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What is Abraham’s Bosom (Luke 16:19–31)?

By BibleAsk

Published: October 14, 2017

Last Modified: August 19, 2025

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The account of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19–31 is one of the most discussed parables of Jesus. It has been the source of many theological debates regarding the afterlife, heaven, hell, and the state of the dead. At the heart of this story is the phrase “Abraham’s bosom,” which has puzzled many readers. Some interpret it literally, believing it describes the afterlife where the righteous are comforted, and the wicked are tormented. Others argue that it is a figurative parable, not meant to describe the condition of the soul after death, but to illustrate deeper spiritual truths.

This article will explore what “Abraham’s bosom” means, how the parable should be taken figuratively, and how the Bible consistently teaches that men are rewarded at the second coming of Christ, not at death. We will also examine how Scripture reveals that the dead sleep, that there is no eternal torment for the wicked, and that there is no connection between the wicked and the saints in heaven. Finally, we will consider the true point of the story, which Jesus Himself identifies in Luke 16:31.

Understanding the Context of the Parable (Luke 16:19–31)

In Luke 16, Jesus presents the story of the rich man and Lazarus. The rich man lived in luxury every day, while Lazarus, a poor beggar, lay at his gate, longing for crumbs. When both men died, Lazarus is described as being carried to “Abraham’s bosom,” while the rich man finds himself in torment. From the torment, the rich man pleads with Abraham to send Lazarus with water or at least to warn his brothers. Abraham refuses, concluding the parable with the powerful statement in verse 31: “But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.’”

This passage has often been read as a literal account of life after death. However, when carefully examined in light of the rest of Scripture, it becomes clear that it is a parable filled with figurative language to make a moral and spiritual point rather than a literal description of the afterlife.

Abraham’s Bosom

“Abraham’s bosom” in Luke 16 is not a literal place of conscious existence after death but a figurative expression within a parable. In Jewish culture, reclining in someone’s bosom was a figure of speech for being in close fellowship or favor with that person. John 13:23, for example, describes the disciple “whom Jesus loved” as leaning on Jesus’ bosom at the Last Supper. This does not mean the disciple was literally inside Christ’s chest but indicates closeness and intimacy.

Similarly, “Abraham’s bosom” symbolized closeness to Abraham, the father of the faithful (Romans 4:16). To be in Abraham’s bosom, therefore, meant to be counted among the faithful and heirs of the promises God made to Abraham. It was never meant to be interpreted as a literal geographical place in the afterlife.

Furthermore, if “Abraham’s bosom” were heaven, then the parable would create contradictions with the rest of the Bible. Jesus said in John 3:13, “No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven.” At the time of Jesus, not even the righteous had ascended into heaven. This shows that Lazarus was not literally carried into heaven at his death.

Men Are Rewarded at the Second Coming, Not Death

The Bible consistently teaches that the rewards of eternal life or eternal destruction are given at the second coming of Christ, not at death.

In Revelation 22:12, Jesus declares, “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.” The reward is given when Christ comes, not at the moment of death.

Paul also affirms this in 2 Timothy 4:8 when he writes, “Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” Paul expected to receive his reward at Christ’s second coming, not at his death.

If Lazarus went to heaven and the rich man went to hell immediately upon death, then the teaching of Jesus and Paul would be undermined. Therefore, the story of the rich man and Lazarus must be understood figuratively, not literally.

The Dead Sleep Until the Resurrection

Another key truth revealed in Scripture is that the dead are asleep until the resurrection. Jesus referred to death as sleep when He said of Lazarus of Bethany, “Our friend Lazarus sleeps, but I go that I may wake him up” (John 11:11). When the disciples misunderstood Him, Jesus plainly said, “Lazarus is dead” (John 11:14).

This same metaphor is used throughout the Bible. Job speaks of death as a time when a man “lies down and does not rise. Till the heavens are no more, they will not awake nor be roused from their sleep” (Job 14:12). Paul also says, “But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope” (1 Thessalonians 4:13). He continues by saying that the dead in Christ will rise at the second coming (1 Thessalonians 4:16).

If the dead are asleep awaiting resurrection, then the story in Luke 16 cannot be taken literally. It is a parable meant to illustrate spiritual truth, not a description of conscious existence after death.

There Is No Eternal Torment for the Wicked

Some people interpret the torment of the rich man as a literal description of hell. But this contradicts the biblical teaching that the wicked will not suffer eternal torment but will be destroyed.

Romans 6:23 declares, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” The penalty for sin is death, not eternal life in torment. Eternal life is a gift only given to the righteous, not the wicked.

Malachi 4:1 says, “‘For behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, and all the proud, yes, all who do wickedly will be stubble. And the day which is coming shall burn them up,’ says the Lord of hosts, ‘that will leave them neither root nor branch.’” Verse 3 adds, “You shall trample the wicked, for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet.” This shows that the wicked will be consumed and destroyed, not kept alive in endless torment.

Therefore, the torment of the rich man in Luke 16 cannot be understood literally. It is part of the figurative parable used to illustrate a deeper point.

No Connection Between the Wicked and the Saints in Heaven

In the parable, the rich man and Lazarus are depicted as being able to converse across a great gulf. This has led some to believe that the saved in heaven and the lost in hell can somehow communicate. But this idea contradicts Scripture.

Isaiah 65:17 says, “For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former shall not be remembered or come to mind.” The saved will not be in heaven remembering the pains of the lost. Instead, God promises to wipe away all tears from their eyes (Revelation 21:4).

The image of communication between the rich man and Abraham is a feature of the parable, not a literal description of reality. It is intended to make the story vivid and drive home the message of Jesus.

The Point of the Parable

The true message of the parable is found in Luke 16:31, where Abraham says, “If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.”

Jesus was emphasizing the importance of believing the Scriptures. The religious leaders of His day were rejecting the testimony of Moses and the prophets, even though those writings pointed clearly to Christ. The parable illustrates that their unbelief was so strong that even the miracle of resurrection would not convince them. Indeed, this prophecy was fulfilled when Jesus raised Lazarus of Bethany from the dead (John 11). Instead of believing, the religious leaders plotted to kill both Jesus and Lazarus (John 12:10–11).

Thus, the parable was not meant to provide details about the afterlife but to underscore the stubborn unbelief of those who rejected God’s Word.

Figurative Details in the Parable

To understand the parable correctly, it is helpful to recognize several symbolic elements:

1. The rich man represents the Jewish leaders, who enjoyed spiritual privileges but failed to help the spiritually poor.
2. Lazarus represents the Gentiles and outcasts who, though despised, would be accepted into God’s kingdom through faith.
3. The “great gulf” symbolizes the separation between belief and unbelief, between obedience to God and rejection of Him.
4. The torment of the rich man symbolizes the anguish of realizing too late the consequences of rejecting God.

When viewed this way, the parable aligns with the consistent teaching of Scripture about death, judgment, and salvation.

Conclusion

“Abraham’s bosom” in Luke 16 is not a literal place of conscious existence after death but a figurative expression within a parable. The Bible clearly teaches that men are not rewarded at death but at the second coming of Christ, that the dead sleep until the resurrection, and that the wicked will not suffer eternal torment but will be destroyed. There is no connection or communication between the saved and the lost after death.

The parable’s main point is not to reveal the state of the dead but to highlight the necessity of believing the Scriptures. As Luke 16:31 teaches, if people do not listen to God’s Word, even the most dramatic miracles will not persuade them.

Therefore, Abraham’s bosom should be understood as a symbolic image pointing to fellowship with the faithful, and the story of the rich man and Lazarus should be read as a figurative parable emphasizing the importance of hearing and obeying the Word of God.

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