Thematic Bible Images

The Rich Man and Lazarus: A Parable of Wealth and Poverty

This parable illustrates the consequences of ignoring the plight of the poor and focusing solely on worldly riches.

The Rich Man and Lazarus: A Parable of Wealth and Poverty

Luke 16:19-31


19. There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
20. And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,
21. And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.
22. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
23. And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
24. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.
25. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.
26. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.
27. Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house:
28. For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.
29. Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.
30. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.
31. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.


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A nighttime scene depicts a heavily guarded palace, bathed in moonlight, juxtaposed against a dark, desolate street where Lazarus is seen huddled, alone and forgotten.  The night scene emphasizes the isolation and desperation of Lazarus and the security and protection of the rich man's domain, illustrating the vast difference between their fates (<a href=Luke 16:19-31 ).' />A detailed depiction of a hand, adorned with expensive rings and jewels, contrasted with a skeletal hand reaching for it, symbolizing the disparity between wealth and poverty.  This image focuses on the physical manifestation of the rich man's wealth and Lazarus's poverty, visually representing the key theme of disparity between the two individuals (<a href=Luke 16:19-31 ).' />A depiction of a discarded, half-eaten loaf of bread next to a pile of luxurious fabrics and golden coins, representing the contrasting lifestyles of the rich and the poor.  The juxtaposition of discarded bread and luxurious items vividly portrays the disparity in lifestyles and the wasteful nature of the rich man’s life (<a href=Luke 16:19-31 ).' />
A macro close-up of a lavish feast, overflowing with roasted meats, exotic fruits, and fine wines, contrasted with a single, meager bowl of scraps on the ground in the shadows.  This macro-shot focuses on the stark contrast between abundance and deprivation, mirroring the disparity highlighted in <a href=Luke 16:19-31 . The lavish feast symbolizes the rich man's excesses, while the meager scraps represent Lazarus's suffering.' />A vibrant sunrise paints the Judean desert in hues of orange and yellow.  A lone, ragged figure, representing Lazarus, sits near a cluster of withered plants, while in the distance a magnificent palace gleams.  This prompt uses the morning light to symbolize a new beginning or a potential for change, yet shows the existing stark inequality, referencing the spiritual blindness of the wealthy described in <a href=Luke 16:19-31 .' />Bright morning light illuminates a barren landscape.  A single fig tree, its leaves drooping, stands in stark contrast to a distant opulent villa bathed in the golden morning sun, reflecting the disparity between wealth and poverty.   The imagery of a withered fig tree against a backdrop of opulence visually represents the spiritual barrenness and the contrasting prosperity mentioned in <a href=Luke 16:19-31 . ' />
A dramatic sunset casts long shadows across a dusty road. A figure, cloaked and weary, representing Lazarus, walks slowly towards the gates of a city, while the silhouette of a grand palace is visible in the distance.  The evening setting emphasizes the approaching end of life for Lazarus and the continued obliviousness of the rich man, highlighting the final judgment theme described in <a href=Luke 16:19-31 .' />As twilight descends, a lone dog scavenges for scraps near a lavish feast left untouched outside a grand house; the shadows of the feasting party are visible, yet they remain uncaring.  This scene visually represents the indifference of the wealthy to the plight of the poor, even in death’s proximity, reflecting the moral implications of wealth in <a href=Luke 16:19-31 .' />A group of wealthy individuals dressed in fine robes enjoy a morning feast, their laughter echoing across the courtyard.   In the background, a gaunt figure is seen begging for scraps near a gate.  The bustling activity of the morning feast contrasts sharply with Lazarus's desperate plea, reinforcing the message of social injustice and the neglect of the poor, as highlighted in <a href=Luke 16:19-31 .' />
Morning light reveals a bustling marketplace.  Rich merchants haggle over goods, while Lazarus, weak and near death, sits unnoticed, begging for alms near a overflowing market stall.    The marketplace setting underscores the indifference of society to Lazarus's suffering; a clear parallel to the parable's condemnation of ignoring the needs of the poor (<a href=Luke 16:19-31 ).' />Night falls on a wealthy household, the windows glow with candlelight from within a magnificent house. In the dark alleyway, Lazarus lies alone, shivering in the cold.  The contrasting setting of a luminous house and dark alley highlights the separation between the rich man's comfort and Lazarus's misery, mirroring the spiritual chasm emphasized in <a href=Luke 16:19-31 .' /> overlayed with the bible verse  19. There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
 overlayed with the bible verse  19. There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
 overlayed with the bible verse  19. There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
 overlayed with the bible verse  19. There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
 overlayed with the bible verse  19. There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
 overlayed with the bible verse  19. There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
 overlayed with the bible verse  19. There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
 overlayed with the bible verse  19. There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
 overlayed with the bible verse  19. There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
 overlayed with the bible verse  19. There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
 overlayed with the bible verse  19. There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:

