Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Luke 16:25

"But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things: but now here he is comforted and thou art in anguish." — Luke 16:25 (ASV)

By calling the rich man “son” (cf. 15:31), Abraham conveys something of the compassion God himself shows even to those who spurn him. In a masterly summary Jesus contrasts the previous states of the rich man and Lazarus with the “now” and “here” of their situations after death. Verse 26 shows the utter and unchangeable finality of their decision.