Luke 16:29
Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.
Luke 16:29 (KJV)
Context
Luke 16:29 is part of Jesus’ parable of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31). In this account, the rich man, who lived in luxury and neglected the poor, finds himself in torment in Hades after death, while Lazarus, a poor man, is comforted in the presence of Abraham. The rich man pleads with Abraham to send Lazarus to warn his five brothers so they will not come to that place of torment.
Meaning
Abraham’s response, “They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them,” points to the sufficiency of the Old Testament Scriptures. The writings of Moses (the Law) and the prophets were the revelation God had already given to His people. The rich man and his brothers, as Jews, had these writings read to them every Sabbath. Abraham’s reply establishes the authority of these Scriptures: they are enough to warn, instruct, and lead to repentance.
The rich man’s request for a miraculous sign is rejected. Abraham insists that if the brothers will not listen to Moses and the prophets, they would not be convinced even if someone were to rise from the dead (Luke 16:31). This underscores the principle that God’s Word is the appointed means of faith and repentance; a spectacular sign does not replace the patient hearing of Scripture.
Biblical connections
This verse connects with Luke 16:16-17, where Jesus affirms the enduring authority of the Law and the Prophets. It also anticipates the resurrection of Christ: the religious leaders who rejected the testimony of Moses and the prophets also rejected the risen Lord. The parable as a whole illustrates the consequences of self-centredness and neglect of the poor, and the reality of a future state of rewards and punishments.
Application
Luke 16:29 calls us to hear and heed the Word of God. The Bible is sufficient for guidance, wisdom, correction, and salvation. We are not to neglect or disregard its teachings, but to prioritise reading, studying, and applying them in our daily lives. The verse warns that no miraculous sign or extraordinary experience can replace a humble, obedient ear to Scripture.
Scripture is sufficient: we already have everything needed for faith and godly living.
Hearing must lead to heeding: we are responsible to respond to what God has revealed.
Do not seek signs instead of submission: the Word is the primary way God speaks to us.
Reflection
As believers, we are to grow in faith and live according to God’s will by engaging with the Bible. The rich man’s brothers had the same Scriptures we have, yet they were in danger of ignoring them. Let us not make the same mistake. Instead, let us receive the Word with humility, allowing it to shape our hearts, our priorities, and our treatment of others.
