16:26a
And besides all this: The phrase And besides all this introduces a second reason why Abraham could not help the rich man. Some other ways to translate this phrase are:
But that is not all (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
And here is another reason why I cannot grant your request.
a great chasm has been fixed between us and you: This clause means that a great chasm had been established or put in place. The form of the verb indicates that this chasm permanently separated Abraham and Lazarus from the rich man. Some ways to translate this clause are:
• Use a passive verb. For example:
A deep ravine has been permanently placed/established between us
• Use an active verb. For example:
there is a great chasm separating us (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
there is a deep ditch between us (Contemporary English Version)
• Use an active verb and supply the implied subject “God.” For example:
⌊God⌋ has caused to exist a wide space that always separates us
great chasm: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as great chasm refers to a gorge or ravine, with steep sides that go far down. It is a space so wide and deep that no one can cross it.
16:26b
so that: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as so that introduces God’s purpose in placing the chasm between one location and the other. However, in this context, it may also indicate an intended result.
even those who wish cannot cross from here to you: This clause means that no one was able to cross that great space, even if he wanted to. Lazarus might have been willing to go quickly and help the rich man and then return. But God had made that impossible.
16:26c
nor can anyone cross from there to us: It was also not possible for anyone to leave the place where the rich man was in Hades and go to the place of happiness where Abraham and Lazarus were located.
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