Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house:

LUKE 16:27KJV
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Luke 16:27 (KJV)

What does Luke 16:27 mean?

Luke 16:27 shows the rich man, now in torment, begging Abraham to send Lazarus to his father’s house to warn his family. The verse highlights the rich man’s concern for his living relatives and his desperate hope that they might avoid his fate.

In this scene, Jesus is telling a story where a rich man, after death, speaks with Abraham. The rich man realizes too late the seriousness of his choices and pleads for someone to go back to the living to warn his five brothers. This request sets up the next part of the story, where Abraham responds about the sufficiency of existing warnings.

The Greek behind Luke 16:27

  • The word "pray" (ἐρωτῶ, erōtō) is often understood as a strong request or plea, not just a polite asking. Here, it shows the rich man's desperation and urgency.
  • The word "send" (πέμψῃς, pempsēs) means to dispatch or send someone on a mission. The rich man is asking for Lazarus to be sent with a specific purpose: to warn his family.
  • The phrase "my father's house" (τὸν οἶκον τοῦ πατρός μου, ton oikon tou patros mou) points to the rich man’s personal connection and responsibility toward his family, emphasizing his regret and concern for those still alive.

Why Luke 16:27 matters

  • Luke 16:27 clarifies that the rich man’s concern shifts from himself to his family, showing a change in his perspective after death.
  • The verse sets up the main teaching point of the story: whether a miraculous warning would truly change people’s hearts, or if the existing message is already enough.
  • This request from the rich man highlights the seriousness with which Jesus treats the idea of warning and repentance, preparing the reader for Abraham’s important reply in the following verses.

Where else these words appear

“pray” Greek G2065 · used in 57 verses

  • Matthew 15:23 But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.
  • John 1:19 And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?
  • John 16:30 Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God.

“send” Greek G3992 · used in 80 verses

  • Matthew 2:8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
  • John 7:18 He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.
  • Acts 19:31 And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent unto him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theatre.

“house” Greek G3624 · used in 106 verses

  • Matthew 9:6 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins,(then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.
  • Luke 10:5 And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house.
  • Acts 11:13 And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter;