A.T. Robertson Commentary Luke 16:23

"And in Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom." — Luke 16:23 (ASV)

In Hades (εν τω Hαιδη). See on Mt 16:18 for discussion of this word. Lazarus was in Hades also for both Paradise (Abraham's bosom) and Gehenna are in the unseen world beyond the grave.

In torments (εν βασανοις). The touchstone by which gold and other metals were tested, then the rack for torturing people. Old word, but in the N.T. only here, Luke 16:28; Matthew 4:24.

Sees (ορα). Dramatic present indicative. The Jews believed that Gehenna and Paradise were close together. This detail in the parable does not demand that we believe it. The picture calls for it.

From afar (απο μακροθεν). Pleonastic use of απο as μακροθεν means

from afar .