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Writer's pictureMichael Hopkins
Nov 55 min read

Rich Man In Hell: The Story of the Rich Man and Lazarus





Rich Man In Hell: The Story of the Rich Man and Lazarus

Luke 16:19-31

"There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores. The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried, and in Hell, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. And he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.’ But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.’ And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father's house—for I have five brothers—so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.’ But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’ And he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.’”


This serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of our choices in life and the reality of eternal judgment. The rich man, who lived in luxury, finds himself in torment after death, while Lazarus, a beggar who suffered in life, is comforted in the presence of Abraham. This narrative emphasizes the importance of compassion, humility, and the eternal implications of our actions.


Exploring the Concept of Hell in Scripture

The theme of hell and divine judgment is prevalent throughout the Bible, with various passages providing insight into its nature and significance. Below, we will examine several key verses that discuss hell, judgment, and the consequences of sin.


Deuteronomy 32:22

Verse: "For a fire is kindled in mine anger, and shall burn unto the lowest hell, and shall consume the earth with her increase, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains."


Context and Meaning

This verse is part of the Song of Moses, where God expresses His anger towards Israel's unfaithfulness. The imagery of fire symbolizes divine judgment, indicating that God's wrath will consume not only the people but also the earth itself. The phrase "lowest hell" suggests a depth of judgment that is severe and all-encompassing.


Matthew 5:22

Verse: "But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire."


Context and Meaning

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus expands on the moral implications of the Law, emphasizing that anger and contempt towards others can lead to spiritual peril. The mention of "hell fire" serves as a warning about the serious consequences of our words and attitudes, highlighting the need for reconciliation and love among believers.


Matthew 18:9

Verse: "And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire."


Context and Meaning

Jesus uses hyperbolic language to stress the seriousness of sin and the lengths one should go to avoid it. The drastic measures suggested underscore the value of eternal life over physical comfort, reinforcing the idea that avoiding hell is of utmost importance.


Mark 9:43, 45, 47

Verses:

  • Mark 9:43: "And if thy hand offends thee, cut it off; it is better for thee to enter into life maimed than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched."

  • Mark 9:45: "And if thy foot offends thee, cut it off; it is better for thee to enter halt into life than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched."

  • Mark 9:47: "And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out; it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire."


Context and Meaning

These verses reiterate the theme of radical action against sin. Jesus emphasizes that anything leading one to sin should be removed, even if it seems drastic. The phrase "fire that never shall be quenched" suggests eternal judgment, reinforcing the idea that the consequences of sin are severe and everlasting.


James 3:6

Verse: "And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity; so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell."


Context and Meaning

James addresses the power of the tongue and its potential for destruction. This verse highlights that words can ignite conflict and cause great harm. The phrase "set on fire of hell" implies that the misuse of speech can have demonic origins and consequences, emphasizing the need for careful speech and self-control.


Revelation 20:14

Verse: "And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death."


Context and Meaning

This verse occurs in the context of the final judgment, where all evil is ultimately defeated. The phrase "cast into the lake of fire" signifies the complete eradication of death and the realm of the dead, indicating that they will no longer have power or existence. "The second death" refers to eternal separation from God, contrasting with the first death, which is physical.


Conclusion

The rich man and Lazarus, along with the selected verses, emphasizes the seriousness of sin, the consequences of anger and contempt, and the ultimate judgment that awaits. They serve as a reminder of the importance of living a life aligned with God's will, exercising self-control, and recognizing the eternal implications of our actions and words. The imagery of fire, judgment, and hell throughout these passages underscores the urgency of repentance and the hope of salvation through Christ. The reality of hell is a sobering truth that calls for reflection, compassion, and a commitment to living in accordance with God's teachings.


Rich Man In Hell: The Story of the Rich Man and Lazarus Luke 16:19-31 "There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores. The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried, and in Hell, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. And he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.’ But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.’ And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father's house—for I have five brothers—so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.’ But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’ And he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.’” This serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of our choices in life and the reality of eternal judgment. The rich man, who lived in luxury, finds himself in torment after death, while Lazarus, a beggar who suffered in life, is comforted in the presence of Abraham. This narrative emphasizes the importance of compassion, humility, and the eternal implications of our actions. Exploring the Concept of Hell in Scripture The theme of hell and divine judgment is prevalent throughout the Bible, with various passages providing insight into its nature and significance. Below, we will examine several key verses that discuss hell, judgment, and the consequences of sin. Deuteronomy 32:22 Verse: "For a fire is kindled in mine anger, and shall burn unto the lowest hell, and shall consume the earth with her increase, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains." Context and Meaning This verse is part of the Song of Moses, where God expresses His anger towards Israel's unfaithfulness. The imagery of fire symbolizes divine judgment, indicating that God's wrath will consume not only the people but also the earth itself. The phrase "lowest hell" suggests a depth of judgment that is severe and all-encompassing. Matthew 5:22 Verse: "But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire." Context and Meaning In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus expands on the moral implications of the Law, emphasizing that anger and contempt towards others can lead to spiritual peril. The mention of "hell fire" serves as a warning about the serious consequences of our words and attitudes, highlighting the need for reconciliation and love among believers. Matthew 18:9 Verse: "And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire." Context and Meaning Jesus uses hyperbolic language to stress the seriousness of sin and the lengths one should go to avoid it. The drastic measures suggested underscore the value of eternal life over physical comfort, reinforcing the idea that avoiding hell is of utmost importance. Mark 9:43, 45, 47 Verses: Mark 9:43: "And if thy hand offends thee, cut it off; it is better for thee to enter into life maimed than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched." Mark 9:45: "And if thy foot offends thee, cut it off; it is better for thee to enter halt into life than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched." Mark 9:47: "And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out; it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire." Context and Meaning These verses reiterate the theme of radical action against sin. Jesus emphasizes that anything leading one to sin should be removed, even if it seems drastic. The phrase "fire that never shall be quenched" suggests eternal judgment, reinforcing the idea that the consequences of sin are severe and everlasting. James 3:6 Verse: "And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity; so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell." Context and Meaning James addresses the power of the tongue and its potential for destruction. This verse highlights that words can ignite conflict and cause great harm. The phrase "set on fire of hell" implies that the misuse of speech can have demonic origins and consequences, emphasizing the need for careful speech and self-control. Revelation 20:14 Verse: "And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death." Context and Meaning This verse occurs in the context of the final judgment, where all evil is ultimately defeated. The phrase "cast into the lake of fire" signifies the complete eradication of death and the realm of the dead, indicating that they will no longer have power or existence. "The second death" refers to eternal separation from God, contrasting with the first death, which is physical. Conclusion The rich man and Lazarus, along with the selected verses, emphasizes the seriousness of sin, the consequences of anger and contempt, and the ultimate judgment that awaits. They serve as a reminder of the importance of living a life aligned with God's will, exercising self-control, and recognizing the eternal implications of our actions and words. The imagery of fire, judgment, and hell throughout these passages underscores the urgency of repentance and the hope of salvation through Christ. The reality of hell is a sobering truth that calls for reflection, compassion, and a commitment to living in accordance with God's teachings.

In our journey through life, we often seek guidance and wisdom beyond our own understanding. St. Mykul’s prayer is a beautiful expression of this desire, a heartfelt plea for divine intervention and alignment with Jehovah’s will. It serves as a reminder of the profound connection we can cultivate with the divine, allowing us to become vessels of His wisdom and love.


St. Mykul’s prayer:

“I pray for Jehovah to speak through me all the time, and I pray for Jehovah to remove all my thoughts, and implant His thoughts all the time, as I do not even want my thoughts.”

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