The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The stark contrast lies not just in where they went, but in how their ends are described: Lazarus was "carried by the angels," implying a dignified escort, while the rich man was merely "buried," highlighting the finality and earthly nature of his end, devoid of divine attention. The text subtly emphasizes that while Lazarus received heavenly transport, the rich man's earthly honors—his burial—were all that accompanied him beyond the grave.
The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage immediately follows Jesus' parable about the shrewd manager, shifting focus to the eternal consequences of earthly choices. It depicts the final moments and immediate afterlife of two contrasting figures: a poor, suffering man named Lazarus and a wealthy, ungenerous man. The narrative contrasts their respective fates after death, with Lazarus being welcomed into a place of honor with Abraham, while the rich man experiences a starkly different reality.
When the poor man died, he wasn't just taken somewhere – he was escorted. Discover the profound comfort and honor this signifies.
The verse says Lazarus was 'carried by the angels into Abraham's side.' This imagery goes deep into Jewish understanding of the afterlife.
A Heavenly Welcome
The phrase 'Abraham's side' or 'bosom' was a popular way for Jews to describe paradise. Imagine a grand feast where Abraham is the host. To be in his 'bosom' means being the most honored guest, sharing in intimate fellowship with him and, by extension, with God.
Angelic Ministry
Jewish tradition held that angels would escort righteous souls to their heavenly reward. This wasn't just a passive journey; it was an active, dignified procession. It underscores that God doesn't forget His faithful, even in their earthly suffering.
The rich man's death is described with a single, stark word. What does this omission reveal about his fate and earthly honors?
While Lazarus receives a glorious escort, the rich man's death is noted simply as 'died, and was buried.' This contrast is incredibly significant.
Earthly Honors, Eternal Loss
The burial of the rich man likely involved pomp and ceremony – the 'good things' he enjoyed in life. However, the text doesn't mention angels or Abraham's side. This earthly dignity is immediately overshadowed by his eternal reality.
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A Tale of Two Fates
The silence about Lazarus's burial suggests it was likely simple, perhaps even neglected. But his 'burial' was an ascension into glory. The rich man, despite his likely grand funeral, awakens in torment. The verse implies that outward show and earthly status mean nothing in the face of eternal judgment.
Understand the original words
ptōchos · Greek Adjective/Noun
A person who lacks material possessions or status; in biblical terms, often associated with humility, reliance on God, and those whom God especially notices and protects.
angelos · Greek Noun
Heavenly beings created by God who serve as His messengers and agents in carrying out His will, including escorting the faithful at death.
Abraam · Greek Noun
The father of the Jewish nation and the patriarch of faith; in this context, he represents the place of blessed rest and fellowship with God for the faithful.
This passage highlights Abraham's role as a father figure and patriarch, directly linking him to the concept of inheritance and lineage, which resonates with Lazarus being welcomed into 'Abraham's bosom' as a cherished figure.
Luke 23:42In this verse, the repentant thief asks Jesus, 'Remember me when you come into your kingdom,' which echoes the idea of being remembered and welcomed into a place of honor after death, similar to Lazarus's reception.
Matthew 8:11Jesus speaks of many Gentiles coming from east and west to 'recline at the banquet with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven,' directly paralleling the idea of a feast and fellowship with Abraham in the afterlife.
1 Samuel 2:8Hannah's prayer describes God raising the poor from the dust and bringing them to a place of honor, mirroring the dramatic reversal of fortune for Lazarus from his earthly poverty to heavenly glory.
Philippians 3:21This verse speaks of Christ transforming our lowly bodies to be like his glorious body, connecting to the angelic escort and the transformation that occurs as believers are brought into God's presence.
vincentLuke 16:22: "And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;"
Abraham's bosomA Rabbinical phrase, equivalent to being with Abraham in Paradise. "To the Israelite Abraham seems the personal centre and meeting-point of Paradise" (Goebel).
clarkeLuke 16:22: "And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;"
The rich man also died, and was buried - There is no mention of this latter circumstance in the case of Lazarus; he was buried, no doubt - necessity required this; but he had the burial of a pauper, while the pomp and pride of the other followed him to the tomb. But what a difference in these burials, if we take in the reading of my old MS. Bible,…
The stark contrast lies not just in where they went, but in how their ends are described: Lazarus was "carried by the angels," implying a dignified escort, while the rich man was merely "buried," highlighting the finality and earthly nature of his end, devoid of divine attention. The text subtly emphasizes that while Lazarus received heavenly transport, the rich man's earthly honors—his burial—were all that accompanied him beyond the grave.
This passage immediately follows Jesus' parable about the shrewd manager, shifting focus to the eternal consequences of earthly choices. It depicts the final moments and immediate afterlife of two contrasting figures: a poor, suffering man named Lazarus and a wealthy, ungenerous man. The narrative contrasts their respective fates after death, with Lazarus being welcomed into a place of honor with Abraham, while the rich man experiences a starkly different reality.
This passage immediately follows Jesus' parable about the shrewd manager, shifting focus to the eternal consequences of earthly choices. It depicts the final moments and immediate afterlife of two contrasting figures: a poor, suffering man named Lazarus and a wealthy, ungenerous man. The narrative contrasts their respective fates after death, with Lazarus being welcomed into a place of honor with Abraham, while the rich man experiences a starkly different reality.
"The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried," — The stark contrast lies not just in where they went, but in how their ends are described: Lazarus was "carried by the angels," implying a dignified escort, while the rich man was merely "buried," h…
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Last reviewed October 2026