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.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
Even in his torment, the rich man still instinctively appeals to Abraham as a figure of authority, revealing a deeply ingrained pride that still sees others as subordinates meant to serve him, even in the afterlife. His plea isn't for forgiveness or a chance to repent, but for a tiny physical relief, highlighting the profound desperation and the shocking lack of spiritual insight he possesses even in damnation.
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.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
The rich man, now in torment after death, desperately calls out to Abraham, pleading for a single drop of water from Lazarus to soothe his burning tongue. This plea highlights his profound suffering and the stark reversal of fortunes between his earthly life of luxury and his current state of anguish. Abraham’s response, though not directly quoted here, will soon reveal the man's eternal separation from God and the irreversible consequences of his earthly choices.
In his agony, the rich man cries out to Abraham for a drop of water. But who is he calling to, and why is his plea so desperate, yet so futile?
This rich man's desperate plea, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me,' reveals a profound shift in his circumstances and his understanding. Once, he lived in luxury, seemingly indifferent to the suffering Lazarus endured at his gate. Now, he begs for the smallest comfort from the very one he ignored.
A Plea for Relief, Not Redemption
Notice that he doesn't ask to be released from his torment or to be brought to Abraham's side. His request is specific and immediate: a single drop of water to cool his burning tongue. This highlights the overwhelming, physical nature of his suffering, a stark contrast to his former life of ease.
The God Who is Not Called Upon
It's striking that his cry is directed to Abraham, not to God. This implies a realization that any hope of divine mercy is gone. The mercy of God, he now understands, has an end point, and he has passed beyond it. His plea is a desperate grasp for any relief, even from a figure from his past who represents a connection to his former life, but not a path to salvation.
The rich man describes himself as 'tormented in this flame.' What does this 'flame' represent, and how is it connected to his earthly life?
The imagery of 'this flame' used by the rich man is a powerful metaphor for the torment of the afterlife. It’s not just about physical discomfort; it speaks to a deep, burning anguish that consumes him.
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A Metaphor for Suffering
Commentators suggest this 'flame' is a way to describe the most intense pain we can comprehend. It’s a vivid picture of suffering, possibly representing the searing regret, the painful memories, and the intense separation from God's presence that characterize eternal punishment. It's important to understand this isn't necessarily literal fire, but a representation of extreme distress.
The Tongue as an Instrument of Sin
Several insights point to the significance of his tongue being the focus of this torment. His tongue was likely used to speak carelessly, perhaps even cruelly, about Christ and the things of God during his life. Now, it is the very part of him that cries out for relief from the 'flame,' suggesting a deep connection between his past sins of speech and his present suffering.
The Contrast with Lazarus
This torment stands in stark contrast to Lazarus's state. While the rich man begs for a single drop of water, Lazarus is comforted. This highlights the profound reversal of fortunes and the justice of God, where the one who lived in luxury and ignored the suffering now endures unimaginable pain, while the one who suffered is now at peace.
Understand the original words
eleēo · Greek Verb
Compassion or kindness shown toward someone who does not necessarily deserve it; it is an appeal for God’s or another's favor to relieve suffering.
odunaō · Greek Verb
Severe, acute distress or pain; frequently used in apocalyptic or eschatological contexts to describe the experience of those enduring the effects of judgment.
This parable, delivered by Jesus, draws on common Jewish understanding of the afterlife. The rich man's plea to Abraham and his suffering in 'flame' reflect contemporary beliefs about Abraham as a patriarch and the consequences of a life lived without compassion.
c. 30 AD— this verse
Jesus Teaches the Parable
Jesus tells the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, likely in response to the Pharisees' criticism of his association with sinners. The parable vividly contrasts the fate of the wealthy and the poor in the afterlife.
c. 40s-50s AD
Early Christian Communities Form
Following Jesus' ascension, apostles and early believers spread his teachings. The concept of a spiritual realm, including both reward and punishment after death, becomes central to their understanding and preaching.
c. 60s AD
Luke Compiles His Gospel
The Gospel of Luke is written, aiming to provide an orderly account of Jesus' life and teachings. This parable, with its vivid imagery of the afterlife, is preserved and shared with a wider audience.
This passage highlights God's desire for justice and mercy, stating that if a wicked person repents, they will live and not die, providing a contrast to the rich man's unrepentant state.
Proverbs 14:31This verse speaks of oppressing the poor as an insult to God, a concept deeply reflected in the rich man's neglect of Lazarus, illustrating the severe consequences of such actions.
Matthew 25:41-46This passage describes the separation of the righteous and the wicked, with eternal punishment awaiting those who neglect to show mercy to others, directly mirroring the fate of the rich man.
1 Peter 4:7-8This passage urges believers to be self-controlled and sober for prayer, emphasizing that love covers a multitude of sins, offering a stark contrast to the rich man's self-indulgence and lack of love.
Revelation 6:9-11This vision shows the souls of martyrs crying out for justice, underscoring the theme of deferred justice and the ultimate reckoning for those who have caused suffering, echoing the rich man's desperate plea.
barnesLuke 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."
Father Abraham - The Jews considered it a signal honor that Abraham was their "father" - that is, that they were "descendants" from him. Though this man was now in misery, yet he seems not to have abandoned the idea of his relation to the father of the faithful. The Jews supposed that departed spirits might…
pulpitLuke 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."
Verse 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. His intense longing seems to be for companionship. "Oh for a friend," he seems to say, "who could speak to me, comfort…
Even in his torment, the rich man still instinctively appeals to Abraham as a figure of authority, revealing a deeply ingrained pride that still sees others as subordinates meant to serve him, even in the afterlife. His plea isn't for forgiveness or a chance to repent, but for a tiny physical relief, highlighting the profound desperation and the shocking lack of spiritual insight he possesses even in damnation.
The rich man, now in torment after death, desperately calls out to Abraham, pleading for a single drop of water from Lazarus to soothe his burning tongue. This plea highlights his profound suffering and the stark reversal of fortunes between his earthly life of luxury and his current state of anguish. Abraham’s response, though not directly quoted here, will soon reveal the man's eternal separation from God and the irreversible consequences of his earthly choices.
The rich man, now in torment after death, desperately calls out to Abraham, pleading for a single drop of water from Lazarus to soothe his burning tongue. This plea highlights his profound suffering and the stark reversal of fortunes between his earthly life of luxury and his current state of anguish. Abraham’s response, though not directly quoted here, will soon reveal the man's eternal separation from God and the irreversible consequences of his earthly choices.
"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.’" — Even in his torment, the rich man still instinctively appeals to Abraham as a figure of authority, revealing a deeply ingrained pride that still sees others as subordinates meant to serve him, even i…
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Last reviewed October 2026