning towards God to avoid the eternal flames of judgment.
The Saints' Hell—and the Sinners' Heaven
By Thomas Brooks0RepentanceEternal ConsequencesMAT 25:46LUK 16:23Thomas Brooks emphasizes the stark contrast between the current state of the saints and sinners, declaring that this life serves as the saints' hell while sinners enjoy their temporary heaven. He warns that the roles will reverse in the afterlife, where the righteous will enter eternal joy and the wicked will face unending torment. Brooks vividly describes the fate awaiting sinners, filled with relentless punishment and sorrow, urging them to recognize the fleeting nature of their earthly pleasures. He calls for a deep reflection on the eternal consequences of one's choices, highlighting the urgency of repentance before it's too late.
Hell
By D.L. Moody0Eternal ConsequencesUrgency of SalvationMAT 25:46LUK 16:23D.L. Moody passionately addresses the reality of hell, emphasizing the importance of preaching the whole truth of God's Word, including the doctrine of retribution. He warns that memory will serve as a witness in the afterlife, reminding individuals of their sins and the consequences of neglecting salvation. Moody illustrates the urgency of accepting Christ before it's too late, sharing poignant stories of those who faced the end without hope. He urges listeners to recognize the day of grace and the need for immediate repentance, as the opportunity for salvation may not always be available. Ultimately, he calls for a decisive choice between heaven and hell, encouraging all to embrace the gift of salvation offered by Jesus.
Where Will You Spend Eternity?
By Fred Evans0MAT 25:23MAT 25:41LUK 16:23HEB 9:27REV 20:12Fred Evans delivers a powerful sermon on the consequences of choosing to face death unprepared, emphasizing the urgent need to cry out to Jesus for help before it's too late. He vividly describes the torment and regret of a man who died without salvation, facing the reality of life after death and meeting the Judge he denied. The sermon paints a haunting picture of the terror and horror that grips a person when they realize their name is not in the Book of Life, leading to a tragic fate of being cast into hell. Evans passionately urges the audience to accept Jesus and secure a place in the Kingdom, highlighting the importance of preparation for eternity.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
in hell--not the final place of the lost (for which another word is used), but as we say "the unseen world." But as the object here is certainly to depict the whole torment of the one and the perfect bliss of the other, it comes in this case to much the same. seeth Abraham--not God, to whom therefore he cannot cry [BENGEL].
John Gill Bible Commentary
And he cried and said, father Abraham,.... The Jews used to call Abraham their father, and were proud of their descent from him, Mat 3:9 and so persons are after death represented by them, as speaking to, and discoursing with him; as in the passage cited in the note See Gill on Luk 16:22 to which the following may be added (c); "says R. Jonathan, from whence does it appear that the dead discourse with each other? it is said, Deu 34:4 "And the Lord said unto him, this is the land which I sware unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, saying", &c. what is the meaning of the word "saying?" the holy blessed God said to Moses, "go say to Abraham", &c.'' And here the Jews, in their distress, are represented as applying to him, saying, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus; which seems to have respect to the mercy promised to Abraham, the covenant made with him, and the oath swore unto him, to send the Messiah, Luk 1:70 and which now, too late, these wretched Jews plead, the Messiah being sent already: that he may dip the tip of his finger in water; in allusion to the washings and purifications among the Jews, and the sprinkling of blood by the finger of the high priest; which were typical of cleansing, pardon, comfort, and refreshment, by the grace and blood of Christ: and cool my tongue; which had spoken so many scurrilous and blasphemous things of Christ; saying that he was a sinner, a glutton, and a winebibber, a Samaritan, and had a devil; that he cast out devils by Beelzebub, the prince of devils; and that he was a seditious person, and guilty of blasphemy: so the Jews represent persons in hell, desirous of cooling water, and as sometimes favoured with it, and sometimes not: they say (d), he that reads "Keriat Shema, (i.e. hear, O Israel", &c.) and very accurately examines the letters of it, "they cool hell for him", as it is said, Psa 68:14. And elsewhere (e), they speak of a disciple, or good man, that was seen after death amidst gardens, and orchards, and fountains of water; and of a publican, or wicked man, seen standing by the bank of a river, seeking , "to come to the water, but could not come at it". So Mahomet (f) has a passage that is somewhat like to this text; "the inhabitants of hell fire, shall call to the inhabitants of paradise, saying, pour upon us some water, or of those refreshments God hath bestowed on you.'' This man could not so much as get a drop of water to cool his tongue, not the least refreshment, nor mitigation of the anguish of his conscience, for the sins of his tongue: for I am tormented in this flame; in the destruction of Jerusalem, and calamities at Bither, and other afflictions; together with the wrath of God poured into the conscience, and the bitter remorses of that for speaking against the Messiah; and which are still greater in hell, where the worm dies not, and the fire is not quenched. (c) T. Bab. Beracot, fol. 18. 2. (d) Ib. fol. 15. 2. (e) T. Hieros. Sanhedrin, fol. 23. 3. & Chagiga, fol, 77. 4. (f) Koran, c. 7. p. 121. (sura 7:50)
Tyndale Open Study Notes
16:23 The place of the dead (Greek Hades) can refer to the grave (death) generally, or to the place where the wicked go after death, as here.