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Book of Luke - Chapter 16 - Verse 24

16:24
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.

Meaning

The verse "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." is taken from the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, found in the gospel of Luke. In this verse, the rich man, who had lived a life of luxury and excess, finds himself in torment after death, while Lazarus, a poor beggar who had suffered in life, is in comfort in the bosom of Abraham. This verse serves as a warning about the consequences of selfishness and neglecting the needs of others. It reminds readers about the importance of compassion and empathy towards those who are suffering. The rich man's plea for mercy and relief from his torment illustrates the eternal consequences of our actions and the need for repentance and righteousness in this life. Through this verse, readers are encouraged to reflect on their own lives and strive to live with kindness, generosity, and compassion towards others.

Theological Overview

In theological interpretation, this verse from the Gospel of Luke provides a glimpse into the afterlife and the consequences of one's actions on Earth. The rich man, who ignored the plight of Lazarus during his life, finds himself in torment after death, longing for a drop of water to cool his tongue. The reference to Father Abraham highlights the rich man's recognition of his heritage and lineage, but also his desperate plea for mercy in the face of his suffering. This scene serves as a warning about the importance of compassion and generosity towards others, as well as the consequences of a life lived selfishly and without regard for those in need. The mention of flames symbolizes the eternal punishment that awaits those who do not heed the teachings of compassion and kindness. The word study of 'tormented' reflects the intense agony experienced by the rich man, emphasizing the severity of his punishment. Overall, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of showing love and kindness towards others in order to avoid the suffering that awaits those who fail to do so.

American Standard Version

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 in anguish in this flame.
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