And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.

LUKE 16:26KJV
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Luke 16:26 (KJV)

What does Luke 16:26 mean?

Luke 16:26 describes a permanent and unbridgeable separation between two groups after death, making it impossible for anyone to cross from one side to the other. This verse emphasizes that once a person’s fate is set after death, it cannot be changed or reversed.

In this verse, Jesus is telling a story about a rich man and a poor man named Lazarus. The rich man, suffering in torment, is speaking with Abraham, who is comforting Lazarus. Abraham explains that a "great gulf" (a vast chasm or gap) has been fixed between them, so that no one can move from one side to the other, no matter how much they might want to. This highlights the finality of the situation described in the story.

The Greek behind Luke 16:26

  • χάσμα (chasma, transliterated "chasma") — This word is translated as "gulf" and refers to a wide, impassable gap or chasm. The use of this word stresses the absolute impossibility of crossing from one side to the other.
  • ἐστήρικται (estērikta, transliterated "estērikta") — This word means "fixed" or "set in place." It shows that the separation is not accidental or temporary, but deliberately established and permanent.
  • διαβῆναι (diabēnai, transliterated "diabēnai") — This verb means "to cross over" or "to pass through." Its use here underlines the idea that movement between the two places is completely blocked.
  • οὐ δύνανται (ou dynantai, transliterated "ou dynantai") — This phrase means "they cannot" or "it is not possible." It makes clear that no effort or desire can change the situation.

Why Luke 16:26 matters

  • Luke 16:26 clarifies that the separation described in Jesus’ story is absolute, countering any idea that there might be a second chance or a way to move between the two places after death.
  • The verse emphasizes personal responsibility and the importance of decisions made during one’s lifetime, since the outcome cannot be altered afterward.
  • This statement from Abraham in the story helps set the tone for the rest of the passage, highlighting the seriousness and finality of what Jesus is teaching about the afterlife.

Where else these words appear

“pass” Greek G1224 · used in 3 verses

  • Acts 16:9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.
  • Hebrews 11:29 By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.

“pass” Greek G1276 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 9:1 And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city.
  • Matthew 14:34 And when they were gone over, they came into the land of Gennesaret.
  • Mark 6:53 And when they had passed over, they came into the land of Gennesaret, and drew to the shore.

“between” Greek G3342 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 18:15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
  • Luke 11:51 From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation.
  • Acts 13:42 And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath.

“hence” Greek G1782 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 17:20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.
  • John 2:16 And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise.
  • John 18:36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.