NOTE: The images reflect the following descriptions related to the theme : The Rich Man and Lazarus: A Parable of Wealth and Poverty

  • A macro close-up of a lavish feast, overflowing with roasted meats, exotic fruits, and fine wines, contrasted with a single, meager bowl of scraps on the ground in the shadows.
  • Macro close-up of Lazarus's emaciated hand reaching out towards a discarded piece of bread, his skin showing signs of severe malnutrition and illness; a jeweled ring rests on a nearby opulent table, completely out of reach.
  • A vibrant sunrise paints the Judean desert in hues of orange and yellow. A lone, ragged figure, representing Lazarus, sits near a cluster of withered plants, while in the distance a magnificent palace gleams.
  • Bright morning light illuminates a barren landscape. A single fig tree, its leaves drooping, stands in stark contrast to a distant opulent villa bathed in the golden morning sun, reflecting the disparity between wealth and poverty.
  • A dramatic sunset casts long shadows across a dusty road. A figure, cloaked and weary, representing Lazarus, walks slowly towards the gates of a city, while the silhouette of a grand palace is visible in the distance.
  • As twilight descends, a lone dog scavenges for scraps near a lavish feast left untouched outside a grand house; the shadows of the feasting party are visible, yet they remain uncaring.
  • A group of wealthy individuals dressed in fine robes enjoy a morning feast, their laughter echoing across the courtyard. In the background, a gaunt figure is seen begging for scraps near a gate.
  • Morning light reveals a bustling marketplace. Rich merchants haggle over goods, while Lazarus, weak and near death, sits unnoticed, begging for alms near a overflowing market stall.
  • Night falls on a wealthy household, the windows glow with candlelight from within a magnificent house. In the dark alleyway, Lazarus lies alone, shivering in the cold.
  • A nighttime scene depicts a heavily guarded palace, bathed in moonlight, juxtaposed against a dark, desolate street where Lazarus is seen huddled, alone and forgotten.
  • A detailed depiction of a hand, adorned with expensive rings and jewels, contrasted with a skeletal hand reaching for it, symbolizing the disparity between wealth and poverty.
  • A depiction of a discarded, half-eaten loaf of bread next to a pile of luxurious fabrics and golden coins, representing the contrasting lifestyles of the rich and the poor.

General themes for this chapter of the Bible: The Parable of the Unjust Steward; The Rich Man and Lazarus

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Other Galleries for this theme / Bible book

The Parable of the Faithful and Wise Manager
The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus: A Tale of Two Destinies
The Parable of the Shrewd Manager

Birth Announcements: John the Baptist, Jesus, and Luke's Gospel
Calling of Disciples and Sermon on the Plain
Feeding the 5000 and the Transfiguration: Miracles of Abundance and Glory
Jesus Heals the Centurion's Servant: Faith Without Borders
Jesus' Temptation and the Start of His Ministry
John the Baptist's Ministry and Jesus' Baptism
Parables of the Kingdom: The Mustard Seed
Parables of the Lost Sheep, Coin, and Son
Parables on Prayer and the Rich Ruler
Passion, Crucifixion, and Resurrection of Jesus
Repentance and the Kingdom of God: A Luke's Gospel Perspective
Sending of the Seventy-Two and the Good Samaritan
Teachings in the Temple: A Master's Wisdom
Teachings on Prayer and Hypocrisy
The Rich Man and Lazarus: A Parable of Wealth and Poverty
Luke's Warnings and Encouragement: Repentance and Faith
Zacchaeus and Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jericho

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