For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.

LUKE 16:28KJV
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Luke 16:28 (KJV)

What does Luke 16:28 mean?

Luke 16:28 shows a man in torment asking that someone warn his five brothers so they do not end up in the same place of suffering. The verse highlights his concern for his family and his desire that they avoid the punishment he is experiencing.

In this part of Jesus’ story, the rich man—now suffering after death—speaks to Abraham, asking for someone to go back and warn his brothers. The scene takes place in a parable about the afterlife, where the rich man realizes too late the seriousness of his choices. The verse emphasizes his urgent wish that his brothers receive a clear warning so they do not share his fate.

The Greek behind Luke 16:28

  • The word for "testify" is διαμαρτύρηται (diamartyrētai), which means to give a strong warning or witness. Here, it shows the rich man's hope that a clear and serious message could change his brothers’ lives.
  • The word for "torment" is βασανός (basanos), often used for severe pain or torture. This underlines the intensity of the suffering the rich man wants his brothers to avoid.
  • The phrase "lest they also come" uses μή (mē) with ἔλθωσιν (elthōsin), expressing a strong wish that something bad not happen. The Greek construction stresses the urgency and fear behind the rich man’s request.

Why Luke 16:28 matters

  • Luke 16:28 clarifies that the rich man’s concern is not just for himself but also for his family, showing a human side even in his suffering.
  • The verse highlights the seriousness of the consequences described in the parable, making the warning feel personal and urgent.
  • This request sets up the conversation about whether people will listen to warnings, even if they come from someone who has returned from the dead, which is a key point in the rest of the story.

Where else these words appear

“torment” Greek G931 · used in 3 verses

  • Matthew 4:24 And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.
  • Luke 16:23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

“testify” Greek G1263 · used in 15 verses

  • Acts 2:40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
  • Acts 20:21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
  • 1 Thessalonians 4:6 That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.

“five” Greek G4002 · used in 33 verses

  • Matthew 14:17 And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes.
  • Luke 1:24 And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying,
  • John 6:13 Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.

“that” Greek G3704 · used in 55 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.
  • Mark 3:6 And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him.
  • Acts 23:15 Now therefore ye with the council signify to the chief captain that he bring him down unto you to morrow, as though ye would enquire something more perfectly concerning him: and we, or ever he come near, are ready to kill him.