Both hades and sheol mean the GRAVE, as the following translation shows. This Greek word is the exact equivalent of the Hebrew word sheol (#H7585). The word translated in the NKJV, NASB, NRSV and other Bibles as 'Hades' in verse 23 and 'Hell' in the KJV and NIV translations comes from the Greek word hades (Strong's Concordance #G86). We now come to the verse that, because of an erroneous translation of one word, has led countless people who study the Bible to believe in a fiery Hell where sinners suffer forever. The beggar is allowed entrance into God's kingdom (but it doesn't state when this occurs). Likewise Lazarus is carried into a close relationship with Abraham (who represents faith in God and salvation). One of the definitions of "bosom" at says the word represents something intimate or close, like a relationship. The verse says the beggar is carried to "Abraham's bosom." But what does this phrase mean? It also does not say the rich man, immediately upon death, was tossed into some eternal Hell. Now note what verse 22 does NOT say! It does NOT state that the beggar went to heaven. Lazarus is "helped by God" to Abraham while the well-off man is still buried and lies in his grave. In time both the beggar and the wealthy man die. And the rich man also died and was buried (verse 22). Now it came to pass that the poor man died, and he was carried away by the angels into Abraham's bosom. He, however, is so callused regarding the human condition that he won't even let the beggar eat his trash! In stark contrast we have a rich man (symbolic of the Pharisees) whose house Lazarus is placed in front of. Lazarus, because of the depth of his plight, was willing to eat food trash since the wealthy person of the parable would not help him AT ALL. Note that Lazarus was in so desperate a need that he desired to eat (but did NOT get) the food scraps that fell on the floor (Luke 16:21). He is portrayed as having no one that could or would help him - he was entirely on his own and had nothing. This beggar was what we today would call a street person who had become terminally ill. ![]() The irony here is that those who truly believed they served and represented God would not help someone "whom God helps." They disdained someone whom God accepted. They also despised others, especially sinners and tax collectors (see Luke 18:9 - 14). The Pharisees prided themselves on their righteousness through strict obedience to their interpretation of God's law. Why did Christ refer to this poor beggar as Lazarus? The meaning of his name is 'assistance of God' or 'whom God helps.' And there was a certain poor man named Lazarus, who was laid at his porch, full of sores (Luke 16:19 - 20) Now there was a certain rich man, and he was clothed in purple and fine linen, and daily indulged himself in luxury. After a few more comments he speaks a parable that is in direct response to their finding fault with what he taught. Jesus tells the Pharisees that they seek to justify themselves before men and not God. The Pharisees overheard what Jesus said and, knowing it also applied to them, roundly criticized him: "Now the Pharisees who were also covetous (greedy and lovers of money), heard all these things and they ridiculed Him." (Luke 16:14, NKJV throughout). ![]() In the first thirteen verses of Luke 16 we find Jesus teaching his disciples about being wise stewards and that man cannot serve both God and mammon (money, earthly possessions, etc.).
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |