Overview
The Bible addresses torments across 8 verses, drawn from the New Testament. These passages cluster most in Luke and Revelation. Closely related themes include Abraham, Death, Hell and Parables. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Abraham.
Key Bible verses about torments
New Testament
Luke
And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
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.
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.
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.
Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house:
For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.
Revelation
The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:
And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.
People in the Bible and torments
Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying torments for yourself
- Begin with Luke 16:23, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Compare how Luke and Revelation each treat the theme.
- Consider the lives of Abraham and how their stories intersect with it.
- Widen the study to related themes: Abraham, Death, Hell and Parables.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about torments?
The Bible addresses torments across 8 verses, drawn from the New Testament. These passages cluster most in Luke and Revelation. Closely related themes include Abraham, Death, Hell and Parables. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Abraham.
How many Bible verses are about torments?
The Bible references torments in 8 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention torments?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is Luke 16:23: “And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.”
Which people in the Bible are associated with torments?
Abraham.
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