Luke 16:29

"for I have five brothers—that he may testify to them, so they won’t also come into this place of torment.’"

Key Reflection

In Luke 16:29, Jesus speaks directly to the spirits in Hades about his brothers still living on earth. The original audience would have understood that these were not literal siblings but referring to fellow Jews who had rejected Moses and the prophets. Jesus is saying that if his brothers refuse the message of salvation now, even testimony from those who have died and risen again (like him) might not convince them. This passage underscores the importance of heeding divine revelation during one's lifetime, as future testimonies may fall on deaf ears.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 29. They have Moses. The writings of Moses. The first five books of the Bible. The prophets. The remainder of the Old Testament. What the prophets had written. Hear them. Hear them speak in the Scriptures. Read them, or hear them read in the synagogues, and attend to what they have delivered. {u} "They have Moses and the prophets" Is 34:16; Joh 5:39 __________________________________________________________________

Related Verses

More from Luke 16

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32

Go deeper with Bible.talk - your AI Bible study companion